It feels like it's been an eternity, but Michigan State basketball is back, folks.
The Spartans will host Monmouth for a Monday night showdown in East Lansing and the Hawks may not be world-beaters, but they did upset West Virginia in non-conference play last season so they cannot be overlooked. Oh, and must we remember what happened last year when Michigan State opened the season against an upset-hungry mid-major?
Tom Izzo has vowed to get Michigan State back to the top of the college basketball world or die trying and that mission starts on Monday night at Breslin.
Let's get bold.
1. Jeremy Fears Jr. finishes with 10 assists
I don't know what it is, but something in my gut tells me that Jeremy Fears Jr. is going to be pushing for Cassius Winston's all-time assists record by the time his career is over.
And through a couple of preseason games, it feels pretty clear that he's the right guy to lead the offense and he doesn't make a ton of mistakes with the ball in his hands. He's going to have a huge passing game to start the 2024-25 season in East Lansing, finishing with 10 assists to just two turnovers and he'll even add eight points.
If he can average around 5-6 assist per game, he's going to be one of the best point guards in the Big Ten.
2. Coen Carr shows growth in the mid-range
We've all seen what Coen Carr can do around the rim and it's nasty. Basically, if you're in the paint, just get out of the way when Carr is coming. Heck, even if you're around the free throw line, just move. This dude can throw down from anywhere. That's not a concern.
What is a concern is his ability -- or inability -- to score from the mid-range.
Carr hasn't really shown that he's added a jumper to his arsenal but he'll have fans feeling hopeful on Monday night as he hits a couple of mid-range shots and even attempts a three. His form will look improved and he'll finish with 12 points, but the growth in that mid-range game will have everyone talking.
3. Michigan State shoots over 50 percent from deep
Some are slightly concerned about the shooting ability of this year's team, but I truly don't think it'll be too much of an issue as guys like Jase Richardson, Frankie Fidler, Xavier Booker, Jaden Akins, Tre Holloman, Kur Teng, and even Jeremy Fears can fill it up from deep. Heck, even Jaxon Kohler has added a 3-point shot to his game.
Michigan State will show off from distance on Monday night unlike it did a season ago through its first few games, leading to an ugly start to the season.
The Spartans will make 11 threes on 20 attempts, finishing at 55 percent from deep. Not bad.