@spartypants When Walker plays with that level of confidence, it's a different player and IMO a different team.  I don't think he ever played with the level we saw against GVSU last season, except maybe the final 10 minutes of the Illinois game at Breslin.  If this is the Tyson Walker we get consistently this season, I think this is a dangerous team to face for just about anybody.

@rodmsu1968 totally agree. All of the MSU teams that have succeeded in the past have had a bonafide leader in a ball handling position. Hoping Walker is the next name to add to the list!

Would anyone be willing to share what other Podcast Rod was referring to in this episode? Always on the lookout for hoops-specific content (even if it is not to the level of TFFINOTS)

I suspect that Walker is going to thrive at the 2 because he doesn’t have all the weight of responsibility of running the offense. He seems like he takes the title of “shooting guard” literally. I am a little more apt to think he is going to be our top scorer after seeing his comfort level and assertiveness in the exhibition. At this point, I might even rather see Hoggard split his PG duties with Akins and Holloman and see Walker remain at the 2. He could be all conference at that position.

@hazelmotes I agree but think you will see Akins playing with Hoggard and Walker. He will be the three and move Hall to 4. Walker would be the two but probably guard the point.

I was able to watch the replay on YouTube.  

- First half observations.

A lot of the prospects for this season are predicated on improvement.  So far, the only two players I definitely see as improved from last year are Walker and Sissoko.  I don't know of any +/- stats on this game, but with MSU trailing by 5 at the half, I'd estimate Walker is around a +10 as most of the damage occurred when he was off the floor.  Everyone else but these two seem the same as last year.  That ain't going to cut it.  But, it is an exhibition, so I'll try not to read too much into it.  

- Second half observations.

Hoggard looks like he has good arch on his shot.  That's new, isn't it?  Maybe that bodes well?

If Brooks thinks he's going to come in and be a gunner, it probably isn't going to work out too well.  He needs to come in ready to play defense and do the dirty work, taking advantage of opportunities when presented -- like he did with that put-back early in the second half.  

None of the freshmen showed much in the first half in limited opportunities but flashed some potential in the second.  They will be fun to watch.

Hall and Hauser are our upper classmen and I was, quite frankly, expecting more.  Once again, just an exhibition, but both need to be improved AND consistent.  They can't look great at times and then also disappear at times.  In their defense, I'd also say the guards didn't always get them the best of looks. 

Did Hoggard slow down and play more gingerly post the ankle turn? 

Walker didn't shoot as well in the second half but cramps were likely the factor.

Akins was, obviously, out and he definitely was missed.  Without him, it didn't seem as though there was enough quickness on the floor. 

So, that's the three main guards (Hoggard, Walker, Akins) out or with issues during the game.  It certainly wasn't pretty out there, but there were abnormal factors at play too with the guards.  However, it shows we need these three guys healthy and all three of them.  

Give Grand Valley credit.  MSU didn't seem to get out and run, but GVSU seemed to get back well on defense.  However, if they were indeed focused on getting guys back, it also seems we should've had less competition at the defensive glass and been able to do better on the defensive boards.  Something's off here.  

A win's a win, even as an exhibition.  Go Green!