After three Michigan State exhibition games, one thing is clear: the Spartans' offense will need a spark early and often, and that might come at the hands of McDonald's All-American freshman Jasiah Jervis.
The 6-foot-4 guard has been a bright spot on a team that has shown too much poor play throughout its exhibition schedule.
Despite the Spartans losing both of their exhibition games this week, Jervis showed the type of tenacity you want to see from any Spartan, but especially from a freshman who was so highly touted. He is one of the highest-rated recruits to commit to Tom Izzo in quite some time.
In the past, Izzo has been reluctant to play his highly recruited freshmen, regardless of how good they might be. In my opinion, that loyalty has hurt Izzo, potentially causing recruits to look elsewhere rather than join a program where they must earn their way into the rotation regardless of how well they play.
However, perhaps Izzo is proving the old saying that you can't teach an old dog new tricks wrong. He might be ready to not only give Jervis heavy minutes but also start him right out of the gate.
The shooting guard position has been in shambles for the Spartans ever since Tre Holloman left last year through the transfer portal to join NC State. Michigan State tried to supplement the loss with the players it had available, along with some transfers, but nothing stuck. By the end of the season, freshman Jordan Scott was getting the minutes and starting nod at shooting guard. He played well, but you could tell it wasn't his natural position. If not for his passion on the court, he might not have even been considered for the role.
Now, Michigan State has a top-30 recruit who has shown he is up to the task on both ends of the floor: Jasiah Jervis.
Jervis averaged 13 points, two rebounds and one assist, shooting 55% from the field and 53% from three-point range on six attempts per game in just 21 minutes per game.
The Spartans' outside shooting has been a problem for the past two years, with inconsistent performances leaving the team in need of a jolt of energy throughout last season. Jervis appears to be exactly the type of player who can provide it. He isn't afraid to let the long ball fly, and he has been knocking down shots at an impressive rate against quality competition.
Jervis could be the perfect shooting guard for Michigan State, and I believe he has played himself into an every-game starting role. He started the final exhibition game against Marquette, and his place in the starting lineup will be one of the most talked-about questions heading into the regular season.
The Spartans open the regular season against Quinnipiac on Tuesday, November 3, and all eyes will be on whether Jervis has done enough to earn the starting job from the start.