5 Reasons MSU Fans Should Be Excited for Next Season
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While Michigan State's season ended in heartbreaking fashion with a Sweet 16 loss to UConn, this year should still be considered a success.
The Spartans will miss graduates Carson Cooper and Jaxon Kohler as they move on to the next chapter of their careers, as well as Trey Fort, who transferred but had a memorable run during the tournament. Even so, there is plenty to be excited about heading into next season.
Jeremy Fears' Player of the Year Campaign
Jeremy Fears has emerged as one of the best point guards not only in the Big Ten, but in the entire country. Fears doubled his scoring average from last season, going from 7.2 points per game to 15.2, while also leading the nation in assists at 9.4 per game. He earned Second Team All-American honors this season, and next year, he could not only make the first team but also contend for Big Ten Player of the Year and national Player of the Year.
The Last Season of Coen Carr's Vicious Dunks
Next year will be Coen Carr's senior season, meaning it will be the last time Spartan fans get to see his highlight-reel dunks inside the Breslin Center.
Carr took a significant step forward in his development this season, averaging 12 points per game while also making strides as a perimeter shooter. There is a strong case to be made that Carr is the most explosive dunker in basketball, college or professional, and his athleticism and defensive upside give him a real path to a career at the next level.
Izzo Attacking the Portal
Tom Izzo has been an outspoken critic of how college basketball has changed, whether it involves the transfer portal or the growing trend of players who spent time at the professional level returning to college to compete and earn money.
Despite his reservations, Izzo made clear in his postgame press conference that he plans to attack the portal this offseason. The most pressing need is at center, and the portal center class is shaping up to be a promising one with talent that Michigan State can realistically target.
An Incoming Freshman Class Full of Potential
According to Rivals, Michigan State's four-man recruiting class currently ranks sixth nationally and second in the Big Ten. That is a significant jump from last year's class, which ranked 13th nationally and third in the Big Ten.
Jasiah Jervis was named a McDonald's All-American, C.J. Medlock Jr. and Ethan Taylor already have established chemistry from their time together at Link Academy, and Julius Avent capped his high school career by winning a state championship. All four freshmen are capable of contributing meaningful minutes next season while also showing the potential to develop into star-caliber players down the road.
Kaleb Glenn Finally in the Green and White
Kaleb Glenn transferred to Michigan State last offseason from Florida Atlantic and was expected to compete for a starting role. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn patellar tendon during the offseason and missed the entire season. Next year, Glenn should be healthy and ready to make an immediate impact.
At FAU, he averaged 12.6 points per game on 53 percent shooting from the field and 41 percent from three on three attempts per game. Like Coen Carr, Glenn is a physical player who can attack the basket and finish at the rim, giving Michigan State another versatile scoring option on the wing.
Luke Joseph is a graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in journalism. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of sports and commitment to storytelling, he serves as a general sports reporter On SI, covering the NFL and college athletics with insight and expertise.