It feels like Michigan State basketball is back and seeing the Spartans experience the amount of success that they have through the first half of the year has been refreshing.
For the past 4-5 seasons after Cassius Winston, the Spartans have fallen short of expectations and it's felt like the program was headed in the wrong direction. It felt like Tom Izzo might be "past his prime" and I'll even admit that I was one of the doubters of the Hall of Fame head coach at the end of this stretch.
This year feels different, though. Izzo has admitted that his team is playing much better together because they're coachable, they like each other, and they're drama-free.
Let's take a look at that team at the halfway point and grade each player through 17 games.
Jeremy Fears: B+
Why doesn't Jeremy Fears Jr. get an A through the first 17 games? I think he's been really good, but he's a jump shot away from being great. He's one of the best passers in the country, averaging 6.4 assists per game and he's only turning the ball over twice per outing. That 3-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio is impressive, especially for a guy who missed most of his freshman season. Add a consistent jump shot and he's performing at an A level.
Jaden Akins: A-
It's hard to give Jaden Akins anything less than an A- because he's been so consistent this year. Much like Joey Hauser and Malik Hall right before him, Akins is having a senior year breakout and he's redeeming himself after inconsistent play through his first three seasons in East Lansing. Akins is leading the team with 14.2 points per game. While he's only shooting 30 percent from deep, it feels like he's gaining steam. Akins has been solid on both ends of the floor and a true leader.