Losing Kaleb Glenn for the season before we can even think about Moneyball tipping off was a nightmare scenario for Michigan State basketball fans.
The Spartans were finally content with a complete roster and a rotation that was set up for success with depth in the 2025-26 season. They landed four transfers and two incoming freshmen who were all expected to have major roles (maybe outside of Denham Wojcik) in the upcoming year.
However, the Glenn injury really shook things up.
Glenn was likely to play the role of backup at the three, according to many preseason lineup projections, and he would have provided depth behind Coen Carr. Now, Carr is going to have to carry the load at the three but who else needs to step up so he's not playing 35 minutes per game?
One option is Cam Ward. The freshman forward is likely projected to play the four but he can spend time at the three where I believe he would find the most success early on. He's a candidate to see his minutes increase due to this injury.
If Tom Izzo wants to go more of a traditional three route, I think a strong option would be the other freshman, Jordan Scott. I like Ward more at the four even if he's not as big as a typical Izzo four, which would mean Scott could spend most of his time playing on the wing at the three where he's the most comfortable and I think he could slide into that backup role behind Carr.
If it's not one of the incoming freshmen, I think Kur Teng could play some minutes at the three even though I think he's more likely to spend his time at the two. I like him better as a two-guard, but I think he could give some minutes at the three.
In order, I'd like to see Ward, then Scott, and then Teng splitting time backing Carr up at the three.
Glenn's injury has forced Izzo's hand and he's going to have to spread the backup small forward minutes around between three talented, yet unproven, underclassmen.