3 Michigan State Duos To Watch At Moneyball Pro-Am
One of the most unique experiences during the college basketball offseason is the Moneyball Pro-Am, a tournament started by Moneyball Sportswear owner and Lansing native Desmond Ferguson which has become very popular.
Hosted every year in the Lansing area, all of Michigan State’s (healthy) scholarship players participate on an annual basis. The Spartan players are divided amongst six different teams, made up of other college and former college players. While not everything may translate into Michigan State’s system, it allows fans to see MSU’s incoming freshman for the first time. Here are Spartan duos to watch in the tournament that Spartan fans will be excited to watch.
Team Faygo — Senior guard AJ Hoggard and Freshman forward Xavier Booker
This is the most intriguing duo. Hoggard burst out of his shell last season and has taken a leadership role, being a large part of Michigan State’s success last season. Booker is a five-star freshman that many are excited to have on campus.
This setting will be very free-flowing, and allow Hoggard and Booker to work in the pick and roll together. Booker has also shown his ability to play around the perimeter and stretch the floor too. Hoggard will already attract attention, but fans will want to see Booker for the first time.
Team 5 Star Zone — Freshmen wing Gherig Normand and forward Coen Carr
A team with two MSU freshmen will always attract attention. Carr is a walking highlight reel, and can “posterize” someone at any given time. Winning multiple dunk contests in high school, he is the most athletically gifted player Michigan State has had in years.
With all the star power coming in the 2023 class, Normand may seem a bit overlooked. The four-star has a combination of sneaky athleticism and ability to shoot, making him a threat anywhere on the floor. Both can make strong first impressions in Moneyball.
Team Snipes — Senior center Mady Sissoko and Junior guard Jaden Akins
Sissoko and Akins are two familiar players for MSU fans. Akins returns after testing the NBA waters, while Sissoko looks to make another jump his senior year.
Sissoko grew a lot as a player last season, and will be intriguing to see how much more growth he’s made up to this point. With the addition of Booker, along with sophomores Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper, the center spot will be competitive.
Akins has the opportunity to solidify his NBA aspirations if he has another big season. He continues to improve his playmaking ability, making him an all-around player. His size may be a concern but he checks all the other boxes.
Other Rosters featuring MSU Players:
- Team Goodfellas — senior guard Tyson Walker and sophomore center Carson Cooper
- Team Nano Magic- freshman guard Jeremy Fears
- Team Snipback- sophomore guard Tre Holloman and sophomore forward Jaxon Kohler
The Moneyball Pro-Am Tournament will be played at Holt High School and will feature three games every Tuesday and Thursday from June 29 through August 3. No games will be played on Tuesday, July 4. Admission is free to the public.
