3 takeaways from Michigan State basketball's trouncing of Washington

This team is scary.

Jan 9, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA;  Michigan State Spartans guard Jaden Akins (3) reacts after scoring against the Washington Huskies at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-Imagn Images
Jan 9, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Jaden Akins (3) reacts after scoring against the Washington Huskies at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-Imagn Images | Dale Young-Imagn Images
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2. Jeremy Fears Jr. is showing flashes of greatness

In each of the past two offseasons, Tom Izzo has raved about his talented point guard from Illinois. Jeremy Fears Jr. was compared to Mateen Cleaves on multiple occasions by the Hall of Fame head coach and we hadn't quite seen him be that guy just yet due to a major setback that occurred in December of his freshman year.

But he's starting to look more comfortable now.

The redshirt freshman point guard finished with 12 points and looked much more comfortable on the offensive end of the floor, taking four 3-pointers and making his first attempt from distance on the game. He also had 10 assists to complete his first-ever double-double.

In 25 minutes of action, Fears was one of the most productive players on the floor and really stirred Michigan State's drink on Thursday night. He was the catalyst and a major reason this team was able to build a huge lead and maintain it.

We're seeing flashes of greatness and Thursday may have been his best game as a Spartan.