First Impressions from Moneyball Pro‑Am Opening Night
The inaugural night of the 2026 Moneyball Pro‑Am summer league unfolded in Holt, Michigan, drawing a modest but enthusiastic crowd eager to see how the Michigan State Spartans would blend fresh talent with returning veterans.
Freshmen Jasiah Jervis and Carlos Medlock Jr. made their first collegiate appearances together, each showcasing distinct skill sets. Medlock, slotted behind point guard Jeremy Fears Jr., impressed with a crisp step‑back jumper off the dribble, while Jervis leveraged a quick first step and a sturdy frame to suggest he could compete for the No. 3 point‑guard slot.
Veteran point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. stole the spotlight with a series of emphatic dunks, underscoring the noticeable increase in his athleticism since last season.
Returning sophomores Cam Ward and Jordan Scott also drew attention, their physiques noticeably more muscular and their on‑court demeanor more assertive, hinting at a planned next‑level development.
In the paint, Michigan State boasts unusual size. Transfers Anton Bonke and freshman Ethan Taylor both exceed seven feet, giving the team a rare interior presence. Taylor, in particular, displayed an uncanny ability to read the floor, delivering pinpoint passes that could become a cornerstone of the Spartans’ fast‑break strategy.
Julius McCulloch added a different dimension with a smooth outside touch and a deceptive hook shot, positioning him as a potential threat beyond the arc.
Perhaps the most surprising early story was Julius Avent, the least‑heralded freshman, who erupted for nine of his team’s first sixteen points, instantly turning heads and signaling that depth may be greater than anticipated.