A lot rests on the shoulders of Jaden Akins and Coen Carr this season
Returning Players: Jaden Akins, Coen Carr, Gehrig Normand
Departed Players: None
Transfers In: Frankie Fidler
Recruits In: Kur Teng
Let’s take a look at the 24/25 Spartan wingers. These are the guys who could get some time at small forward and shooting guard. This season is a mix of unknowns, will potential be reached and has proper growth and development taken place to give the Spartans the success they are looking for this season. I’ve got a bunch of Spartans in my circle who are big basketball fans and I asked them what their thoughts were on these wings and there was a lot we agreed upon.
Jaden Akins (Senior – 6’4” 195 lbs)
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Jaden Akins is hands down one of the most important players on this year’s roster. Akins has been tabbed a “breakout player to watch” almost every year. Unfortunately, he hasn’t quite taken those true “breakout” steps. This year his breakout will be essential to the season’s success. Akins has steadily improved each year, it just hasn’t been the big jump we’ve all been expecting. He is going to have to be more assertive this season as a scorer. He averaged 10.4 a game last year and that is going to need to go up. He’ll be playing a lot of minutes again and would love to see that translate to improved shooting percentage, especially from behind the arc.
I do think Akins is aware of his role and the importance of his leadership this season. I can definitely see Izzo trying some small ball and seeing if a perfect trio combination flourishes on the court. If Akins is able and willing to score more it will be a nice step in replacing last season’s top three scorers. The polls I’ve been taking are pretty split on Akins making the jump or being an under developed bust.
Gehrig Normand (Redshirt Freshman – 6’5” 190lbs)
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Normand is coming in and is “itching to play”. Having redshirted last year he’s still rocking four years of eligibility and Spartan faithful are hoping he’s got something special to contribute. He’s recently been battling a sprained knee and thus didn’t see any time against Ferris State. Normand is going to have to show something if he plans to get some playing time this year. Where he may find that solution is in his perimeter shooting. If he is able to show a hot hand in some opportunities it will go a long way in playing time in the crowded lineup. The problem with Normand is with the constant battle of injuries he’s unlikely to see any of that time to even test that hot hand.
Coen Carr (Sophomore – 6’5” 225 lbs)
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Coen Carr is probably the most talented player with the most potential on the roster. He gained a ton of experience last season and you could see his confidence and growth throughout the season. Carr obviously has that showtime, stretch the court with the lob pass finish with a sensational dunk. The extra element to Carr’s game is his defense. I expect him to have a solid season in rebounds and blocks. The question is will he be asked to handle too much? If he is asked, will he answer? To quote one of my friends, “he is being asked to guard, run the floor and Vince Carter out there”. That is a lot to take on. He definitely has the talent to do it all and agreeing with another response to fans I polled he would be even better if he developed a shot behind the arc. For the Spartans to have a truly exceptional year, Carr is going to have to take a big jump in progression.
Kur Teng (Freshman – 6’4” 190 lbs)
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Teng has one sweet looking jumper and the sound of that ball swishing in the net is something that will get Breslin rocking. He’s an incoming freshman that I think will get playing time. Teng comes in as a four star recruit and a top 75 player in the country. If he can keep Izzo’s trust he’ll play. The tangible we’ve seen in Teng is he’s not afraid to shoot the ball and will take his shots. He looked great in the Ferris St exhibition the other night. Obviously there is always a learning curve for freshman, especially defensively. As long as he doesn’t become a liability I think he sees more playing time than most prognosticators are predicting.
Frankie Fidler (Senior – 6’7” 217 lbs)
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Fidler comes to East Lansing as a transfer from Omaha. There is no doubt this guy can shoot. Fidler last year at Omaha averaged 20.1 points per game, 6.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. He connected on 45.2 percent of his field goals, 35.6 percent of his 3-point attempts and a team-best 85.4 percent of his free throws. So clearly, the guy can shoot. Fidler looks to be a very nice addition to this team with some senior leadership and stretching defenders out to the perimeter. He led the Spartans in scoring in Spain and recently against Ferris. It’s clear that he will be playing a key role this season. However, the big question is will his game transfer to the big stage and be able to put up those consistent numbers against tough opponents. It’s his final year of eligibility so he has motivation to get it done. I like Fidler and see him as a very important player as the season progresses.
There is definitely depth, potential and expectations from these four. Will Akins make the jump? Will Carr dominate? Can Teng or Normand see the court and make a difference? Will Fidler have a high field goal percentage? Time will tell, of course. While my heart wishes and hopes for a final four and a natty, my brain says reality may be the sweet 16. I hope I’m wrong.