Michigan State passed one final test before facing No. 2 Duke next week, and it did so with flying colors. The Spartans handled Toledo 91-61 to improve to 2-0 ahead of the biggest game of the young season so far.
Outside of free throw shooting and some Cam Ward foul trouble that limited him to nine minutes and no points, the Spartans are all set to receive big grades.
So let’s dive into it, starting with the player who saw the most minutes.
Jordan Scott — A-
For a second straight game, Jordan Scott scored 10-plus and he still didn’t have his best offensive game. You could see the frustration on his face when he was missing those mid-range jumpers that he’s usually automatic on, but he still finished with 12 points. He stuffed the stat sheet by doing everything right (again) and bringing the energy, securing nine rebounds, five assists, and a steal. He’s going to mess around and record a triple-double or two this season.
Jasiah Jervis — A
While it was a relatively quiet 16 points, Jasiah Jervis had the perfect bounce-back game after scoring just four in the opener. He was 5-for-9 from the floor, 4-for-7 from deep, and he hit both of his freebies. Five rebounds, an assists, a block, and a steal prove that he wasn’t just a scorer but he did everything well. A “quiet” game and he still led the team in scoring? Yeah, Tom Izzo got himself a good one.
Jeremy Fears Jr. — B+
Jeremy Fears didn’t have a great shooting performance (0-for-4 from three) but he still dished nine assists and scored 12. Half of his points did come from the free throw line, but he flashed some Cassius Winston-like finishes at the basket. His craftiness and explosiveness when he actually hunted his own buckets was eye-opening and he really seems to have turned a corner as an overall player. Oh, and his defense was nasty.
Coen Carr — B+
Coen Carr played a clean game with no turnovers and 50 percent shooting from the floor, but it would be nice to see him attempt more than six shots as the Robin to Fears’ Batman in terms of team hierarchy. He had 10 points and five rebounds on 3-of-6 shooting and he made his only 3-point attempt.
Kaleb Glenn — A-
I’m running out of good things to say about Kaleb Glenn to begin the season. He didn’t have to do a ton, but he’s just consistently consistent. He finished with eight points and six rebounds in just 15 minutes, bullying defenders in the post with his aggressive play around the rim. Glenn may be the biggest surprise thus far.
Carlos Medlock Jr. — B+
The backup point guard is off to a nice start to his freshman season, averaging eight points and three assists through two games after scoring seven and dishing two more assists on Thursday night. He looked a little shaky early with a poor shot attempt during a mini drought but he got comfortable in the second half and hit both of his 3-point attempts. Through two games, he has six assists and no turnovers. Not bad for a true freshman.
Kur Teng — C+
Not one of Kur Teng’s best games. He’s in there to make shots and he was just 1-for-3 from deep and didn’t do much else on the offensive end. He did play some improved defense which is something that I wanted to see from him this year.
Ethan Taylor — B+
Having a true freshman center come off the bench to score eight points with five rebounds and a steal in 14 minutes is quite the luxury. Ethan Taylor didn’t get the start but he played the most minutes at center, making both of his shot attempts and — like the rest of the team — he played with a ton of energy on the defensive end and on the glass.
Anton Bonke — B+
Anton Bonke really rebounded from two early turnovers that would have probably crushed his confidence a couple of weeks ago. He shoot them off and put up nine points and seven rebounds in just 13 minutes. He’s continuing to improve and impress as he’s 180’d since exhibition play. It feels like MSU is always going to win the rebounding battle when he’s out there — he had four offensive boards that led to second-chance points.
Jesse McCulloch — B
Jesse McCulloch didn’t have a bad game, just a quiet one. He had six points and three rebounds and hit all of his three shot attempts but it was pretty clear he was being limited after missing Monday’s game with a concussion. Plus, foul trouble didn’t help. He still played well.
Cam Ward — C-
I hate being this harsh with grading, but this was undoubtedly one of the worst games that we’ll see from Cam Ward this year. He had no points and a rebound and missed both of his free throws, but where his grade really goes south is on the other end of the floor as he couldn’t defend without fouling. Ward averaged a foul every two minutes and fouled out.
Julis Avent — Inc.
Another incomplete grade for Julius Avent to begin the season. He hasn’t been on the floor long enough to really earn a grade, but he didn’t look lost out there. Definitely a positive.
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