Thirteen games into the 2025-26 season, Tom Izzo is still tinkering with his rotation - and the biggest question mark right now is at the two-guard spot.
There’s no shortage of talent in East Lansing, but the logjam in the backcourt has created a ripple effect that’s impacting more than just the shooting guard position. The player who’s emerged as the current starter at the two is also the team’s backup point guard, which has forced Michigan State to lean on its third-string option - Denham Wojcik - more than expected.
And as the Spartans head into Big Ten play, that’s becoming a real concern.
Wojcik is a capable reserve - steady, experienced, and someone who can give you a few minutes in a pinch. But for a team with top-10 aspirations and the kind of depth Izzo typically builds his success on, relying on your third point guard for 10-plus minutes a night isn’t ideal. He’s the kind of player you want ready in case of foul trouble or a blowout, not someone consistently logging meaningful stretches in tight games.
Still, Izzo has made it clear he values what Wojcik brings to the floor. After Michigan State’s win over Cornell, the Hall of Fame coach praised the junior guard’s performance, saying, “I think it’s worked out pretty good.”
That’s not exactly the reassurance some Spartan fans were hoping for.
Wojcik has logged double-digit minutes in two of the last three games. He’s dished out 10 assists combined in those contests against Cornell and Toledo - a solid number - but the turnovers (six over the last four games) and defensive inconsistencies are tough to ignore.
Against mid-majors, those mistakes are manageable. Against Big Ten opponents?
They could prove costly.
The issue isn't just about Wojcik’s minutes - it’s about the domino effect they create. With him on the floor, Michigan State loses some of its offensive rhythm.
The ball doesn’t move quite as crisply. The perimeter defense takes a step back.
And when every possession matters - which it absolutely will in the Big Ten - those little things can swing a game.
Izzo’s loyalty to his players has always been a hallmark of his coaching style. He trusts guys who work hard, know the system, and play with heart.
Wojcik checks those boxes. But at some point, production has to outweigh intangibles - especially on a roster this deep.
There’s no denying Wojcik’s value as an emergency option or as a steadying presence in short bursts. But if he’s playing extended minutes in conference play, it’s fair to wonder whether Michigan State is maximizing its backcourt potential.
Izzo has made a career out of figuring these things out by March. But with the Big Ten slate looming, the Spartans can’t afford too many missteps. Every minute matters - and so does every rotation decision.