2024 MSU Hoops Preview: The Point Guards

Syndication: Desert Sun — Taya Gray/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Long Green Line of Spartan Greats at the Point should continue

Returning Players: Jeremy Fears Jr., Tre Holloman, Nick Sanders

Departed Players: A.J. Hoggard, Tyson Walker

Transfers In: None

Recruits In: Jase Richardson

Since last season, Michigan State’s backcourt saw the departure of A.J. Hoggard and Tyson Walker, pivotal figures in the Spartans’ recent successes. Though in many fans’ eyes A.J. never fully developed to his max potential and his seemingly lax exterior, especially in his early years at State, had some questioning his fire inside. No doubt though, he was a major contributor throughout his career and, with the Winston-esque Walker, the pair could pull some amazing passes and tear drops out of their headbands or just find their way to the hole when they needed/decided to. Over their tenures, each in their own way, whether improved shooting or growing defense and leadership qualities, became two of Coach Izzo’s most trusted players on both ends of the floor.

Despite moments of inconsistency in his offensive game, Hoggard’s progress over four years and eventual leadership were essential to MSU’s identity, right alongside Walker’s flex between shooter and point. Their absences this season will challenge the current roster to step up, particularly as the point is taken over by the journeyman Holloman with youngsters Fears and Richardson – even if Fears is now the starter and the Floor General, he still only has a handful of games under his belt.

So let’s look at who we have at the Point.

Tre Holloman (Junior – 6’2” 185 lbs)

Tre Holloman’s greatest strength heading into this season is his consistency, stemming from his steady development as a disciplined playmaker. His basketball IQ makes him a reliable facilitator who protects the ball and distributes effectively. He’s not been one to go after the offensive superstardom, though he has flashes. Instead, he’s craved recognition for his defensive tenacity, making him a strong asset against quick guards. His fan-commented offseason growth, especially in shooting and offensive reads, positions him to be one of those key players poised to step up, even if he is coming off the bench – or perhaps because of it.

The main criticism of Tre often centered on his limited scoring and offensive assertiveness. While his defense and passing are solid, his relatively low shooting percentages and tendency to be more pass-focused at times seemed to hinder his ability to create his own shot or take over scoring when the team needed it (though he has certainly hit some clutch threes when they weren’t dropping for Akins or Hall). This has led some to question his capacity to be an offensive threat at the same level as other guards, although rumors of his offseason work suggest we may be surprised.

Holloman will have to generate needed leadership this year and adapt to higher expectations on both offense and defense. It’s not a lock the team goes as Tre goes – he’s the backup who could falter and we’ll still have (likely) two good, but very green, players in the rotation. However, if Holloman’s progression really is where Izzo wants it, Tre has the potential to give the team a new dimension where, when he does get going on O, the team will really benefit. The other night, Tre notched 9 assists to 1 TO, 2 rebounds and a steal, and went 2-5 from the floor with 0-2 from deep in his 18 minutes.

Jase Richardson (True Freshman – 6’3” 185lbs)

COLLEGE BASKETBALL: OCT 29 Ferris State at Michigan State

Spartan fans should expect Jase Richardson to bring a high level of versatility, especially for a freshman guard. Known for his smooth ball-handling, athleticism (though he has some muscle yet to add to his frame) and court vision, Jase has the ability to control the tempo and make sharp decisions in the backcourt. Richardson also possesses a strong mid-range game and a confident shooting stroke, which should add to the Spartans’ offensive options. Defensively, he’s disciplined and quick, likely making him a valuable two-way player with a promising future as he develops a balanced mindset under Izzo’s system.

In both Spain and the exhibition games Jase was getting a lot of run. That bodes well for the legacy true freshman who has a great future in front of him (hopefully for the fans, more than a couple years in Green and White). Jase is young, talented, and knows what the program is about. Against Ferris in 11 minutes, he went 2-2 from three, 3-3 overall, with three boards and an assist. He’ll see the floor a lot and early with the coaches testing his poise and ~~growing~~ forcing his experience.

Nick Sanders (Junior – 5’10” 185 lbs)

Currently, Nick Sanders has officially logged 3 total points in his MSU career – all on a three against Stony Brook on December 22, 2023. Since joining the Spartans, he has (officially) appeared in 15 total games, notching a total of 18 minutes of playing time. That said, he hit a three in Spain and nabbed an assist in his two minutes of exhibition time Tuesday night. He also had one minute at Northern and is always a fan favorite when he checks in at the scorers’ table. Most importantly, he’s an OKG and hustles with the practice squad.

Jeremy Fears (RS Freshman – 6’2” 180 lbs)

The Spartans welcome back Jeremy Fears, who has featured as the starting point guard in the season’s opening exhibition games. Fears quickly built a reputation as a standout player for the Spartans last year before an off-campus injury ended his season and sent him to surgery and rehab. Izzo publicly noted Jeremy’s heart and desire driving him up the long road of recovery. Throughout, Fears remained the complete teammate, showing voice and leadership from the bench when he had the option to fade into the shadows as many other medical redshirts have done. His early performances highlighted his strong game-management skills and natural leadership abilities, setting a solid foundation for his role this season. This year, Fears’ off-season work and development has impressed coaches. Held out of Moneyball, only the fans able to see the Spain and exhibition games have yet witnessed Fears v2. V2 is expected to guide Michigan State’s tempo and direct the offense with an increased sense of control. As the season unfolds, his leadership and tenacity on the court will be instrumental in elevating MSU’s backcourt and pushing them toward success – especially if he still has a few Freshman mistakes hiding in him somewhere he has yet to overcome.

Tuesday night, “The Floor General” logged 8 assists, went 4-4 from the line, and hit his only three in 25 min. 2-5 from the floor. A step up from his 20 minute, 4-turnover, 2-assist evening at Northern.

Overall

For all the talent and cohesion this team has, the Spartans will go as the Point position develops. Of note, all three (sorry Nick) of the point guards were on the court at the same time Tuesday (along with Carr and Kohler). The talent and depth is there – the question for this line is how quickly they can prove they have the experience needed to take MSU to the promised land.

Go Green.

Bonus – Ferris State Recap

Michigan State got off to a strong start in their second exhibition game, defeating Ferris State 85-67. The Spartans showcased a balanced team effort, with every team member seeing the floor (including the Walton brothers and Sanders) with 11 players logging points and 47 of the 85 coming from the bench. Frankie Fidler and Coen Carr led the way with 14 and 12 points, on 3-7 and 6-10 shooting, respectively, bringing energy on both ends of the floor. Meanwhile, Xavier Booker contributed 10 points and snagged two rebounds in his 19 minutes, showing flashes of his versatile offensive game. The team excelled in fast breaks, racking up 30 points in transition, which allowed them to control the tempo from start to finish.

As expected, the Spartans also out-rebounded their opponent 45-29. Jaxon Kohler led the Spartans with 11 , asserting himself in the paint and grabbing three offensive boards. Defensively, MSU forced 14 turnovers and converted them into 24 points. As mentioned above, Jeremy Fears Jr. and Holloman combined for 17 assists and 14 points to guide the offense. Kur Teng and Jase combined for 17 points, 5 boards, and an assist in their combined 20 minutes.

All the good stuff aside, the team’s shooting performance, particularly from beyond the arc, (31.8%) registered as an area for work to be done. Akins went 1-5 from the floor with Izzo mentioning afterwards, “I think Jaden’s got to get Jaden going.” The team just struggled in the first half, shooting just 37.1% overall. Between that and 14 turnovers for the game – there is some inconsistency in the offensive execution. This doesn’t all rest on the point guards who overall had good games, and it is early season, but it does point to a need for better ball control and decision-making under pressure. Post game Izzo gave out some grades and mentioned some effort-based potential lineup changes: Carr received an A+, a few others D-s. Kansas is two weeks away. Go Green.