BASKETBALL

Michigan State basketball: Which returning players showed improvement in the scrimmage?

A solid showing from the returning players.

Published

2 years ago

October 22, 2023

Kyle Waters

Michigan State basketball held an open scrimmage on Saturday afternoon and the returning players showed improvement.

The Michigan State basketball team returned all but two players from last year’s Sweet 16 team. The returning players on the roster looked to improve on some weaknesses.

Let’s take a look at some of those that stood out from the green and white scrimmage below.

AJ Hoggard

Hoggard has already shown a lot as a player but had a few weaknesses coming back from last year. The three-point shot has always been a development item for AJ, but he looks to have worked on this throughout the offseason. AJ looked to be a confident shooter knocking down multiple three-point shots in the green and white scrimmage. He did not look hesitant to shoot like he has in the past and looked like he could be a 35-plus percent shooter from deep on an increased number of attempts. Lastly, AJ looked like he was in the best shape he has been in since being a Spartan. Watch out for a monster senior season from AJ Hoggard.

Tre Holloman

Tre Holloman was a skinny freshman last year who played a decent role for the team a year ago. A lot of people are looking past Tre for the uber-talented freshman in Jeremy Fears but Holloman has been working on his craft. Tre looks like he will be a crucial part of this team and looks to be a better shooter as he knocked down some jumpers. Holloman looks like he will shoot better than 23 percent from deep like he did last year.

Jaden Akins

Jaden Akins looked to be improving and breaking out at the end of last season. But Akins looks like he came back as a much stronger player and looks to have added 10 pounds in the offseason. Akins’ improvement was shown as being a ball handler in the pick and role as well as a stronger finisher at the rim. The added strength will make it easier for Akins to finish at the rim while being defended by bigger defenders. Expect Akins to have the ball in his hands more often than prior seasons.

Carson Cooper

Carson Cooper was meant to redshirt in the prior season as a freshman but showed some items that were lacking from the roster. Cooper started with the reserves in the scrimmage. He then in the second “quarter” was moved over to play with most of the starters. He got multiple touches on the block in the first “quarter” of the scrimmage. He missed almost all of these attempts from the block, but he looked extremely comfortable on the block. He showed the ability to have a hook shot with both hands. But he needs to be able to finish these opportunities as he will get some 1 on 1 looks.

These were the four players who stuck out as guys on the roster who have made major improvements in the offseason to their game. Expect all of these guys to make a major impact on the roster. We are only a few days away from seeing these guys take on Hillsdale in the exhibition game.