Tom Izzo reveals the next step that Michigan State needs to take during final stretch

Michigan State has found a footing over the past month and a half, including the last six in conference play. Now, as they continue into February, Tom Izzo is spotlighting development from his freshmen as a crucial next step for them.

Izzo spoke about what’s next in the Spartans’ progression during his press conference on Monday. He highlighted the growth of Xavier Booker and Coen Carr as an important piece to what’s left of their puzzle. That’s so much so that he’s even making calls to colleagues across the country to best find a way to get those two 19 year olds to play better.

“I think the next step for us in the next nine or ten games in the regular season? We’ve got to get Booker going. We’ve got to get Carr going a little bit,” said Izzo.

“Talked to some buddies that I have in the profession today at Tennessee and other places that have good freshmen,” Izzo said. “It’s not much different all over the country.”

The top-six contributors for Michigan State are all veterans with experience. The freshmen class of Booker, Carr, and Jeremy Fears, who hasn’t appeared since December due to an off-court incident, come after those upperclassmen.

Booker, the former five-star, has averaged 3.7 points and 1.9 rebounds during 15 appearances in nine minutes per game off the bench. As for Carr, the former four-star, he has been slightly more productive in his reserve role. He has averaged four points and 2.3 rebounds on 68% shooting in 15 minutes a game in 22 outings.

Michigan State has plenty on their roster in order to make some noise as the season continues, including in March. If that freshman duo can add even more depth, though, it could take that potential up another notch over the final month of the regular season.

“I think for us to take one more step? I think that’s going to be important,” said Izzo. “That’s what we’re going to work on.

Michigan State matches Maryland’s physicality in crucial victory

Michigan State got its first series sweep of Big Ten play on Saturday with a 63-54 win over Maryland.

After the Spartans moved their conference record above .500 overall, SpartanMag.com’s Jim Comparoni and Paul Konyndyk checked in from the Breslin Center with commentary and analysis in the latest V-Cast.

With the win, Michigan State finds itself in a tie with Northwestern for third place in the conference.