There is nothing to fear but fear itself! Or in the Michigan State Spartan's case, Jeremy Fears Jr.... As Michigan State commences Big Ten Tournament play on Friday night vs. UCLA, it is all about the team understanding the mercurial nature, but otherwise impressive game of the Spartans' best player. The junior guard from Joliet, Illinois leads the team with 15.5 points and 9.1 assists per game this season.
However, Fears often finds himself in the news for all the wrong reasons... Whether it be getting assessed a technical vs. Rutgers for taunting or getting a whistle for kicking Elliot Cadeau in the groin, Fears has to keep his composure better. The reason for this is he has to win in winning time to help Tom Izzo get Michigan State back to another Final Four. Fears can ice the game at the free throw line.
On the season, Fears has been the Spartans' most reliable free-throw shooter. While two other players have shot it from the charity stripe at a higher clip than him, Fears still connects on 89 percent of his attempts from the free-throw line. Even more important, he has made 170 of his 191 free throws so far this season. Only two other players on the team have attempted 100 on the year.
As long as Fears plays within himself, Michigan State will always have a chance to win games up late.
Jeremy Fears Jr. could propel Michigan State to Final Four at the line
While there may be other juggernaut teams scattered across the Power Five of major college basketball, Michigan State is one of those teams that is, for lack of a better phrase, hard to kill. They are so well-coached, play great defense, and can score on you in multiple ways. A well-rounded team like this one has the ability to get hot in the NCAA Tournament. Izzo has made a living during March.
Right now, he has to put his trust and faith into the polarizing entity that is Fears. Not to say Michigan State is capable of losing to anyone, but the Spartans do have a tendency to play on their heels a bit going up against another high-quality team. Every game the rest of the way is precious. With that in mind, taking what the opposition gives you will be key to success. That includes making free throws!
Overall, Michigan State is going to go as far as Fears and Izzo will take them. Fears has to be the one to make it happen on the floor. Izzo has to make the necessary adjustments on the sidelines to continue to put his team into advantageous situations. We have seen this recipe work before with lesser Michigan State teams toward greatness. March beckons, so will Fears rise to the challenge?
At this time, Michigan has a great chance to hang with anyone should Fears be able to keep his head.