Robbie Hummel explains why Michigan State basketball is back

Sitting at 14-2 and 5-0 in the Big Ten, it’s been four years since fans have felt good about Michigan State basketball midway through the season.

The Spartans have been playing some of the best basketball of any team in the country and after picking up yet another double-digit conference win (their fourth in five games), they are up to No. 12 in the country and projected as a 4-seed by Joe Lunardi.

This team is playing some really good basketball and everyone has taken notice.

One respected analyst and former player, in particular, has taken note of the Spartans’ resurgence and he explained what the difference has been this year compared to previous teams. Robbie Hummel spoke after the Washington win about what the Spartans have been doing better to make sure they’re “back”.

Preach @RobbieHummel pic.twitter.com/y73g7MSJTe

— Carter Elliott (@CarterElliott__) January 10, 2025

Hummel said it best: Michigan State has been rebounding and getting out and running at a level that he hasn’t seen in 5-6 years. He said “no disrespect” to AJ Hoggard, but Jeremy Fears has been doing a much better job of getting out and running and that’s why the Spartans are seeing the success that they have been through the first half of the season.

If anyone knows how tough it is to face a potent Michigan State team that rebounds at a high level and runs the fast break with efficiency and intensity, it’s Hummel. He faced the Spartans plenty of times during his playing days at Purdue and he even admitted that Michigan State week is not fun.

From the sounds of it, Hummel believes that the vintage style of play that made Michigan State what it is today is back.

And Jeremy Fears can be credited for a good chunk of this resurgence. The offense and fast break just wasn’t run this way with Hoggard running the point and while he’s not trying to dog on AJ, he’s just pointing out the difference between this year’s team and the previous 3-4.

Why is Michigan State basketball “back” suddenly? Hummel said it best: rebounding and transition offense.