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3 changes Tom Izzo should make after Michigan State basketball's 2-1 start

By Brandon Martinez

Nov 12, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo reacts on the bench against the Kansas Jayhawks during the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Nov 12, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo reacts on the bench against the Kansas Jayhawks during the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images / Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
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2. Embrace the small ball lineup

The guards on this team will determine the ceiling. While Kohler is playing very well, I don't think in today's game, a big man scoring 12 points per game is going to be the reason they go far necessarily. Now, if the big man was in his eighth year in college, averaging 21 points per game, and just dropped a 28-point double-double on you in the Champion's Classic, then he might pull a little more weight.

However, I firmly believe this team thrives when the backcourt is playing well, and the good news is they have several players who can get the job done. Yes, Jaden Akins' worst nightmare is consistency, but he has the ability to put this team on his shoulders. Jeremy Fears looks like the floor general we were all expecting him to be coming out of high school. Tre Holloman proved last year that he should expect a bigger role in 2024, and he's playing good minutes.

Then add an unexpected twist: Jase Richardson was ready to go from the start. The kid has the makings of an absolute stud at the college level, and so far, I have no reason to believe he wouldn't be a first-round NBA Draft pick if Izzo starts him from this point forward. Him and Kohler have been the two best and most consistent players thus far.

But my point is, what's stopping you from putting out a lineup of Fears, Akins, Jase Richardson, Frankie Fidler, and Kohler? Why not? The ability to space the floor and create true threats from the perimeter and as slashers is extremely appealing, especially if you can get this lineup out there for 7-10 minutes a game.

You won't know for sure until you try it, but if playing your best five players was an option, I don't know why you wouldn't.

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