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But for his voice to take hold, he’ll have to also lead with his game. He’s matured to the point he’s a captain. With Aaron Henry having moved on, the path for 30 minutes a night is there for Brown. The Spartans need it against Kansas and Indiana and just about every time out. And not just an 18-point game here and there or against lower-level competition. MSU needs Brown to be a shot-maker this season. He has some tantalizing gifts - his frame, athleticism, his fearlessness attacking the basket, his outside shot (sometimes), his fun and likable personality. This is his time, if it’s ever going to happen. Spartan fans should enjoy him while they can. He sounds confident that’s something he can do. What’ll determine his level of stardom early will be his ability to take over games and/or get a bucket when it’s needed. He’s MSU’s best outside shooter since Bryn Forbes and best shooter at his size since at least Morris Peterson. Christie’s ability to drive to the basket and also be a defensive pest with his rangy frame has stood out thus far, because those weren’t certain strengths at this level when he arrived in East Lansing. But Harris wasn’t 6-foot-7 and couldn’t shoot with range like Christie can. There have been comparisons made to Gary Harris as a freshman nine years ago. He’s been a pass-first point guard thus far for the Spartans.Ĭhristie, a heralded freshman from suburban Chicago, already looks like MSU’s best and most complete player. His scoring numbers are deceiving of his priorities at MSU. As a sophomore at Northeastern, Walker averaged 18.8 points, 4.8 assists and was the Colonial Athletic Association defensive player of the year. His feel for things and ability to locate guys in rhythm and play off of them has been evident in practices and exhibition games - especially in his connection with Joey Hauser, another intelligent on-court player, who sees the game similarly. Walker is a natural ball-screen point guard, running MSU’s ball-screen offense. Walker, a transfer from Northeastern University in Boston, is probably MSU’s most important player, because of the position he plays, the knack he has for it and how last season unfolded when the Spartans didn’t have a point guard who could get them the ball in the right place at the right time. Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch breaks down the Spartans’ roster. Michigan State opens its men's basketball season Tuesday night against Kansas in the Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden in New York.