Michigan State basketball might’ve lost some key names from last season’s standout squad, but don’t let the turnover fool you - this year’s team is built to contend. In fact, they might be every bit as dangerous as the 2024-25 version that made noise under Tom Izzo.
Gone are Jaden Akins, Jase Richardson, Szymon Zapala, Frankie Fidler, Tre Holloman, and Xavier Booker. That’s a lot of talent out the door.
But credit to Izzo and his staff - they’ve reloaded, not rebuilt. And what’s emerging in East Lansing is a balanced, battle-tested group that’s already proving it can play with anyone in the country.
Let’s start with the backcourt. While it might not be quite as deep as last year’s rotation, it’s anchored by Jeremy Fears Jr., who’s playing like one of the best point guards in the Big Ten - maybe the best not named Braden Smith.
Fears has taken command of the offense, but he’s also bringing a veteran poise that’s hard to teach. Over the past six games, he’s averaging 17.8 points and 7.5 assists, and it’s not just the numbers - it’s how he’s doing it.
Smart decisions, timely buckets, and a growing confidence that’s turning him into a go-to guy in crunch time.
Up front, the Spartans have a frontcourt duo that’s quietly becoming one of the most effective in the conference. Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper have both taken major strides, and they’re showing it night after night.
Kohler, in particular, has been a revelation. He’s doubled his scoring from last season, is averaging around 10 rebounds per game, and he’s knocking down over 50 percent of his threes - yes, you read that right.
A big man with that kind of touch from deep opens up the floor in a big way, and it’s giving the Spartans a real edge offensively.
Cooper, meanwhile, is having a breakout year of his own. He’s been rock solid on both ends, and he’s become a reliable interior presence. Together, Kohler and Cooper give Michigan State a physical, skilled, and experienced front line that can hang with anyone.
Then there’s Coen Carr - the wild card with a high ceiling and a higher vertical. He’s been up and down at times, but his growth is undeniable.
He’s improved across the board, and his athleticism is off the charts. Carr is the kind of player who can flip the momentum of a game with one play - a thunderous dunk, a chase-down block, a fast-break finish.
He’s a game-changer, and teams have to account for him every second he’s on the floor.
Put it all together, and this roster is built to compete for another Big Ten title - and maybe more. The numbers back it up, too.
Michigan State currently boasts one of the best starting fives in college basketball, and defensively, they’re elite. According to KenPom, they’ve climbed all the way to No. 1 in defensive efficiency - a stat that speaks volumes about their commitment on that end of the floor.
But what really jumps out is the synergy between Fears, Kohler, and Carr. When those three are on the floor together, Michigan State is operating at a different level.
According to CBB Analytics, that trio ranks as the third-best three-man combination in all of high-major college basketball - and that’s only counting games against Quad 1 and Quad 2 opponents. The only groups ahead of them?
Lineups from Michigan and Iowa State. That’s elite company.
The chemistry between those three is obvious. Fears is the floor general, Kohler is the steady producer, and Carr brings the energy and explosiveness. They complement each other perfectly, and the Spartans are leaning into that combo more and more - as they should.
This group might not have the same names as last year’s squad, but they’ve got the same ceiling - maybe even higher. If they keep trending the way they are, Michigan State could be gearing up for another deep March run.