Michigan State's Jeremy Fears named finalist for Bob Cousy Award

Fears leads the country in assists per game and total assists as a redshirt-sophomore

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Jeremy Fears, a redshirt-sophomore point guard for Michigan State, has been named one of five finalists for the 2026 Bob Cousy Award, given annually to the nation's top point guard. Fears leads the country in assists per game (9.1) and total assists (281), and ranks fourth in assist-to-turnover ratio (4.13) and 29th in free throw percentage (89.0%).

Why it matters

Fears' recognition as a Cousy Award finalist is a significant accomplishment that highlights his standout performance this season. As Michigan State enters the postseason, Fears' playmaking abilities and leadership will be crucial to the team's success.

The details

Fears surpassed Michigan State legend Mateen Cleaves for the second-most assists in a single season in school history with 281, just 11 shy of the record held by Cassius Winston. The other finalists for the Cousy Award are Jaden Bradley (Arizona), Kingston Flemings (Houston), and Braden Smith (Purdue).

  • Fears was named a finalist on Monday, March 9, 2026.
  • The regular season ended on a sour note for Fears and Michigan State on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
  • The winner of the 2026 Cousy Award will be presented on a to-be-determined date.

The players

Jeremy Fears

A redshirt-sophomore point guard for Michigan State who leads the country in assists per game and total assists.

Cassius Winston

A former Michigan State point guard who holds the school record for most assists in a single season with 291, a mark Fears is close to breaking.

Mateen Cleaves

A legendary Michigan State point guard whose single-season assist record Fears has now surpassed.

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What they’re saying

“It means a lot. To be on a list with those guys is incredible. They are special players.”

— Jeremy Fears (Detroit Free Press)

“Getting guys open shots and lobs and points, it makes me happy.”

— Jeremy Fears (Detroit Free Press)

What’s next

The winner of the 2026 Cousy Award will be presented on a to-be-determined date, along with the four other members of the Men's Starting Five.

The takeaway

Jeremy Fears' recognition as a Cousy Award finalist is a testament to his exceptional playmaking abilities and leadership as Michigan State's starting point guard. His record-breaking season has positioned the Spartans for a strong postseason run, with Fears' continued excellence crucial to the team's success.