Michigan State faces No. 1 Kansas in Champions Classic: Players to watch, keys to the game
Airing at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, the Champions Classic features four of college basketball’s most storied programs squaring off at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Tuesday’s matchup between Michigan State and Kansas is of particular intrigue, as the Spartans look to knock off their first No. 1-ranked opponent since 2019.
Here is a look at some of the players to watch and keys to the game:
Key players
- Michigan State: Tyson Walker, AJ Hoggard, Malik Hall
- Kansas: Jalen Wilson, Gradey Dick, KJ Adams Jr.
Tyson Walker is Michigan State's leading scorer and assist man, averaging 14.3 points and 4.3 assists per game.
AJ Hoggard is a dynamic point guard who can score and distribute the ball.
Malik Hall is a versatile forward who can score inside and out.
Jalen Wilson is a preseason All-American who led Kansas in scoring last season.
Gradey Dick is a five-star recruit who is expected to make an immediate impact for Kansas.
KJ Adams Jr. is a talented big man who can score and rebound.
Keys to the game
- Michigan State: Limit turnovers, make shots, and rebound the ball.
- Kansas: Control the tempo, get to the free-throw line, and defend without fouling.
Michigan State will need to limit turnovers against Kansas's pressure defense.
The Spartans will also need to make shots, as they are one of the worst shooting teams in the country.
Finally, Michigan State will need to rebound the ball well, as Kansas is one of the best rebounding teams in the country.
Kansas will need to control the tempo of the game and get to the free-throw line.
The Jayhawks will also need to defend without fouling, as Michigan State is one of the best free-throw shooting teams in the country.
The Champions Classic is one of the most prestigious events in college basketball, and the matchup between Michigan State and Kansas is sure to be a great one.
