Jeremy Fears Jr. of the Michigan State Spartans on giving this summer

The Michigan State Spartans are still a long way from taking the field in November.

However, every Tuesday and Thursday during the months of June and July (except the week of July 4th), several Spartans will take to the local Holt High School court to compete in the Moneyball Sportswear Pro-Am event. This low-stakes environment allows Spartans to stay in shape, stay connected to the game and each other, and give back to the community.

Jeremy Fears Jr., one of the top recruits from coach Tom Izzo’s elite 2023 recruiting class, was one of the Spartans in attendance Thursday. Fears played with fellow 2023 recruit Xavier Booker, and their team faced off against transfer Szymon Zapala and freshman Kur Teng’s squad.

Feists said it was good to be on the pitch with Zapala and Teng, both new faces.

“When we first came to practice, we played up and down and had to run,” he said. “It was just a good experience to see these guys and help them. And obviously, I’ve been in the program for a year, so I’ve known for a year or two, so I’ve just learned from AJ (Hoggard), Tyson (Walker) and all the older students that have gone. But I was able to help them and give them little pointers and tips.”

Moneyball is a good way for Spartans to stay in touch and in shape during the summer, but the competition offers little opportunity to improve players’ play. Defense is at a minimum, intensity is lacking, and the quality of competition doesn’t even come close to what they’ll see in the winter.

“It’s just about being able to walk, be able to get up and sit back down,” Fears said. “Support the fans, show them some love. Be here and really appreciate them coming. They don’t have to come, it’s about me being present and trying to do everything I can for them.”

Fears was recently redshirted for last season for medical reasons. In December, Fears suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and was out for the rest of the season after playing in just 12 games.

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