LAST DANCE?: Michigan State basketball READY for run with Jeremy Fears | Is MSU Big Ten's best?

Locked On Spartans - Daily Podcast On Michigan State Spartans Football & Basketball31mJune 2, 2026
AI-Generated Summary

The return of Jeremy Fears to Michigan State basketball feels like a final, emotional chapter in a storied era, with the Spartans poised for a potential deep run in the Big Ten. Hosts Matt Sheehan and Dave Klein reflect on the bittersweet nature of Fears' decision to return for one last season, framing it as 'The Last Dance' for a generation of players and coach Tom Izzo, who remains a force at 71. Despite uncertainty about Izzo's future and the fleeting window for Fears’ NBA prospects, the roster now features elite talent: a returning All-American guard, a high-upside freshman center in Ethan Taylor, and a strong supporting cast. The duo debates whether Michigan State truly belongs in the Big Ten’s top tier alongside Illinois and Michigan, ultimately agreeing that the three are closely matched in talent and potential. They also highlight the intrigue around Taylor’s development after a rocky senior year at Link Academy, and the promise of a deep frontcourt rotation. As the season approaches, the podcast captures a rare moment of optimism — not just for a team, but for a fanbase that’s been through years of rebuilding and waiting.

Key Takeaways
1

Jeremy Fears' return is likely his final season, making it a 'last dance' for a generation of Spartans.

2

Michigan State is now a top-tier Big Ten contender alongside Illinois and Michigan, with no clear separation in talent.

3

Ethan Taylor’s potential is high despite a disappointing senior year — his physical tools and Team USA call-up signal elite upside.

4

The frontcourt rotation with Bonk, McCullough, and Taylor could feature a 7-foot tandem if Taylor develops quickly.

5

Purdue is undervalued in the Big Ten projections and could be a dark horse with Matt Painter’s leadership.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:02
1 min

Welcome to Locked On Spartans

Introduction to the podcast, promotion of the Everydayer Club, and a teaser of the season’s emotional stakes.

1:32
1 min

The Last Dance for Jeremy Fears

This really does feel like it's going to be it for Jeremy Fears. Certainly Cohen Carr as well. Izzo is 71, going to be 72 during the season. I want to enjoy next year, but I also don't want to sound like an alarmist when I say it really feels like the last dance in the here and now.

Highlight
3:27
1 min

The Window for Michigan State

Discussion on whether the current roster represents a rare opportunity for a deep run, given the program’s recruiting cycle and player development timeline.

6:28
1 min

Fixing Jeremy Fears: The One Trait That Could Make Him NBA-Ready

If he could just shoot 35% and up with consistent volume from deep, it just opens up the rest of the roster in his entire game.

Highlight
12:00
2 min

Ethan Taylor: From Link Academy to Team USA

I've never been happier to hear a kid didn't have like a great time in his senior year than I was when he's kind of letting on that. Yeah, the vibe is way different here.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
This really does feel like it's going to be it for Jeremy Fears. Certainly Cohen Carr as well. Izzo is 71, going to be 72 during the season. I want to enjoy next year, but I also don't want to sound like an alarmist when I say it really feels like the last dance in the here and now.
Matt Sheehan2:00
I've never been happier to hear a kid didn't have like a great time in his senior year than I was when he's kind of letting on that. Yeah, the vibe is way different here.
Matt Sheehan17:40
I mean, I think that the easy answer is like if he could just shoot 35 and up with consistent volume from deep, it just opens up the rest of the roster in his entire game.
Dave Klein7:32
Speakers

Hosts

Matt SheehanDave Klein
Topics Discussed
michigan state basketball95%jeremy fears return90%big ten basketball85%ethan taylor prospects80%tom izzo coaching75%u18 fiba americas cup70%purdue basketball65%nba draft prospects60%
People & Brands

Jeremy Fears

person

24xPositive

Ethan Taylor

person

18xNeutral

Dave Klein

person

18xPositive

Matt Sheehan

person

15xNeutral

Tom Izzo

person

12xPositive

Team USA U18

organization

8xPositive

Purdue

organization

8xPositive

Josiah Jervis

person

6xPositive

U18 FIBA Americas Cup

other

6xPositive

Cohen Carr

person

5xPositive

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