BREAKING NEWS :3 changes Tom Izzo should make after Michigan State basketball’s 2-1 start.
BREAKING NEWS: 3 Changes Tom Izzo Must Make After Michigan State Basketball’s Shaky 2-1 Start
East Lansing, MI — While it’s far from panic time in East Lansing, Michigan State basketball’s 2-1 start to the season has left fans and analysts scratching their heads. A preseason top-10 team under legendary head coach Tom Izzo, the Spartans have not looked as polished or dominant as expected, especially on the offensive end. A narrow win over a mid-major opponent and a tough early-season loss to a ranked team have exposed several concerning trends.
Izzo, known for his fire, discipline, and championship pedigree, certainly has time to course-correct. However, to get Michigan State back on a national championship track, here are three urgent changes Izzo must make immediately:
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1. Fix the Shooting Woes — Especially Beyond the Arc
The Spartans’ perimeter shooting has been abysmal through three games. Despite returning a strong veteran core, Michigan State is shooting under 25% from three-point range — unacceptable for a team that leans on spacing and smart ball movement. Tyson Walker, Jaden Akins, and A.J. Hoggard must find their rhythm, but Izzo can’t afford to wait passively. He needs to introduce more in-game shooting sets designed to get his guards open looks off screens and dribble-handoffs, rather than isolations and contested pull-ups. Implementing quicker ball reversals and inside-out play through the bigs could help the shooters regain confidence.
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2. Unlock the Freshman Class Sooner, Not Later
Izzo has one of the most talented freshman groups in the country, but he’s been cautious with their minutes. Players like Coen Carr, Xavier Booker, and Jeremy Fears Jr. bring much-needed athleticism and energy — two qualities that have been lacking in stretches so far. Booker, in particular, could be a game-changer with his length and shot-blocking. Integrating them more heavily into the rotation will not only provide depth but also set the stage for sustained March success. Waiting too long could stunt their development and cost the Spartans valuable wins in the short term.
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3. Reestablish Defensive Intensity and Transition Dominance
Michigan State under Tom Izzo has long been known for gritty defense and punishing transition play. That identity seems to have faded early this season. The Spartans are allowing too many easy buckets and failing to consistently turn defense into fast-break opportunities — a hallmark of past Izzo-led teams. Reinstating full-court pressure in stretches, demanding more ball pressure at the point of attack, and emphasizing rebounding fundamentals will help reignite the Spartan edge. With athletes like Malik Hall and Tre Holloman, there’s no reason MSU can’t be one of the top defensive teams in the Big Ten.
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Final Thoughts
Tom Izzo has built his legacy on resilience and mid-season turnarounds. While a 2-1 record doesn’t doom the Spartans’ season, it’s a clear wake-up call. With a national spotlight on East Lansing and expectations sky-high, Izzo must make swift adjustments — tactically and rotationally — to return Michigan State to elite form. These three changes could be the difference between an early exit and a Final Four run.