With a 4-1 record to start the season, Michigan State basketball has already shown flashes of promise and areas for growth. The loss to top-ranked Kansas highlighted both the team’s potential and its struggles, but there’s reason for optimism as the Spartans gear up for the always-competitive Maui Invitational, starting with a matchup against Colorado on November 25.
What We’ve Seen So Far
Shooting Woes
MSU’s three-point shooting has been its Achilles' heel. Despite an improved performance against Samford, the Spartans currently rank dead last in the country in three-point percentage. Shooting 3-24 from deep in the Kansas game didn’t help, but there’s reason to believe improvement is coming.
The team’s 80%+ free throw shooting (13th nationally) suggests touch isn’t the issue—it’s confidence and rhythm.
Standout Performers
Tyson Akins and Frankie Fidler: As expected, they’ve led the scoring effort. Akins has also been a force on the glass, taking advantage of mismatches at the shooting guard spot to grab 6 rebounds per game. Even when his shot isn’t falling, he’s impacting games defensively and on the boards.
Jaxon Kohler: The surprise of the season so far, Kohler has stepped into a key role offensively, rounding out the Spartans’ scoring leaders.
Jase Richardson: The freshman guard has been a spark, averaging 8 points per game in over 20 minutes a night. His energy and ability to make plays off the bench have been critical.
Jeremy Fears: Returning from last year’s injury, Fears has stabilized the point guard position with 4+ assists per game and a solid 2.4 assist-to-turnover ratio.
Room for Improvement
Xavier Booker: The highly-touted freshman has been underwhelming, sitting 10th on the team in scoring and struggling to make an impact on the glass with just 2.4 rebounds per game. His shooting struggles have led to the lowest effective field goal percentage (eFG%) and true shooting percentage (TS%) on the team. However, there’s nowhere to go but up, and Booker’s upside is still immense.
Team Dynamics
Depth: As expected for a Tom Izzo squad, MSU’s depth has been a major asset, with 10 players averaging 14+ minutes per game and 9 players contributing 5+ points per game.
Ball Movement: MSU ranks 19th nationally in assists per game, continuing Izzo’s tradition of unselfish basketball.
Defensive Efficiency: Metrics like blocks + steals per personal foul highlight the Spartans’ defensive discipline. Carr, Jase Richardson, Akins, and Kohler lead the way in this category.
Portal Additions:
Zapala: The big man has been a reliable presence, averaging 6 points and 5 rebounds in 17 minutes per game. He has better hands and awareness than Mady. His high eFG% leads the team, making him an important cog offensively to keep things flowing.
Fidler: While living up to expectations as a scorer and drawing fouls (7+ FT attempts per game), his shooting percentages leave room for improvement. A boost in efficiency could take his impact to another level.
The Road Ahead: Maui Invitational
Road Ahead: Maui Invitational
Michigan State’s journey in the Maui Invitational begins with a matchup against Colorado on November 25, a winnable game but by no means a gimme. The tournament’s loaded field ensures every game will be a test, offering a valuable measuring stick for the Spartans as they prepare for the grind of Big Ten play.
Potential Paths
With a Win: If MSU beats Colorado, they’ll likely face UConn, the reigning national champion, in the semifinals. From there, a victory would set up a probable showdown with North Carolina or Auburn in the championship game. This path is as challenging as it gets, providing MSU with an early chance to prove they belong among the nation’s elite.
With a Loss: Should the Spartans fall to Colorado, they’ll likely drop into the consolation bracket matchup with Memphis, a tough team in its own right. That side of the bracket will also likely include Iowa State and Dayton, and eventually, the loser of a potential UNC-Auburn clash. This route still offers competitive matchups against quality programs, which could help MSU build momentum heading into December.
Why the Maui Invitational Matters
The Maui Invitational always features one of the strongest fields of the early season, and this year is no exception. For Michigan State, the tournament represents:
A Chance to Bounce Back: After struggling against Kansas, this is an opportunity for the Spartans to find their rhythm, especially from beyond the arc.
Measuring Stick Games: Facing top-tier programs will help MSU identify where they stand and what they need to improve before Big Ten play.
Momentum Builder: A strong showing in Maui could provide invaluable confidence heading into December’s non-conference slate and the Big Ten opener.
Whether the Spartans battle for the championship or fight through the consolation bracket, the Maui Invitational promises to be an excellent test of this team’s depth, resilience, and potential. For MSU, it’s an early-season opportunity to solidify their identity and show they’re ready to compete at the highest level.
Final Thoughts
Michigan State’s early-season struggles from beyond the arc are glaring, but the team’s depth, ball movement, and defensive potential give plenty of reasons for optimism. If shooting normalizes, players like Booker find their groove, and the portal additions continue to gel, the Spartans could use Maui to gain critical momentum.
With Izzo at the helm and a roster built for postseason success, this team still has all the tools to contend come March. For now, it’s about finding consistency—and Maui is the perfect place to start.
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