Tom Izzo unveils a revamped rotation against Incarnate Word, featuring a Fears-Scott backcourt and Anton Bonke’s massive presence inside to kickstart the Spartans' Final Four pursuit.
If you haven't realized it quite yet, the Michigan State Spartans' quest for their first Final Four appearance since 2019 starts tomorrow.
On Friday, October 2, the Spartans will face Incarnate Word in an extremely early exhibition matchup.
While this game will not necessarily provide a perfect look at Michigan State's starting lineup when the regular season begins in November, it will give fans their first glimpse at how Tom Izzo plans to piece this year's team together.
And there is plenty to be excited about.
Fears and Scott Will Start in the Backcourt
Izzo announced that Jeremy Fears Jr. and Jordan Scott will start in the backcourt for the Spartans' first preseason game.
The duo played together in every game after Divine Ugochukwu suffered a season-ending injury roughly midway through last season, giving the two some familiarity with one another.
Incoming freshman guards Jasiah Jervis and Carlos Medlock Jr. should both see plenty of playing time throughout the season, and in my opinion, both have the talent to eventually push for a starting spot.
However, they have a potential breakout player standing directly in their way in Scott.
The two-guard position was a major problem for Michigan State last season following the surprising transfer of Tre Holloman to NC State. That departure left Izzo and the Spartans with a significant hole in the backcourt.
Scott did his best to fill it as a freshman, but he also showed some of the growing pains that come with being a young player, particularly toward the end of the season.
Now, he gets an opportunity to prove that he is ready to take another step forward.
McCullough Gets the Nod at Power Forward
The starting forwards for Friday's matchup will be Coen Carr and Jesse McCullough.
This is the biggest change from what could eventually become Michigan State's regular-season starting lineup — although it isn't really a change at all.
Cam Ward, who could be Michigan State's starting power forward once the regular season arrives, will sit out the first exhibition game. That opens the door for McCullough to get the start.
And based on how he has played this summer, McCullough has certainly earned the opportunity.
Ward is a sophomore who is built like a brick wall and plays with an incredible amount of passion. He should be one of the more fun players to watch this season.
However, Ward was spotted walking around in a boot a couple of weeks ago, so it appears he is still recovering from whatever is keeping him sidelined.
McCullough will get the start ahead of fellow bigs Kaleb Glenn and freshman Julius Avent.
Glenn missed all of last season with an injury after transferring to Michigan State from Florida Atlantic. When healthy, he could become an important piece at the four, particularly when Izzo wants to go with a smaller lineup.
Bonke Gets His First Look at the 5
The fifth starter will be 7-foot-2 transfer Anton Bonke at center.
Izzo has not officially announced that Bonke has earned the regular-season starting spot at the five over freshman Ethan Taylor.
However, Izzo has traditionally shown plenty of trust in experienced players, and if Friday's exhibition lineup is a foreshadowing of what is to come, Bonke could very well be penciled in as Michigan State's newest starting center.
At 7-foot-2, Bonke brings an entirely different physical presence to the Spartans' frontcourt.
And that is what makes this Michigan State roster so intriguing.
A Little Bit of Everything
The Spartans have a beautiful combination of veteran leadership, youthful energy, size, length, strength, established players and potential breakout stars.
It is a melting pot of just about everything you could want in a college basketball roster, and it is all being stirred by the mastermind himself, Tom Izzo.
The regular season may still be more than a month away, but Michigan State is finally ready to play some basketball.
Friday's exhibition against Incarnate Word will provide the first real look at this year's team — and if nothing else, it should give Spartans fans plenty to talk about heading into November.
