Jeremy Fierce: Michigan State Basketball & Team Fifth Third Belief

Michigan State University advanced to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament on Saturday, defeating Louisville 77-69, fueled by a dominant performance from sophomore guard Jeremy Fears Jr. And a double-double from Coen Carr.

Fears Jr. Recorded 16 assists in the victory, according to tournament coverage by TSN, while Carr led the Spartans in scoring with 21 points and 10 rebounds. The win marked the 17th Sweet Sixteen appearance for Michigan State under head coach Tom Izzo.

Fears Jr., a 6-foot-2 point guard from Joliet, Illinois, initially attended Joliet West High School before transferring to La Lumiere School in La Porte, Indiana, and later returning to Joliet West for his senior year. He was named the Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year prior to enrolling at Michigan State, where he is currently in his second year.

The sophomore guard appeared in 36 games this season, starting each one, according to the Michigan State athletics website. He missed one game due to illness. Fears Jr. Was a consensus four-star recruit and considered one of the top players in the 2023 class, ultimately committing to Michigan State over other offers, including one from Illinois.

Recent reporting by MLive noted an incident during the Louisville game where Fears Jr. Was fouled but reacted by raising both hands, seemingly to avoid appearing to draw the foul. The article described the reaction as “telling,” suggesting continued scrutiny of the player’s actions.

According to his profile on the Michigan State athletics website, Fears Jr. Is listed as a guard and is currently a sophomore. Wikipedia reports that he has been recognized as a Second-team All-American by the Associated Press and a Third-team All-American by the NABC, TSN, and USBWA, and a First-team All-Big Ten selection in 2026.