Witness legendary alumni, intense workouts, and team bonding as "The Cut" unveils the raw, behind-the-scenes journey of Michigan State's brotherhood.
The Michigan State Spartans are giving fans a rare, all-access look this season with The Cut, a YouTube series that takes viewers inside the court, locker room, and beyond. The year-long show promises to showcase the highs and lows of being part of the Spartan family—led, of course, by one of college basketball’s most passionate coaches, Tom Izzo.
Episode One premiered Tuesday and set the tone for what looks to be a must-watch series for Spartan fans.
The episode opens with program legend Mateen Cleaves speaking to the current team about how special it is to wear green and white. The players listen closely, taking in his words about legacy and pride. From there, the focus shifts to Grind Week, a crucial period where the team hosts potential recruits and welcomes back Spartan alumni. Cameos include Draymond Green, Eron Harris, Travis Trice, and Travis Walton, who each share their own experiences.
Trice reflects on his ten-year professional career, saying that one thing always stands out: when you tell someone you played at Michigan State, “it means something.”
From there, the show launches into a high-energy workout montage. Freshman Cam Ward recalls arriving on campus June 7 and starting lifts the very next day. Players like Carson Cooper and Trey Fort talk about the fun, competitive environment Izzo builds during training. “There’s no let-up in practice,” Fort says—a line that perfectly sums up the Spartan way.
The behind-the-scenes practice footage is one of the highlights of the episode. We get to see how Izzo coaches, how veterans push the newcomers, and how quickly bonds are formed. Ward opens up about his early impressions, noting that Jaxon Kohler is intense, Jeremy Fears Jr. helps him stay out of Izzo’s crosshairs, and Coen Carr ensures nobody cuts corners.
The tone shifts next to a lighter moment—team bonding on the beach. Players are seen tubing, tossing footballs, and hanging out by a bonfire as the sun sets. Even Izzo gets in on the fun, playing cornhole with his guys. It’s a great look at the off-court chemistry of a roster filled with new faces.
More alumni—Xavier Tillman, Kalin Lucas, and Gary Harris—make appearances later, sharing words of encouragement as the team prepares for the season ahead. Cam Ward remains the episode’s central figure, giving fans a glimpse into his mindset as he begins his freshman journey.
The episode wraps with the Spartans preparing for their exhibition matchup against Bowling Green. We see Jaxon Kohler rallying his teammates in the locker room, followed by game highlights and a final voiceover from Draymond Green:
“What I get out of coming back is a sense of pride—a smile on my face.”
It closes perfectly with Izzo at the podium, delivering a line that defines his program:
“Nobody will have what we have.”
The Cut does an excellent job of showing what it truly means to be a Spartan—on and off the court. It’s not just about basketball; it’s about brotherhood. With more intense, in-season episodes ahead, fans can expect to see the grind, emotion, and heart that define Michigan State basketball.