Michigan State basketball's 2023 recruiting class hitting its stride

A lot was expected of the class of 2023 for Michigan State basketball when they arrived in East Lansing. The four-man class of Coen Carr, Xavier Booker, Jeremy Fears Jr., and Gehrig Normand have all had some trials and tribulations thus far in the green and white.

From Fears getting shot in the leg only 12 games into last season to Normand missing the whole 2023-24 campaign because he couldn't stay healthy, these guys have had their hurdles. Carr and Booker took their lumps as freshmen, but the signs of future success were clear early.

Carr has been a highlight player every time he has seen the floor. Fears and Normand might not be true sophomores like their fellow members Carr and Booker but they're still growing.

Still, for those four who came to Michigan State as part of a top-10 class, they are all starting to find their rhythm this season.

Normand had a slow start once again, as he's lower in the rotation. However, he finally scored his first points in an Michigan State uniform at Minnesota. He knocked down a 3-pointer before driving to the hoop for a layup.

As for Fears, he's starting to find himself. Not only as the next elite passer like Cassius Winston and Mateen Cleaves before him. Fears is finding his shot, and making outstanding plays. The 2023 class has delivered these last handful of games.

Carr has not only been throwing down highlight dunks, but he's also playing great at the defensive end. Booker has had an up and down shooting start to the 2024-25 campaign but he's starting to come around.

Tom Izzo spoke highly of the group with the Detroit Free Press' Chris Solari after their win at Minnesota where he talked about the team's need for the sophomore class to continue to play at a high level.

"The whole sophomore class is playing better," Izzo said during practice ahead of this past weekend's Nebraska game, which saw Carr, Booker, and Fears once again showcase their skills.

This class was going to have to step up for the Spartans to be considered a contender again, and as of right now, they are at 8-2 (2-0 Big Ten).

Spartan Nation has been waiting for a step in the right direction, and with the class of 2023 at the helm. This feels like one of those years. I'm all for it. We deserve to be back at the top of the Big Ten and in NCAA contention. It has been to long.