It's that time of year again, Spartan fans: Michigan State basketball is about to tip off its regular season, taking everyone's minds off the horrendous football campaign.
Since that magical 2021 season with Kenneth Walker III, Spartan fans have been turning their attention to the hardwood earlier than normal. The season's start couldn't come soon enough this year with Jonathan Smith on the hot seat and the football team losing five straight games by double figures.
Michigan State just won the Big Ten title last season and you know that's only going to motivate Izzo and Co. to repeat and make it even further in March this season.
With two exhibition games in the books, the ideal starting five has revealed itself. Here's who I believe will be leading the way for the Spartans in the starting lineup on Monday.
PG: Jeremy Fears Jr., Sophomore
Jeremy Fears Jr. has looked really solid through two exhibition games, playing at least 30 minutes in each of them, averaging 13 points and 7.5 assists per game. He could afford to work on his jumper a little bit still, but it's good seeing him more aggressive while driving to the basket. He is the straw that stirs the team's drink on both ends.
SG: Trey Fort, Senior
Kur Teng has started back-to-back exhibition games, but it's fairly clear that Trey Fort is the better option, at least right now. I have no doubt that Teng is going to be a good player and excellent shooter here, but he's just not ready to start quite yet. I could see him cracking the starting five at some point this season, but Fort has to be the guy at the two in the opener. He looked comfortable hunting his own shots through two preseason games, but he needs to work on his defense.
SF: Coen Carr, Junior
Everyone, including me, is expecting Coen Carr to take a huge step this season, and he's shown that he's on track to do that, averaging 14 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game in two exhibition outings. He's hit threes, he's driven the lane, and he's played really strong defense. If he can work on those free throws, he should average at least 15 points per game this year.
PF: Jaxon Kohler, Senior
We've seen good and bad from Jaxon Kohler through two preseason games. The good is that he's been aggressive on the glass and he's going to drive teams nuts in that regard this season, but the bad has been some of his defense against UConn as well as his shooting numbers. He has to finish better around the rim because 6-for-17 from the floor isn't going to cut it as a big man. I still think he's due for a breakout senior season.
C: Carson Cooper, Senior
Carson Cooper has looked solid through two games and he's pretty much what we all expected so far, averaging 8.5 points and 7.0 rebounds through two outings. He's going to be the Spartans' starting center because Jesse McCulloch isn't ready and he's got the veteran experience that Izzo needs from his big men. Cooper can be a solid 10-point, 7-rebound player this season.