Tom Izzo Sends Strong Message to Jeremy Fears Jr.
Tom Izzo says being good isn't good enough for Jeremy Fears Jr., revealing why Michigan State's star point guard must reach an elite level.
Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo delivered a strong message to his star point guard, Jeremy Fears Jr., following the team's convincing 96-59 victory over Quinnipiac on Monday night. Izzo emphasized that simply playing well is no longer sufficient; Fears must elevate his performance to an elite level. The veteran coach explained that Fears' standards have changed, with "okay" and "good" no longer acceptable.
Izzo believes Fears' defensive intensity has helped elevate his teammates, and he expects Fears to adopt this same intensity consistently. Despite his star point guard's impressive double-double, Izzo noted that the team has a lot of work to do, highlighting three turnovers, including two that were "ridiculous." Fears, who led the nation in assists last season, was named Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year before the 2026-27 season.
Izzo's high expectations stem from Fears' ability to control games on both ends of the floor, and the Michigan State coach wants his point guard to set the tone defensively and make his teammates better.
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