Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo isn’t just handing out participation trophies; he’s already given true freshman Jasiah Jervis a legit role, and tonight we find out exactly what that trust is worth. Jervis has been putting in work during Michigan State’s two wins so far, but now the real test hits: No. 2 Duke, in the State Farm Champions Classic, live from Chicago. This ain’t no casual scrimmage, folks.
Izzo’s Gut Call on Jervis
So, what’s a freshman gotta do to earn that kind of trust from a legendary coach like Izzo? Jon Rothstein on CBS Sports Network’s *Inside College Basketball Now* asked the big question. Izzo pointed to Jervis’s background, saying the guard came from a high school program that was well-coached, had good players, and won championships. The guy also comes from a “very disciplined” family. Apparently, the moment just does not seem to affect him, which is huge for a freshman stepping into the bright lights. You gotta love that kind of composure when the stakes are this high.
The Numbers, The Comparison, And What’s Next
Let’s talk about what Jervis has actually done on the court. This 6-foot-4, 200-pound guard from the Bronx is averaging 10.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.0 steals, 0.5 assists, and 0.5 blocks through two games. But here’s the kicker: he’s shooting 41.7% from three-point range! That’s efficient. His overall field goal percentage is 40.0% and he’s hitting 75.0% from the free throw line.
Izzo even dropped a comparison that Michigan State faithful will definitely recognize: he’s compared Jervis to Gary Harris, the former Spartan who snagged Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2013 before bouncing to the NBA after his sophomore year. Izzo thinks Harris was the more athletic of the two, but Jervis might just be the better shooter. He did add that like any first-year player, Jervis has work to do on the defensive end. But man, a comparison to Gary Harris? That’s not small praise, and it tells you everything about the kind of potential Izzo sees.
#2 Duke Waits: This Game Matters
Both Michigan State (No. 5) and Duke (No. 2) roll into the United Center with unblemished 2-0 records. This isn’t just another game. Izzo himself called the Champions Classic “one of the greatest basketball nights there is,” with all four teams in the same building. He expects Jervis to experience something completely different tonight, something bigger than anything he’s seen so far. When asked for a full verdict on the freshman, Izzo kept it real, saying “they will see, but Jervis has been doing well.” That’s the honest answer just two games into a career, and it’s exactly why tonight is a must-watch, beyond just the final score. Nonconference wins like this one are exactly what the Spartans get judged on come March, and a November clash against the No. 2 team in the country absolutely counts when they’re building that NCAA Tournament bracket.
So get ready. Tip-off is tonight, Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. ET at the United Center. You can catch all the action on ESPN, stream it on the ESPN app, or listen in on WJR 760 AM. This is where legends are made, or at least, where we find out who’s got that next-level fire. Don’t miss it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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