Kansas - Michigan State

[KUhawks34]

Game will start at 6pm CST.

Will be interesting to see how Self handles the rotation. A lot of different combinations can be imagined. He typically plays 9-10 early on and then cuts it down to 7-8 as the season progresses.

This team should be exceptional from the outside with Braun, Ochai and Jalen Coleman-Lands leading the way.

Wilson, Martin x2 and Harris are all good 3pt shooters as well.

Will be interesting to see what combination Self settles on. Luckily our depth is with our wings and guards. We will play 4 out and 1 in which will help people get minutes.

 

[MGC_07]

I expect you guys to win by 10+. We’ve heard some good things about player improvement this offseason but I’ll have to see it to believe.

I’ll be keeping an eye on Tyson Walker, Max Christie, and Marcus Bingham especially this game. I want to see how Walker and Christie’s game translates to this level, and Bingham, who’s a good defensive big who the coaches have hyped up offensively, I’m hoping can get a little going.

 

[ExitFlagger]

Self’s made some interesting comments. He’s been saying that he likes Harris alongside Martin and that he might even be ahead of Remy at this point. At first I took that as saying Martin is struggling mightily to adjust, but apparently it’s just that Harris has been that good.

Although it can be hard to tell if he’s being candid or trying to send a message to somebody.

 

[KUhawks34]

Self’s made some interesting comments. He’s been saying that he likes Harris alongside Martin and that he might even be ahead of Remy at this point. At first I took that as saying Martin is struggling mightily to adjust, but apparently it’s just that Harris has been that good.

Although it can be hard to tell if he’s being candid or trying to send a message to somebody.

The last couple weeks I’ve been thinking about Harris situation a lot. He’s a very good defender, a good ball handler, and a smart player. He showed some good offensive game in a short period towards the end. He also seems timid.

I could completely see a situation where Harris really has improved. For me it was about confidence and strength for him. He changed the UK game last year and other games with his defense. It was his offense I worried about but I think he has that in him.

Self loves two ball handlers. We know Martin will start. I started to wonder if Self wants Martin and Harris to start. That would slide either Wilson or Braun as the 6th man.

Regardless I’m really intrigued by this situation. Getting ahead of myself but if Harris puts it together, He might be like that UNC PG several years ago who wasn’t the best shooter but controlled the game.

 

[MGC_07]

Who will be the starter with Wilson not playing?

 

[KUhawks34]

Who will be the starter with Wilson not playing?

Guessing Harris, Martin, Braun, Ochai and McCormack.

Jalen Coleman-Lands is also out.

Yesufu will be the first guard off the bench. After that I am not sure which guard plays the most 1-4. Cuffe, Pettiford and Adams are all freshman. We’ve heard a lot of great things about Adams. He’s more of a flex player who rebounds, defense, cleans up etc.

Pettiford and Cuffe are true guards. One of them will get a good amount of PT.

Guessing Cam Martin and Mitch Lightfoot get the minutes backing up McCormack. Probably see Cam Martin play the 4 spot some.

 

[lurkeraspect84]

Guessing Harris, Martin, Braun, Ochai and McCormack.

Jalen Coleman-Lands is also out.

Yesufu will be the first guard off the bench. After that I am not sure which guard plays the most 1-4. Cuffe, Pettiford and Adams are all freshman. We’ve heard a lot of great things about Adams. He’s more of a flex player who rebounds, defense, cleans up etc.

Pettiford and Cuffe are true guards. One of them will get a good amount of PT.

Guessing Cam Martin and Mitch Lightfoot get the minutes backing up McCormack. Probably see Cam Martin play the 4 spot some.

Lightfoot is still playing? What is it with KU and players that seem to be around forever.

 

[KUhawks34]

Lightfoot is still playing? What is it with KU and players that seem to be around forever.

We’ll be benefited from the covid rule otherwise he would be gone.

I don’t expect him to contribute much barring a major injury. A nice depth piece though.

KU has its one and only exhibition tonight so it’ll be interesting to see who self goes to first off the bench besides Yesufu.

 

[MGC_07]

MSU’s projected starting 5

PG-Tyson Walker
SG-Max Christie
SF-Gabe Brown
PF-Joey Hauser
C- Marcus Bingham

Backups
G-AJ Hoggard
G-Jaden Akins
F-Malik Hall
C-Julius Marble

 

[Villian07]

I expect you guys to win by 10+. We’ve heard some good things about player improvement this offseason but I’ll have to see it to believe.

I’ll be keeping an eye on Tyson Walker, Max Christie, and Marcus Bingham especially this game. I want to see how Walker and Christie’s game translates to this level, and Bingham, who’s a good defensive big who the coaches have hyped up offensively, I’m hoping can get a little going.

Im very suprised the spread wasnt a bit higher, no offense to sparty fans. Feel like -5 is easy $$$

 

[MGC_07]

Im very suprised the spread wasnt a bit higher, no offense to sparty fans. Feel like -5 is easy $$$

I agree. MSU could win this game if everything goes well, but Kansas is so much more proven everywhere. You have to bank on improvement to believe in MSU and you don’t have to do that with Kansas. They have guys who have been great players at this level already.

 

[ExitFlagger]

I agree. MSU could win this game if everything goes well, but Kansas is so much more proven everywhere. You have to bank on improvement to believe in MSU and you don’t have to do that with Kansas. They have guys who have been great players at this level already.

I know little about Mich St's roster, but I know they must have talented pieces and they'll be solidly coached. They picked up a pretty good PG that Self was after at one point.

KU will be without their best rebounder, so that could be something to exploit. Defense might be an issue too, at least early on.

 

[SpartanJD]

What I expect from MSU is an immediate improvement with regards to defense and rebounding.

Offense I think will take time to figure out the PG rotation. Walker was a stud in a low tier league. Lets see how it translates to top flight NCAA hoops.

He was his conferences defensive player of the year, so he should be adequate there at least.

 

[Kevin Bryan]

Kansas by 8+, Duke by 10+

 

[MGC_07]

What I expect from MSU is an immediate improvement with regards to defense and rebounding.

Offense I think will take time to figure out the PG rotation. Walker was a stud in a low tier league. Lets see how it translates to top flight NCAA hoops.

He was his conferences defensive player of the year, so he should be adequate there at least.

Man I have completely different feelings on us.

I think we see the biggest jump offensively. Having an actual PG in Walker will be the biggest help, but I think the floor spacing gets way better. Brown and Christie as a wing duo are way better floor spacers than Henry and Langford. And I think Hauser will bounce back shooting wise, having an actual PG to get him his catch and shoot looks. Our offense last year at point was just give it Henry and hope it works. I would just assume our offense takes a jump from the garbage it was last year. Would be pretty bad if it didn’t.

We lost our best defender and rebounder off of last years roster. I think we can make up for it, but Henry was lock down. Not sure Christie or Brown can be that good. Hopefully Walker’s D translates, but he’s a small guy. He’s 6’0 and 160. I think he could get exposed by bigger guards. I think losing our star defender could have ramifications.

I’m not saying I expect us to be worse defensively either. But we were 98th in Kenpom on offense last year and 45th on defense. I expect a bigger leap forward offensively than defensively.

 

[Villian07]

Yea i mean i can see the potential for MSU to have a very good front court, but i just dont know enough about the backcourt to make an informed opinion, where as kansas has proven players all over, as mentioned.

But thats why they play the games and izzo will have em playin hard and fighting hard regardless, so who knows.

 

[Villian07]

Kansas by 8+, Duke by 10+

Idk i think UK has the better bc, and have multiple guys who could get hot. I expect a close game this early, not like duke is slammed with vets even if yall have a bunch of guys who have never played together before. I expect a tight one, unless Banchero goes bananas, ive never seen him play to know what to expect, except hes obv highly touted.

 

[lurkeraspect84]

Yea i mean i can see the potential for MSU to have a very good front court, but i just dont know enough about the backcourt to make an informed opinion, where as kansas has proven players all over, as mentioned.

But thats why they play the games and izzo will have em playin hard and fighting hard regardless, so who knows.

When has "not knowing enough to make an informed opinion" ever stopped you? 😁

 

[lurkeraspect84]

Idk i think UK has the better bc, and have multiple guys who could get hot. I expect a close game this early, not like duke is slammed with vets even if yall have a bunch of guys who have never played together before. I expect a tight one, unless Banchero goes bananas, ive never seen him play to know what to expect, except hes obv highly touted.

He's seriously good and will probably be the difference maker. IMO we're going to need a few more 3's than them to have a chance.

 

[Kevin Bryan]

Idk i think UK has the better bc, and have multiple guys who could get hot. I expect a close game this early, not like duke is slammed with vets even if yall have a bunch of guys who have never played together before. I expect a tight one, unless Banchero goes bananas, ive never seen him play to know what to expect, except hes obv highly touted.

I expect Banchero to own the paint, especially if Tshiebwe and/or Toppin get in foul trouble.

 

[toonces11]

Any MSU fans think they would have beaten Duke or Kentucky Tuesday night?

 

[lurkeraspect84]

Any MSU fans think they would have beaten Duke or Kentucky Tuesday night?

good question. Late to the party, and I was impressed by Duke and UK. Duke more so. Their size, coaching and ability to scrap was impressive.

 

[MGC_07]

Any MSU fans think they would have beaten Duke or Kentucky Tuesday night?

Nope.