MSU's March Madness X-factor: Coen Carr
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Coen Carr is soaring and flying. Photo: Aaron Thornton/Getty Images
Axios editor Everett here. I'm a Michigan alum who rarely has positive things to say about the Spartans, but even I find myself gravitating to Coen Carr.
Why it matters: The sophomore is not MSU's best player. He averages less than 8 points per game, plays the sixth-most minutes per game on the team and isn't projected by most mock drafts to be picked in the 2025 NBA Draft.
- But Carr plays with a ferocity that completely changes how the Spartans can win games and should be a major factor in their potential run in the NCAA Tournament.
Between the lines: The small forward is listed at just 6-foot-5 — not overly tall for a wing — but is athletic enough to jump over a car and dunk while also being able to guard every position on defense.
- Whenever the Spartans get stuck on offense, it seems like they can just lob it up in the general direction of the rim for Carr to find it.
- His highlight reels are a wonderful way to spend five minutes.
The intrigue: Defensively, Carr can jump high enough to protect the rim even as a wing, which brings a versatility that most teams in the country lack.
What's next: Michigan State plays Bryant at 10pm Friday in Cleveland on TBS.
🚗 Traveling to the game? Our friends at Axios Cleveland recommend Cordelia if you're staying downtown — it's a stone's throw from the arena — and Never Say Dive if you're venturing into the neighborhoods.
- Troy Smith may or may not be willing to give you a guided tour of the Rock Hall, but Sam Allard will certainly talk your ear off about one of Cleveland's most distinguished residents, Balto, at the Natural History Museum.
- You may not have time for a full 18 holes, but Northeast Ohio is a sneaky golfer's paradise.