Tom Izzo Strikes a deal with Promising star who is willing to…

When I say that I am most looking forward to watching Jeremy Fears next season, I think I can speak for the majority of Michigan State basketball fans. Not just because he is a gifted player, but also because he lost more than half of this season. From all indications, he should be fit and prepared for the upcoming season. What can we anticipate from him then?

On The Drive with Jack, Tom Izzo was questioned about Jeremy Fears and whether he believed the Michigan State product was the next in line for all-time great point guards. You might be surprised by Izzo’s response.

When asked if Fears will be the next great point guard who is an extension of Izzo on the court, he said, “I think he is.”Izzo then expanded and talked about a player that Jeremy reminds him of.“The last game he (Fears) played he had 10 assists in 15 minutes. He’s got those same Mateen-type quarterback skills and leadership skills.”Now that’s a lofty comparison. But maybe there’s some truth to it.

We already know how much of a natural leader Fears is and he proved that during his short freshman season. So maybe he is already showing us signs of being like Mateen Cleaves. Of course, Izzo did dial it back a little bit after that comment, saying, “I don’t want to put too much pressure on him (Fears) but I think he’s got those skills. I think he’s gotta improve his shooting just like Mateen did.”

But the one thing that separates Fears is his work ethic. Izzo brought this up as well.

“He works morning, noon, and night.”

Tom concluded this talk on Fears by stating that Fears may benefit from this past season’s sideline watching and that “he learned a lot watching.” Although he may have gained more knowledge by playing, skilled athletes can also learn a great deal by observing. Fears will thus be able to contribute that distinct viewpoint to the upcoming season, when he will have another opportunity to excel on the floor.

Much as with Izzo, I have great expectations for Fears in the upcoming season. Though I don’t think the analogies to Cleaves are appropriate at this time, Fears’ game does have some similarities to him. After his injury, it will be fascinating to see what sort of player Fears is, but if he can continue where he left off, he might have a very successful season.