Michigan State basketball looked like a completely different team in its recent matchup against Minnesota compared to the one that took the floor against No. 5 Illinois. The Spartans came out with confidence, rhythm, and a clear offensive identity - and it showed in every phase of their attack.
From deep threes to mid-range jumpers and aggressive drives to the rim, Michigan State was firing on all cylinders. A big part of that offensive flow?
Freshman guard Jeremy Fears, who orchestrated the offense with poise well beyond his years. When Fears is controlling the tempo and the Spartans are this efficient on offense, there aren’t many teams in the country that can keep up.
But here’s where things get really interesting: Michigan State’s most effective lineup this season - the one that’s turning heads across the analytics world - doesn’t even include all five of their usual starters.
According to data compiled by respected college basketball analytics expert Evan Miyakawa, one particular Michigan State lineup ranks not only as the best in the Big Ten, but also among the top five in the entire country. That’s not just hype - it’s backed by over 150 possessions of data, adjusted for opponent strength.
The lineup? Coen Carr, Carson Cooper, Jeremy Fears, Jaxon Kohler… and Kur Teng.
Yes, Kur Teng - the freshman shooting guard who’s flown somewhat under the radar - is part of the Spartans' most statistically dominant five-man unit. Michigan State joins elite company on Miyakawa’s list, with only Houston, Arizona, and Iowa State boasting more efficient lineups. That means this group has outperformed rotations from traditional powerhouses like Duke, Kansas, Purdue, and Illinois.
That’s a serious statement.
Teng’s inclusion might come as a surprise to some, especially given the presence of players like Jordan Scott and Divine Ugochukwu, who’ve both had strong moments this season. Scott, in particular, has been a steady presence in the starting lineup and brings a lot to the table. But when it comes to lineup chemistry and overall performance, the numbers say Teng is the better fit in this specific group.
It speaks volumes about Michigan State’s depth. Head coach Tom Izzo has a roster that can mix and match pieces without losing effectiveness - and in some cases, actually becoming more dangerous. With guys like Cam Ward, Jesse McCulloch, and Trey Fort coming off the bench, the Spartans aren’t just deep - they’re versatile.
That kind of depth is exactly what you need to make a serious run in March.
So while the debate about the “best” lineup may continue among fans and analysts, the data is clear: the group featuring Fears, Teng, Carr, Kohler, and Cooper is getting it done at an elite level. And if Michigan State keeps playing with the kind of confidence and execution we saw against Minnesota, they’re going to be a problem for anyone standing in their way.
This team isn’t just built to compete in the Big Ten. With this kind of depth, balance, and emerging chemistry, they’re built to chase something bigger.