The Leap: Jeremy Fears Jr. is playing like one of college basketball’s elite point guards
Fears is emerging as the Spartans’ engine, setting career highs, and leading the nation in assists.
It has been a special start to the season for Michigan State point guard Jeremy Fears Jr.
Five games in, the redshirt sophomore is averaging 11.8 points, 10.4 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game. He’s doing everything for the Spartans.
Tom Izzo is often hard on his upperclassmen - especially his point guards - but after Friday night’s game, he had praise for the development Fears has shown so far this season.
“He's just starting to come into his own and he's still got to get a little better defensively; there were a couple of times he got after it like I think he can,” Izzo said. “I think he's got to get that a little more consistent, so does he. But I felt good that I think he's playing under control.”
Already this season, Fears has set his career high in scoring twice (15 and 18 points), and he’s shooting above 40% from three on a career high in attempts. When both his scoring and playmaking are rolling, the Spartans will be hard to beat.
“I kind of have that balance of taking and making my open shots, but also at the same time making sure the guys get their shots when they’re open at the right time,” Fears said. “So finding that balance—making sure they’re getting shots and I’m taking and making open ones.”
Fears’ game has taken a major leap. He now leads the nation in assists and has become the most important player on the floor for Michigan State during its 5–0 start, which includes two wins over top-15 opponents.
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