HOLT – The 19th Moneyball Pro-Am kicked off on Tuesday night. The annual summer showcase allows Michigan State basketball fans to see the upcoming roster compete against each other and other current and former college players in a relaxed yet competitive environment.
MSU has five newcomers – three freshmen and two transfers – joining the roster, as well as several returnees who will fill larger or different roles.
Here are five early but encouraging signs for Spartan fans after Tuesday’s opening night.
Jaxon Kohler appears to be in the best shape of his tenure at MSU
Junior player Jaxon Kohler was flying up and down the court on Tuesday night, scoring 33 points while knocking down two 3-pointers and showing off a series of crafty moves in the post.
Kohler’s full recovery from last season’s foot injury was apparent as he showed quickness in handling the ball across the court off rebounds.
Kohler, who dominated the Moneyball Pro-Am last season with three 40-plus point games and one 53-point game, made a notable physical leap in the summer before his injury. He appears to be on the same path, with a leaner, stronger frame as he prepares for a major role at MSU’s job this winter.
Coen Carr shows better shooting and ball handling
Coen Carr’s athleticism is the main showcase for a scenario like Moneyball, and he threw down some of his normal dunks on Tuesday. But the sophomore also showed he needed to improve his shooting, showing a more fluid stroke and knocking down three 3-pointers and a couple of mid-range jumpers among his 28 points.
Carr also took control of the ball, making passes on the counterattack and playing with pace after missed shots. Carr was often limited to camping out in the corner on offensive possessions for MSU last season, looking to attack the offensive glass or find an opportunity for lobs at the rim. He said he hopes to change that this season by working on his jump shot and becoming more involved as a ball handler and driver.
Kur Teng displays motorized, mid-range offensive play
Tuesday night’s first game saw four newcomers on the MSU roster right off the bat, and outside of Omaha transfer Frankie Fidler, freshman Kur Teng was the most impressive as he showed agility, defensive intensity and mid-range offensive ability. .
While Fidler finished with 32 points and scored his team’s first 10 points, Teng’s Team Goodfellas ultimately won the game, and it was Teng’s steal and dunk that sealed the victory.
Teng made just two 3-pointers, making one of them, but knocked down a couple of mid-range jumpers. The characteristic that stood out most was his energy, and in a scenario like Moneyball, where players tend to make a few plays, especially on defense, Teng showed consistent effort in each possession.
Chemistry seems strong – especially among newcomers
As Team Tri-Star and Team Motocars wrapped up the final game of opening night at Moneyball, all of the freshmen and sophomores were still present, whether on the bench or in the front row.
Throughout the game, there was laughter, dancing during set pieces and lots of applause for the players on the court. Sophomore Jeremy Fears, the only Spartan who didn’t participate in the Pro-Am, was at every game, cheering whenever someone made a good play.
Afterwards, freshman Jase Richardson said it was important from day one that the team, especially the newcomers, was united and spent time together outside of the gym.
Fidler, Booker will be vital to MSU’s success
The transition from the Summit League to Big Ten basketball will be a challenge, but Fidler clearly has the tools to be a key contributor for the Spartans.
MSU lacked timely shooting from deep last season, but Fidler, a 6-foot-5 forward, shot nearly 36 percent from 3-point range. And with the Spartans’ preferred up-tempo style, he should have plenty of chances to make what he described as his favorite shot — 3-pointers in transition. Fidler should also help fill the void left by the graduation of Malik Hall as a winger who can create his own offense at the end of 24 seconds.
Sophmore Xavier Booker has looked a little more physically imposing this summer, and he had a solid opening game with 19 points and three 3-pointers. Booker looks improved as a screener, setting up numerous solid picks that helped teammate Jaden Akins hit five 3-pointers.
Booker will have a much larger role this season with the departures of Hall and Mady Sissoko. Booker, as a stronger screener and rebounder, combined with his outside shooting ability, should improve the Spartans’ offensive spacing.
Contact Nathaniel Bott at nbott@lsj.com and follow him on Twitter @Nathaniel_Bott
This article originally appeared in the Lansing State Journal: 5 encouraging signs for MSU basketball fans on Moneyball opening night
