Michigan State’s Two-Guard Puzzle: Izzo Still Searching for the Right Fit
Tom Izzo didn’t mince words a couple of weeks ago when he called Michigan State’s shooting guard situation a “quarterback controversy.” And honestly, it’s hard to come up with a better analogy. Just like in football, the Spartans are trying to figure out who’s best suited to lead from a critical position - and so far, the answer hasn’t been obvious.
Through the first month and a half of the season, Michigan State has rotated several players through the two-guard spot, looking for someone to take control. It’s been a revolving door of auditions, and while there have been flashes, consistency has been elusive.
There was a moment, though, where it looked like the Spartans might’ve found their guy.
Ugochukwu’s Breakout… and the Letdown
Against Penn State, Izzo made a bold move by starting freshman Divine Ugochukwu at the two. It was his first start not just at shooting guard, but at Michigan State, period.
Up to that point, Ugochukwu had been backing up Jeremy Fears Jr. at point guard. But this time, Izzo handed him the keys to the two-guard role - and Ugochukwu delivered.
He lit up the Nittany Lions for a career-high 23 points, going a perfect 5-for-5 from beyond the arc. It was the kind of performance that turns heads - not just because of the numbers, but because of the poise. On the road, in a tough Big Ten environment, Ugochukwu didn’t just hold his own - he led.
That game had all the makings of a breakthrough moment. It looked like Izzo had found the right combination: Ugochukwu at the two, Denham Wojcik stepping in as the backup point guard, and the rest of the rotation falling into place.
But as Izzo knows better than anyone, nothing is ever that easy.
In the very next game against Toledo, Ugochukwu vanished. His impact was minimal, and the spark he provided in the Penn State win didn’t carry over.
That kind of inconsistency is exactly what’s kept this rotation in flux. The talent is there, but the trust is still being built.
Teng Trending Up
While Ugochukwu may still be in the lead - at least for now - there’s real momentum building behind freshman Kur Teng. Over the last two games, Teng has dropped 22 points and knocked down 6-of-7 from three. That’s not just hot shooting - that’s a player starting to find his rhythm.
What’s encouraging is that Teng isn’t just scoring - he’s holding his own defensively, too. That’s a big deal in Izzo’s system, where defensive effort is non-negotiable. If Teng continues to grow on that end, he could make a serious push for the starting job.
And let’s be honest - if Teng can claim that two-guard spot, it solves a lot of problems. It allows Ugochukwu to slide back into his more natural role as the backup point guard, and it keeps Wojcik’s minutes in a more manageable range. That kind of balance could be key for a team with championship aspirations.
Fort and Scott: Still in the Mix, But Facing Uphill Battles
Then there’s Trey Fort, who’s had a rough go of it lately. He hasn’t played more than 10 minutes since the Iowa game, and he hasn’t scored more than three points since East Carolina.
It’s clear Izzo is pushing him hard - maybe seeing something in practice that hasn’t translated to games yet. Until Fort regains his confidence and earns back Izzo’s trust, it’s tough to see him as a viable starting option.
Jordan Scott is another name worth keeping in the conversation. He brings energy, makes smart plays, and rarely forces the issue.
The only thing holding him back? That outside shot.
If he can start knocking down threes with more consistency, he becomes a much more intriguing option. But right now, he may be a year away from truly competing for that starting role.
The Verdict (For Now)
So where does that leave things heading into the holiday break?
Right now, it feels like a two-man race between Ugochukwu and Teng. Ugochukwu has the edge in experience at the college level - even if it’s limited - and he’s already shown he can rise to the occasion. But Teng is trending upward fast, and if he keeps shooting the way he has, it’s going to be hard to keep him out of the starting five.
Izzo’s got a good problem on his hands - multiple young guards with upside, all capable of contributing in different ways. But for a team with Final Four goals, the margin for error is thin. The rotation needs to stabilize, and soon.
As the calendar flips to the new year, Michigan State’s two-guard spot remains one of the most intriguing storylines on the roster. The “quarterback controversy” is real - and it’s far from over.