Michigan State has the 3rd-best ‘3-player lineup combo’ in college basketball

Last season, Michigan State had one of the more special teams in the Tom Izzo era, but this year’s squad might be just as good, if not better than the 2024-25 Spartans.

Although Jaden Akins, Jase Richardson, Szymon Zapala, Frankie Fidler, Tre Holloman, and Xavier Booker are all gone, the Spartans have done an exceptional job of replacing their production. While the backcourt may not be as deep as it was last season, it is led by arguably the best point guard in the Big Ten not named Braden Smith.

On top of Jeremy Fears, the Spartans have an incredible duo in the post in Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper who have both taken major steps in the right direction. They’re having breakout senior years.

Kohler, in particular, is putting up some incredible shooting numbers. he’s making over 50 percent from three and he’s averaging about 10 boards per game while doubling his scoring production from last season.

And we can’t forget Coen Carr who has been up-and-down this season, but overall, he’s improved in all areas. He’s the nation’s best athlete, and teams always have to account for him on the floor.

The roster is set up to win another Big Ten title and make a Final Four run.

And the analytics agree.

Michigan State has an elite three-man combo

Michigan State has one of the best starting fives in the country, and the Spartans also have an elite defense that was recently ranked No. 1 on KenPom.

On top of all that, Michigan State has the third-best three-player combo in college basketball.

When Fears, Kohler, and Carr are on the floor together, the Spartans are incredibly effective on both ends of the floor. Only two three-man combos in college basketball have been better through the first half of the season: Michigan’s and Iowa State’s.

Talk about elite company.

Fears has really upped his offensive game in recent weeks, averaging 17.8 points and 7.5 assists over the past six games. He’s been making smart plays, but he’s also been taking over games on the offensive end.

Kohler is probably the most consistent player on the team and he leads the Spartans in scoring and rebounds. He’s also much better on the defensive end.

Lastly, Carr can drop 15 on any given night, but he’s also doing a lot more of the hustle plays and he can single-handedly change the momentum of a game with one of his dunks.

This three-man combo fortunately plays a ton together. More of this, please.