Michigan State forward Malik Hall is returning for a fifth season with the Spartans, he announced on social media Tuesday. Here’s what you need to know:
- The news comes a day after Michigan State star guard Tyson Walker announced his return for another year, making Michigan State an early title favorite next season.
- Hall averaged 8.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game through 23 games with the Spartans in 2022-23.
- Walker, the Spartans’ scoring leader, averaged 14.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game through 34 contests last season.
- The Spartans went 21-13 last season, falling to Kansas State in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.
Go green. Let’s do something great! pic.twitter.com/mP6pjdn0XG
— Malik Hall (@iammalikhall) April 11, 2023
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
What does this mean for Michigan State?
The Spartans should enter the 2023-24 season among the national championship favorites, a preseason top-10 team and maybe even top five. MSU loses just one major contributor (Joey Hauser) and brings back almost everyone else from a team that nearly reached the Elite Eight, losing in overtime to Kansas State in the Sweet 16. On top of that, the Spartans will add a top five recruiting class. Reserve guard Pierre Brooks also transferred to Butler.
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The backcourt duo of AJ Hoggard and Walker really clicked in the second half of the season. MSU’s struggles typically came inside with a lack of talented depth, but the incoming recruiting class includes five-star forward Xavier Booker and four-star forward Coen Carr. It also includes five-star guard Jeremy Fears. — Vannini
What does this mean for Walker and Hall?
Neither Walker nor Hall was likely to be drafted, but their returns were uncertain. Both participated in Senior Day celebrations last month, and Walker showed out in his hometown of New York in the final game of the season. Hall, meanwhile had a very difficult 2022-23 season, injuring his left foot/ankle three times, missing a number of games and never quite looking like the versatile threat he usually is.
While adding top-rated recruits is nice, a team can’t replicate experience and Tom Izzo teams are always carried by their veterans. MSU next season will be one of the most talented and most experienced teams in the country. Entering this past season, only one four-year class under Tom Izzo had failed to reach a Final Four. The 2023 senior class technically joined that group, but the extra COVID year will give Walker and Hall another chance. — Vannini
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(AP Photo / Al Goldis)
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