It might be a little too painful to talk about the future of Michigan State basketball right now, but after losing to UConn 67-63 on Friday night in the Sweet 16, we're kind of forced to.
The Spartans will be losing Carson Cooper and Jaxon Kohler from this year's starting lineup which means that next year's is going to look a lot different.
Here's what I believe the starting five could look like to begin next season before any portal movement.
PG: Jeremy Fears Jr.
Backups: Divine Ugochukwu, Carlos Medlock Jr.
This one's obvious. Barring a shocking transfer, Jeremy Fears Jr. is going to lead the Spartans once again next season at the point guard spot. Fortunately, he's going to have a ton of help. Divine Ugochukwu will be healthy and capable as a backup and four-star phenom Carlos Medlock Jr. is coming in with the 2026 class.
Fears was an All-American this season, but he struggled a bit offensively in the NCAA Tournament, so you know the motivation to get back is going to be there.
If Fears can add a consistent 3-point shot, we'll be looking at MSU's next Big Ten Player of the Year.
SG: Jordan Scott
Backups: Kur Teng, Jasiah Jervis
When Jordan Scott initially entered the starting lineup, he got red-hot and scored 10-plus points in six straight games. He was looking like the missing piece to that starting lineup after Ugochukwu kind of went silent and it was obvious that he was better off the bench.
Fans are going to want Jasiah Jervis to start as a true freshman, but I can't see Izzo making that move, especially since Scott has a bright future.
I expect to see Scott become a 10-point scorer next year.
SF: Coen Carr
Backup: Kaleb Glenn
Coen Carr should also be back and I'd expect him to start at the three even though that might limit the team's shooting in the starting lineup, but he did shoot about 28 percent from deep this season. He's improved drastically, but he needs to add a consistent jumper if he's going to really take that next step and become an NBA prospect.
I believe it'll happen.
Carr is going to be a 15-point, 8-rebound type of player for Michigan State next season and he'll be versatile enough to play a small-ball four. Izzo could opt to go small and have Kaleb Glenn play the three while Carr is the four.
PF: Cam Ward
Backup: Julius Avent
Cam Ward got off to a hot start to his freshman season, but he suffered a wrist injury that really altered his first year in East Lansing. He learned a lot from Cooper, but now he has to take what he learned and put it into action as the starting power forward next season.
Ward has plenty of potential to dominate in the post and I'm not worried about him being ready to match up with opposing Big Ten bigs as a full-time starter.
The freshman big man averaged 5.1 points and 4.2 rebounds in 15.3 minutes this season. I expect those numbers do double during his sophomore year.
C: Ethan Taylor
Backup: Jesse McCulloch
If we're going to get really specific with our predictions, I do believe that Izzo is going to address the starting center spot in the transfer portal. I know he likes Jesse McCulloch and the Spartans will also have five-star Ethan Taylor, but I truly think Izzo knows that he'll be in need of a true bruiser at center.
I see Izzo going into the portal to grab a guy that fitz that big bruiser mold, but can also move like a Carson Cooper for some lob opportunities from Fears.
I don't know if he'll enter the portal, but Alabama's Aiden Sherrell caught my eye in the Sweet 16. The former Michigan State recruit is a big body who catch stretch the floor.