Michigan State Scouting Report

Saturdays meeting between Purdue and Michigan State has been circled on the calendar before the season even started. Yet, while Purdue has matched their preseason expectations with a 25-3 record, Michigan State has stumbled to a 17-11 start that includes four quad one wins. Despite the opposite trajectories, the game still brings a level of excitement worthy of the prime time.

Michigan State Offense

This season has been disappointing for head coach Tom Izzo in large part because of his offense. Despite ranking inside the top 50 offenses in the country according to Kenpom, the Michigan State offense is often inconsistent that has led to surprising performances both good and bad. They heavily rely on ball screens and isolations which often forces their stars to make tough shots in order to win games.

Player Profiles

#2 - Tyson Walker

A pure scorer from all three levels, Walker brings a deadly combination of off-ball and on-ball scoring. Michigan State will run him off of a ton of screens off the ball or bring him on ball to run a high pick and roll. With the ball, Walker has a deep bag of tricks but he uses his hesitation the most. I expect Purdue to use Lance Jones as the primary defender, trying to take away his threes and force him towards Edey.

#25 - Malik Hall

The fifth year senior is amidst a breakout season that sees him continuing to improve as the season goes on. Over the last five games, Hall is averaging 20 points a game while shooting 66% from two point range over that span. In the mid post, if he can create space he goes to his fadeaway but if his defender is staying tight he uses bully ball. Purdue should use Kauffman-Renn or Gillis, looking to force Hall to the baseline and bring an aggressive double.

#11 - AJ Hoggard

Hoggard brings a level of size and physicality that could give Purdue troubles. But his struggles shooting the ball could become glaring if Purdue can keep him out of the paint. Braden Smith is my expected matchup, focusing on picking Hoggard up early to limit transition opportunities and force Hoggard into a jump shooter.

#3 - Jaden Akins

As the only Junior on the roster, Akins is a positive athlete as well as knockdown shooter. Michigan State is very focused on getting Akins into space in transition where he is extremely aggressive. In the half court, Akins is primarily a jump shooter that loves dribbling with his left hand. Fletcher Loyer will get the matchup with the less physical guard, again being locked into finding Akins in transition and taking away his threes in the half court.

#34 - Xavier Booker

The five star freshman has had an underwhelming role for the Spartans but just got his first start in the Spartans most recent game versus Ohio State. He finished with seven points, three rebounds, and three blocks. He is a threat from three having made 36% of his attempts and Michigan State has been good at hitting him running to the rim. If he starts versus Purdue, Kauffman-Renn could slide to the more athletic Booker or Edey will have to stretch himself further out to guard the freshman.

#5 - Tre Holloman

Often the first guy off the bench, Holloman's best skill is his transition passes where he throws the ball ahead to Walker or Akins to attack a confused defense. When he is asked to score, Holloman loves working into his pull up mid range. I expect Purdue to treat Holloman very similar to Hoggard.

#22, #15, #0 - Sissoko, Cooper, Kohler

All three centers who fill a similar role within the offense. Not perimeter shooters but will get the occasional post up where they will turn over either shoulder. Purdue will look to help off the centers to clog the lane against the Michigan State guards.

Michigan State Defense

Michigan State is strictly a man to man defense but their principles are very different from Purdues. The Spartans rank ahead of the Boilermakers in defensive efficiency according to Kenpom. The biggest strength for Michigan State is how well they can defend one on one in the perimeter with four stout guard defenders.

• Ball Screens - Big hedging/playing at the level with the guard wanting to go under (Bigs trying to dislodge the screen early)

• Post - Mainly one on one with guards digging down at the dribble

  • Michigan State was very aggressive looking for transition after Edey post ups last season.

• On Ball - Very good on ball defenders, they love to swipe at the ball when it is picked up.

• Off Ball - Guards switching to guards, playing high in gaps to play passes or dig at drivers.

How Can Purdue Score?

• Physicality Inside - Purdue's frontcourt will have the physical advantage in the post and the glass

• Slipping screens - Purdue will look to re-screen in ball screen situations versus the hedge, Purdue can also utilize guard to guard "ghost" screens to attack Michigan State switching.

• Attacking Malik Hall - With Gillis and Kauffman-Renn, Purdue has the ability to attack the slower footed Malik Hall from the perimeter.

• Strong Side Cutting - Michigan State will show in the gaps which opens cuts behind the help

Keys to the Game

Michigan State

1. Possessions! - Keep Purdue under 6 offensive rebounds and commit less than 8 turnovers

2. Keep Purdue off the three point line - Less than 15 three pointers

3. Score in Transition - 15+ fastbreak points

4. Tyson Walker dominating - Michigan State should lean into using Walker off the ball!

Purdue

1. Dominate the Interior - Edey + Kauffman-Renn both scoring 10+ points

2. Get Loyer Going - Fletcher shooting 6+ threes

3. Turnovers - Force 12+ turnovers, focusing on turning opponent drives into turnovers

4. Shut Down Hot Shooters - No Michigan State player scoring 10+ points in either half