Jordan Scott is one of the more naturally talented freshmen that Tom Izzo has had in recent years, maybe not putting up video game-like numbers, but playing like a veteran on both ends of the floor.
Izzo trusts the young freshman from the DMV along with his 2025 classmate, Cam Ward.
The growth of both guys throughout the season has been obvious, but it’s become even more apparent in the 2026 NCAA Tournament with Scott starting and Ward scoring 13 off the bench against North Dakota State and not missing a single field goal through two games.
Izzo was impressed by his starting freshman wing over the weekend when he called the Hall of Famer to come into the office to talk and he apparently realized what he did wrong against Louisville.
Michigan State Head Coach Tom Izzo said that freshman forward Jordan Scott called him yesterday to come in (to Izzo’s office) to talk.
— Kenny Jordan (@Kenny_Jordan5) March 23, 2026
“He just, realized what he did wrong (in Saturday’s game vs Louisville), like I said, if you can't self evaluate, it's hard to improve.”
These are the types of things you’d expect from a junior or senior after a tough loss not a true freshman after a gutsy win that sent the team to a Sweet 16. Scott’s growth has been fun to watch. He’s always been calm and collected like a veteran, but now he’s carrying himself like one. He’s watching film and figuring out what he did wrong on his own, bringing it up to his coach.
Yet another way that Michigan State is becoming a player-led team.
This Michigan State team is different
From top to bottom, this year’s team holds everyone accountable, including themselves. If Jeremy Fears makes a mistake, he’s quick to call it out and correct it. The same can be said for Carson Cooper, Coen Carr, Jaxon Kohler, Trey Fort, and Kur Teng.
Now the freshmen are getting into the mix. Ward is working hard to improve and he, too, acts like a seasoned veteran, and Scott is meeting with Izzo to talk about what he did wrong in a win.
The program is set up to succeed for a while if Scott and Ward carry this mindset over into next year and the years beyond. But this season isn’t over yet. There’s still a lot to play for and this team has what it takes to win the whole thing.