Jeremy Fears’ definition of success goes beyond individual accolades as Michigan State chases another title

Jeremy Fears Jr. knows the attention surrounding him will follow Michigan State into every gym this season. The preseason honors, his place among the program’s great playmakers, and the possibility of a Final Four in Detroit have made the Spartans’ point guard a central figure in the expectations surrounding Tom Izzo’s team.

But when Fears describes the impression he wants to leave on an opponent, he starts with the other end of the floor. He wants the guard across from him to spend the night working for everything.

“You want to be able to go in the game and be like, ‘Man, I know I'm about to get pressured and guarded hard the whole 40 minutes,’” Fears said. “So that's just my goal and my mindset of keep growing and keep getting better and uh don't be satisfied.”

That defensive standard offers a window into how Fears views his responsibilities entering his fourth season at Michigan State. The redshirt junior has individual ambitions, but he also understands how much of the Spartans’ season will depend on the example he sets, the decisions he makes, and his ability to bring teammates along with him.

Michigan State has the depth to give Izzo options and the talent to pursue a national championship. Turning those possibilities into something more will require players to accept fluctuating roles, share opportunities, and remain committed when the season becomes more demanding than its preseason promise.

Fears believes that starts with him and Coen Carr.

“If you know I'm willing to take less shots or give other guys open shots and just...