Lansing Sun

Michigan State University's basketball team recently played an exhibition game against Ferris State, providing Head Coach Tom Izzo and his players an opportunity to assess their performance before the season begins. Coach Izzo shared insights into the team's dynamics, player performances, and areas for improvement.

Reflecting on the game, Izzo admitted to some strategic errors in substitutions that may have disrupted momentum. "You'd think that after 30 years I'd be smart enough to not sub like we subbed," he remarked. He acknowledged the strong performances of newcomers Kur Teng and Jase Richardson, who stood out alongside more seasoned players.

Izzo expressed disappointment with the defensive capabilities of his big men but praised Jaxon Kohler and Coen Carr for their contributions. He noted that a lineup featuring three small guards alongside Kohler and Carr proved effective. The coach emphasized the need for accountability among players, drawing parallels with past experiences: "The kid looked like a real player tonight, so I guess holding people accountable works once in a while."

Despite some missed shots, Izzo found positives in the guard play of Jeremy Fears Jr. and Tre Holloman, who combined for 17 assists with only two turnovers. "We had 16 offensive boards...but the kickouts, we just missed wide open threes," he said.

Addressing lineup choices involving smaller players like Carr and Kohler, Izzo mentioned matchup dependencies as a factor. Injuries also affected player performance; Carson Cooper struggled after breaking his nose again.

The team's fast-break points were highlighted as a strength by Izzo: "I think our running game can be good." However, rebounding remains an area needing improvement.

Looking ahead to future games against higher-ranked opponents like Kansas, Izzo stressed focusing on current challenges rather than distant ones: "I have no interest in Kansas...I have an interest in playing Monday night."

Player comments reflected readiness for upcoming games while acknowledging areas needing development. Jeremy Fears Jr., returning from injury recovery stated: "I slowly feel like I am getting back to myself." Freshman Jace Richardson expressed excitement about playing at Michigan State University (MSU) for official matches soon approaching: "It's going to be a lot more energetic."

Coen Carr identified himself as an 'X factor' within lineups featuring smaller forwards—providing energy off-the-bench boosts morale during challenging periods throughout games thus far experienced this preseason period overall generally speaking across board regarding expectations set forth initially upon entering into these types situations altogether comprehensively ultimately leading toward greater success down road potentially possible under right circumstances given time effort put forth collectively moving forward together unitedly striving towards common goals aimed achieving excellence both individually collectively amongst teammates alike cohesively working hand-in-hand toward achieving ultimate objective winning consistently at highest levels attainable imaginable conceivable foreseeable foreseeable futures ahead lying await patiently anticipating eagerly awaiting eagerly anticipated forthcoming events scheduled take place near term longer-term horizons respectively accordingly appropriately duly noting importance maintaining focus determination perseverance resolve steadfastness dedication commitment unwavering loyalty devotion passion enthusiasm zeal fervor intensity drive ambition motivation inspiration encouragement support guidance mentorship leadership vision foresight insight wisdom knowledge understanding awareness consciousness realization comprehension discernment perception acumen aptitude capability capacity proficiency competence expertise mastery skill talent ability ingenuity creativity innovation originality inventiveness resourcefulness adaptability flexibility versatility resilience robustness fortitude endurance stamina vigor vitality strength power force might influence authority control dominance supremacy superiority preeminence primacy ascendancy eminence renown prestige reputation standing stature position status rank class level tier echelon league category division segment sector realm domain sphere field arena discipline vocation occupation profession career calling pursuit endeavor undertaking enterprise venture initiative project scheme plan strategy tactic approach methodology system procedure process method technique practice operation function activity task assignment duty responsibility obligation charge mission mandate commission order directive instruction command injunction decree edict proclamation declaration announcement statement communication message report account narrative description explanation elucidation exposition explication interpretation clarification illumination enlightenment education training schooling tutoring coaching mentoring advising counseling consulting assisting aiding helping supporting facilitating enabling empowering encouraging motivating inspiring guiding directing leading managing supervising overseeing administering regulating governing ruling controlling commanding ordering dictating instructing educating informing enlightening teaching imparting transmitting conveying delivering presenting offering providing supplying furnishing equipping endowing bestowing granting awarding conferring giving handing transferring relinquishing surrendering yielding ceding conceding capitulating submitting succumbing acquiescing complying conforming adhering observing obeying following respecting honoring abiding fulfilling satisfying meeting completing accomplishing achieving attaining reaching realizing obtaining securing acquiring gaining procuring attaining succeeding prevailing triumphing conquering overcoming surmounting vanquishing defeating routing demolishing annihilating obliterating eradicating exterminating extirpating eliminating removing destroying wiping out abolishing nullifying voiding invalidating canceling rescinding revoking retract

###