Mateen Cleaves, Drew Neitzel, Kalin Lucas, Cassius Winston... Jeremy Fears Jr.?
If all goes as planned, that list above will be the grouping of the best point guards of the Tom Izzo era. They have all exemplified greatness during their time in East Lansing and they helped build Michigan State into a powerhouse.
We heard for the past two offseasons just how good Fears was going to be and Izzo even compared him to some Michigan State greats at the position because of his poise and leadership.
But for the first time since he's donned a Spartan uniform, it's starting to feel like his play is starting to match his confidence and he's looking comfortable and, frankly, dominant.
Thursday night's performance against Washington was arguably his best in a Michigan State uniform and it's because he didn't shy away from taking open shots like he had been known to do through the first two months of the season. He finished with 12 points and 10 assists on 4-for-8 shooting and if he can give that kind of offensive output on a regular basis (scoring-wise), Michigan State isn't going to lose many games.
We're seeing Fears come into his own and look like the next great Michigan State point guard.
On the season, he's averaging 7.6 points and 6.3 assists per game while shooting 44 percent from the floor and over 40 percent from deep. His assist-per-game number is good for 14th nationally and he's been one of the most efficient passers in the country. He's averaging about three assists to every turnover which is a great mark to be at.
In comparison to some other Spartan greats, Fears has a 3-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio while Cassius Winston had a 2.37-to-1 ratio, Kalin Lucas was at 1.74-to-1, and Mateen also had a 1.74-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Heck, Fears is even out-pacing Denzel Valentine who had a 2-to-1 ratio.
Yes, it's still early in his career as he technically has four years remaining, but averaging three assists to each turnover and coughing the ball up less than other Spartan legends at the position this early in his career is a great sign that there's elite play to come.
Fears is flashing greatness and if the offense can catch up to the defense and passing, he might go down as one of the greatest players to ever suit up for Izzo.