Michigan State fans have plenty to be optimistic about heading into the new season. With Tom Izzo at the helm and a talented mix of freshmen and transfers joining the team, the Spartans are well-positioned to make noise in the Big Ten
While they may not have the preseason hype of some of their conference rivals, Michigan State has always thrived as an underdog.
The comparisons of Richardson to Sam Vincent and Teng to Shawn Respert highlight the potential of the young guards to become stars in their own right.
If they can continue to develop under Izzo’s tutelage, the future looks bright for Michigan State basketball.
The 2024-25 Michigan State Spartans have the right mix of experience, youth, and talent to make some noise this season.
Tom Izzo’s excitement for this roster is palpable, and with the preseason preparation and early exhibition results, there’s reason to believe that Michigan State will be a force to be reckoned with come March Madness.
Whether they can make another deep tournament run remains to be seen, but the pieces are certainly in place for a thrilling season ahead.
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Table of Contents
Tom Izzo’s Optimism for Freshmen Guards Richardson and Teng
Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo is known for drawing out the potential in young players and molding them into stars.1
During a recent media session, Izzo heaped praise on two freshmen guards, Jason “Jase” Richardson and Kur Teng, comparing them to former Michigan State greats Sam Vincent and Shawn Respert, respectively.
These comparisons have raised expectations for the duo, as both Vincent and Respert are regarded as two of the best players to ever wear the Spartans’ green and white.
The Sharpshooting Scorer
Shawn Respert, who played for Michigan State from 1990 to 1995, is one of the most prolific scorers in the history of Big Ten basketball.
He was a scoring machine, averaging 25.6 points per game in his senior season and finishing his career with 2,531 points, the second-most in Big Ten history at the time.
Respert’s ability to score from anywhere on the court made him a constant threat and one of the most feared players in college basketball.
Kur Teng, with his shooting ability and knack for scoring, drew comparisons to Respert from Izzo. Teng’s ability to shoot from long range and create his own shot mirrors some of the skills that made Respert so successful at Michigan State.
If Teng can live up to those expectations, he could become a key piece of the Spartans’ offense in the years to come.
Tom Izzo: Expectations for Richardson and Teng in 2024-25
While comparisons to Michigan State legends are exciting, they also come with added pressure.2
Both Richardson and Teng will have to adjust to the speed and physicality of college basketball, but Izzo is confident that they are up to the challenge.
He believes that both players can make an impact for the Spartans this season and contribute to the team’s success.
The 2024-25 season will be pivotal for Michigan State as they look to re-establish themselves among the top programs in the Big Ten.
With Richardson and Teng joining the fold, the Spartans have the potential to surprise some people, especially given that they were not included in the AP Preseason Top 25 rankings. However, Izzo’s teams are known for exceeding expectations, and this season could be no different.
A Strong Freshman Class and Key Transfers
Richardson and Teng are part of a talented freshman class that also includes two other highly regarded recruits.
Along with the incoming freshmen, Michigan State has added two transfer players to bolster their roster for the upcoming season.
These additions should provide depth and versatility, giving Izzo more options to adjust his lineup depending on matchups and game situations.
The freshmen, along with the transfer pickups, will be expected to contribute right away, particularly in a challenging Big Ten Conference that has expanded with the addition of former Pac-12 schools such as Oregon, USC, UCLA, and Washington.
The competition will be fierce, but Izzo’s ability to develop young talent has been proven time and again throughout his storied coaching career.
Tom Izzo: Legacy of Developing Talent
Throughout his career, Tom Izzo has built a reputation as one of the best coaches in college basketball, particularly when it comes to developing guards.3
Players like Vincent, Respert, Mateen Cleaves, and Cassius Winston have thrived under Izzo’s guidance, and Richardson and Teng could be the next in line.
Izzo’s ability to nurture talent and instill a winning mentality in his players has made Michigan State a perennial contender.
As the 2024-25 season approaches, Izzo’s excitement about his new crop of freshmen is palpable. If Richardson and Teng can live up to the lofty comparisons made by their coach, they could help Michigan State not only exceed expectations but also make a deep run in the Big Ten and potentially the NCAA Tournament.
Flau’jae Johnson’s Unique Influence on Kim Mulkey
In a lighter but equally intriguing story, Flau’jae Johnson, a standout player for LSU’s women’s basketball team, revealed how she convinced her coach, Kim Mulkey, to appear in her music video with Lil Wayne.
Johnson, who is also an aspiring rapper, explained that her success on the court was instrumental in convincing Mulkey to participate in the project.
“Long as I’m handling my business on court, I knew Coach Mulkey would support me off the court,” Johnson explained. The music video collaboration was a significant moment for Johnson, as it combined her two passions: basketball and music.
Mulkey’s participation also demonstrated the strong bond she has with her players, supporting them in their endeavors both on and off the court.
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Tom Izzo Sees an Exciting Season for Michigan State
Michigan State basketball head coach Tom Izzo is no stranger to success. Heading into the 2024-25 season, he is optimistic about the potential of his squad.
The Spartans are known for their competitive play in the Big Ten and consistently making deep runs in the NCAA Tournament. With a blend of returning players, talented freshmen, and impactful transfers, Izzo believes this season’s roster has the tools to be special.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at the roster changes, player development, offseason games, and the team’s prospects as Michigan State looks ahead to what could be another successful campaign.
New Roles for Returning Players
One of the most exciting aspects of Michigan State’s upcoming season is the evolution of its returning players.
According to Izzo, these athletes are stepping into different roles that will allow the entire team to flourish.
Veterans like Jaden Akins, Trejuan Holloman, and Carson Cooper have all been tasked with new responsibilities, which will give them a chance to elevate their game and lead by example.
Jaden Akins will take on more playmaking duties, having already shown flashes of brilliance as a scorer and defender. With a larger role, Akins is expected to be one of the main contributors to Michigan State’s offense. His ability to both score and distribute the ball makes him an essential piece in Izzo’s system.
Trejuan Holloman is expected to take a significant leap in his sophomore season. With a year of experience under his belt, Holloman will be tasked with more ball-handling duties and is likely to play a pivotal role in the Spartans’ transition game. His high basketball IQ and defensive tenacity will be critical assets in Michigan State’s backcourt.
Carson Cooper, known for his hustle and defensive prowess, is stepping into a more prominent role in the paint. With the team relying on his rebounding and rim protection, Cooper’s growth as an interior presence will be key for the Spartans to compete against the physical teams in the Big Ten.
Tom Izzo: Impact of Transfers
Instant Contributions
Michigan State’s roster is bolstered by the addition of transfers Szymon Zapala and Frankie Fidler, who have seamlessly fit into the team’s system.
These transfers bring experience and depth, which are crucial for any team with championship aspirations.
Szymon Zapala has already made his presence felt as a dominant rebounder. In the Spartans’ recent exhibition game, he grabbed nine rebounds, leading the team in that department. His size and physicality will be valuable in the Big Ten, where interior battles can often decide the outcome of games.
Frankie Fidler, another impactful transfer, has quickly adapted to Michigan State’s style of play. Known for his scoring and versatility, Fidler’s ability to play multiple positions gives Izzo flexibility in lineups.
His transition into the Spartans’ system has been smooth, and his experience should help the younger players as they adjust to the college game.
Izzo praised both transfers, stating, “Szymon and Frankie fit in very well so far. I give credit to our players that are here. You have to embrace that.” Their integration into the team has been seamless, and they will be relied upon for their veteran leadership and contributions on the court.
Preseason Preparation: Exhibitions and Offseason Games
- One of the key factors in Michigan State’s preseason preparation has been its series of exhibition games and offseason scrimmages.
- The team had the opportunity to travel to Spain in August, where they played against two Spanish selection teams and a Serbian ballclub.
- These games gave the Spartans a chance to test their new roster combinations and get valuable experience playing in different environments.
- The games in Spain allowed Izzo to experiment with various lineups and gave the coaching staff a clearer picture of how the new players fit into the team.
- The opportunity to compete against international competition has provided the Spartans with valuable lessons, including the importance of team chemistry and communication.
- More recently, Michigan State played against Northern Michigan in an exhibition match, securing a 70-53 victory.
- In that game, Jase Richardson showcased his scoring ability, while Szymon Zapala dominated the boards.
- The team looked sharp defensively, holding Northern Michigan to just 53 points, a testament to the Spartans’ commitment to playing tough, physical basketball.
- The Spartans conclude their preseason preparations with a final exhibition game against Ferris State on October 29, a tuneup that will help fine-tune their game plan before the regular season kicks off.
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