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Michigan State's Jaden Akins Is A Budding Star

Originally posted on FanNation Spartan Nation
By Matthew Lounsberry | Last updated 2/20/23

In the months leading up to the 2022-23 season, there was perhaps no player Spartan fans were more excited to see than sophomore guard Jaden Akins.

A former four-star recruit and ranked No. 54 overall in the Class of 2021, Akins got his feet wet as a freshman last season, averaging just under 15 minutes per game while appearing in 36 games for Michigan State. While averaging just 3.4 points per game, Akins shot an impressive 38% on three-point attempts and was terrific as an on-ball defender as a freshman.

When former five-star prospect Max Christie left Michigan State after just one season, it was assumed Akins would take Christie's spot in the starting lineup. While ultimately that's what happened, it took longer than anyone expected after Akins underwent foot surgery around eight weeks before the start of his sophomore season.

Akins returned to practice in time to play in the Spartans' season-opener, but he suffered a minor setback following MSU's fourth game of the year against Villanova. The sophomore missed the next four games, before returning in time for the start of Big Ten play.

Akins has started every game since, and has slowly affirmed the excitement that surrounded him this past offseason. He has improved upon nearly every statistical category between his freshman and sophomore seasons. In 2022-23, Akins is averaging 8.8 points per game while shooting 40.3% from the floor (up from 39.4%) and 38.5% from three-point range. His free throw percentage as also jumped from 60.7% to 81%.

The sophomore contributes in so many ways more than just scoring however. Akins is averaging 4.1 rebounds per game (the most among MSU's guards), as well as 1.3 assists and a team-leading 1.2 steals per game.

With that being said, there's more to the game than just the statistical numbers. Akins passes the "eye test" as well, and given some of the plays the sophomore has made in transition for the Spartans this season, there's reason to believe he's only scratched the surface of what he can be at Michigan State.

The breakaway slam that Akins threw down at Michigan is only the latest example of highlight reel plays that he's made this season. His combination of athleticism and pure shooting stroke suggests even more offensive output in the years to come, and while it's taken time for Akins' on-ball defense to reach the same level it was during his freshman year, as his conditioning has improved he's starting to flash that attribute again this year.

In modern day basketball, most college guys who flash the type of potential that Akins has are chomping at the bit to try their luck in the NBA. Akins might test those waters after this season, but a few things are leaning Michigan State's way when it comes to that possible scenario.

For one thing, Akins is not a pure point guard, and at 6-foot-4 he'll be undersized at shooting guard in the NBA. The sophomore currently projects as a second-round pick at best, and with the benefit of NIL, it probably makes more sense for Akins to stick it out with the Spartans for a minimum of one more year.

Tom Izzo has coached a plethora of high-end talents at Michigan State. While he's not among the best Izzo has ever coached yet, Akins has the tools capable of reaching that level — particularly if he's able to stay healthy going forward.

The Spartans have a budding star on their hands. Akins might not blossom fully in 2022-23 as a sophomore, but he's certainly a player for Michigan State fans to continue to watch closely.

This article first appeared on FanNation Spartan Nation and was syndicated with permission.

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