Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo is juggling two major backcourt storylines as the Spartans gear up for a pivotal Big Ten showdown against Illinois: one injury that hits their depth hard, and one star player whose on-court behavior is demanding tough conversations.
Let’s start with the injury. Sophomore guard Divine Ugochukwu is done for the season after suffering a left foot injury in Michigan State’s upset loss at Minnesota.
The injury came on an awkward plant, and Izzo confirmed Friday that Ugochukwu will require surgery. It’s a tough blow for a Spartans team that’s been leaning on Ugochukwu not just for depth, but for real production.
The Miami (Fla.) transfer had started 12 games this season, averaging 5.1 points in just over 16 minutes per contest. More than the numbers, though, he brought floor spacing and timely shot-making - shooting a team-best 44.2% from beyond the arc (19-for-42).
His 23-point performance against Penn State earlier this season was a reminder of how valuable he could be in tight spots.
With Ugochukwu sidelined, Michigan State’s already-thin backcourt rotation gets even tighter. Denham Wojcik is now expected to step in as the primary backup point guard.
At shooting guard, Samford transfer Trey Fort looks poised for an uptick in minutes. Fort’s been averaging 4.3 points per game, but with Ugochukwu’s role now vacant, he’ll have a chance to carve out a larger role in the rotation.
But if the injury is one half of the story, the other half is all about Jeremy Fears - Michigan State’s electric, emotional, and currently embattled sophomore point guard. Fears has been one of the most dynamic floor generals in the country this season, averaging 14.7 points and 8.9 assists per game.
His ability to control tempo, create for others, and get into the paint has been central to the Spartans’ success. But lately, his emotions have been getting the better of him - and it’s starting to overshadow his play.
It started with a controversial moment in the rivalry loss to Michigan, when Fears appeared to trip Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg. Michigan head coach Dusty May didn’t hold back, calling the play “dangerous” and hinting that more questionable footage might be lurking in the film room.
Then, in the next game against Minnesota, Fears drew a technical foul after kicking Gophers guard Langston Reynolds in the groin area following a foul. It wasn’t subtle - and it wasn’t a good look.
Izzo didn’t sugarcoat his feelings after the Minnesota game, saying Fears “needs to grow up a little bit.” On Friday, he expanded on that, revealing that he had a “come to Jesus meeting” with his point guard on Thursday.
Izzo made it clear: he didn’t like the backward kick, and if he thought Fears was out there trying to hurt people, “he wouldn’t be here.” He called the idea that Fears is intentionally dirty “insulting,” but also acknowledged that his young star has to keep his emotions in check.
This isn’t the first time a Spartan guard has played with fire. Fears’ intensity, trash talk, and ability to get under opponents’ skin have drawn comparisons to former Michigan State great Draymond Green - another player who walked the line between passion and provocation. The question now is whether Fears can channel that fire in a way that fuels the Spartans, rather than burns them.
Izzo hasn’t ruled out the possibility of bringing Fears off the bench in the next game - a move that would be as much about sending a message as it would be about Xs and Os.
And make no mistake: Saturday’s matchup with Illinois is massive. The Illini come in at 20-3 overall and 11-1 in the Big Ten, riding a wave of momentum.
Michigan State, sitting at 19-4 and 9-3 in conference play, likely needs a win to stay in the hunt for a repeat Big Ten title. Without Ugochukwu and with Fears under the microscope, the Spartans will need a focused, disciplined effort - and a little bit of that classic Izzo toughness - to keep pace in the race.