The hope is that next season can be "the year" for Michigan State basketball. MSU has been knocking on the door of reaching the Final Four again in recent seasons, but the Spartans have lost in the Elite Eight and the Sweet 16 in their last two campaigns. The roster, as it stands for 2026-27, might be the most complete group Tom Izzo has formed in years. Alas, some questions remain on what Michigan State might need to contend for a national title. Does Fears Return? Michigan State's Jeremy Fears Jr. hunches over during a game against Michigan at the Breslin Center on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. | Starr Portice, Michigan State Spartans on SI The decision everyone is awaiting is from All-American point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. After averaging 15.2 points and a nation-leading 9.4 assists per game last season, also setting a single-season program record for assists, Fears decided to enter the NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility last month.…