Overview
- After a 30-win year with a Big Ten title and an Elite Eight run, Michigan State reshaped its roster with four veteran returners, four transfers and two freshmen following seven scholarship departures.
- Tom Izzo identified Jeremy Fears Jr., Coen Carr, Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper as the players who must elevate into breakout roles this season.
- Jordan Scott emerged as a preseason surprise after adding 15 pounds of muscle, drawing a Max Christie comparison from Izzo; freshman Cam Ward also earned strong early reviews.
- The starting shooting guard spot remains open between Kur Teng, called the team’s best pure shooter, and transfer Trey Fort, whom Izzo says needs growth on defense.
- Exhibitions begin Oct. 23 against Bowling Green, with the regular-season opener set for Nov. 3 versus Colgate, as the Spartans enter ranked No. 22 in the AP poll and sixth in a Big Ten media vote.