Tom Izzo, the seasoned head coach of Michigan State, is letting his players take the reins when it comes to team dynamics. He provided them with some guidelines but left the room to let them hash things out on their own. Izzo trusts the process, believing that what happens in those meetings is for the players to own.
Sophomore guard Jeremy Fears Jr. has stepped up in a big way, not just on the court but as a leader. As one of the four captains, Fears has been instrumental in boosting freshman Jordan Scott’s confidence during his early starts. After a solid win against Illinois, Fears shared how he and his fellow captains are helping Scott manage the pressure of playing in high-stakes games.
“He's a freshman, and like anyone new to the spotlight, he got a bit anxious,” Fears explained. “Coen [Carr], [Carson] Cooper, Jaxon [Kohler], and I are doing our best to keep him grounded.”
The team held a meeting on Sunday night, and while Fears didn’t spill all the details, he emphasized the potential for everyone to elevate their game. The captains, including Fears, Kohler, Cooper, and Carr, are leading the charge, each averaging over 10 points per game. Fears is keen on seeing the entire squad rise to the occasion.
“Every player is crucial, each one brings something unique,” he said. “No matter if you're a senior like Coop or a freshman like Jordan, or somewhere in between like me, Jesse [McCulloch], and Kur [Teng], there's always room to grow.”
Freshman Cam Ward has been managing a wrist injury from November, but he’s still contributing. In the game against Ohio State, he was one of the few bench players to score, putting up four points. Coach Izzo is encouraging Ward to play with more freedom and aggression as the season progresses.
Ward, after a chat with Coach Izzo, is embracing this mindset. “Coach Wojick put it perfectly, ‘play like you're on the playground, without the pressure,’” Ward said. “Being at a prestigious school is rare for a freshman, but Coach has been reminding me not to burden myself with unnecessary pressure.”
Michigan State has struggled at Purdue’s Mackey Arena, with seven consecutive losses since 2014. The Spartans have a 1-6 record in their last seven matchups against the Boilermakers, although they did secure a home victory last season. Purdue, with a 22-5 record, has been tough at home, losing only five games at Mackey Arena over the last four seasons.
Junior forward Coen Carr noted the importance of preparing for the intense atmosphere at Purdue by practicing with crowd noise. “It helps you get used to the environment,” Carr said. “Playing through fatigue in a loud setting is key.”
Both Purdue’s Braden Smith and Michigan State’s Jeremy Fears Jr. are making waves as top point guards in the conference. Their pass-first, score-second styles have placed them among the national leaders in assists. Fears is averaging 9.2 assists per game, while Smith, who recently broke the Big Ten’s all-time assist record, is at 8.7.
Fears has been studying Purdue’s games but isn’t caught up in comparisons with Smith. He respects Smith’s game and is eager for their matchup.
“He’s a playmaker and a winner,” Fears said. “But I’m focused on doing my best for Michigan State.”
With MSU sitting third in the Big Ten and Purdue right behind in fourth, the next two weeks are crucial. Securing a top-four seed would mean a bye into the conference tournament quarterfinals, offering a valuable extra day of rest.
“We’ve got a month left,” Ward said. “Anything is possible in that time. We just need to stay consistent, focused, and not lose sight of our goals.”