An Aggressive Jeremy Fears Jr. Would Propel MSU

Throughout February, Fears looked hesitant in the half-court. He did not seek his own shot or push the tempo often. 

Fears has only taken 43 shots over the last eight games, connecting on only 13 (30.2 percent). Not hitting his shots will not help his confidence.

It looked like he snapped out of his funk against Michigan, hitting 4-of-8 shots and scoring 10 important points. However, in the two games since, he has scored just 6 points with six assists.

The Spartans are at their best when Fears is playing aggressively. He has a better jump shot than he realizes, and he can make a lot happen for the offense when he pushes the tempo, penetrating the lane and getting to the basket. 

Izzo continues to start Fears because he is the smartest player on the team when the ball is in his hands and a game-changer defensively. Despite the offense not clicking in a while, Fears is a net positive on the floor for this team. 

While guards like Jase Richardson and Tre Holloman have more scoring capabilities, neither can facilitate or run the offense like Fears can. 

If Fears can add more in the scoring department and be more assertive with his decision-making in the half-court, it could unlock a world of possibilities for this basketball team. 

Izzo should not even consider benching Fears for a second. He is too valuable to the team’s success. 

However, he should encourage Fears not to be so timid. The team is better when he attacks. 

We will see if Fears finds some aggression as the team pursues a Big Ten title.