For all the bickering I did last month about Izzo and the transfer portal, you won’t hear me complaining about this incoming freshman class.
You may have heard, but newcomer Jasiah Jervis has officially been bumped up to a 5-star in 247 Sports’ composite rankings and is one spot away from being a Top 25 national player in the 2026 class. Future teammate Ethan Taylor is just a few spots behind at #30, Carlos Medlock Jr at #47, and Julius Avent at #84.
Last year’s Sweet 16 roster struggled with shot
creation and shooting, but that won’t be an issue with Jasiah Jervis in the Green and White.
Jasiah is listed at 6’5” and 190 lbs and is from White Plains, New York where he played at Archbishop Stepinac High School. With 15+ offers, Michigan State won his recruitment over Illinois, Tennessee, Florida, Texas, Villanova, and That School Down The Road. He was just announced as the New York State Sportswriters Association Player of the Year:
According to his MaxPreps page, Jervis averaged 17 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST, and 2 STL while shooting 52% from the field in 29 games during his senior season. He attempted 460 three-pointers throughout his high school career and made them at a 38% clip. Adam Finkelstein, Director of Scouting at 247 Sports said, “Jervis is a shot-maker and scorer with an increasingly versatile attack. His shooting is the first weapon in his arsenal with a compact release and good rotation. He’s blossoming into a movement shooter who can come off screen off the ball, and also has a complimenting pull-up game.”
To sum that up: he’s a bucket-getter.
Let’s dive into the film.
Playmaking
Before we get into Jervis’ ability to score at all three levels, he’s not just a scorer. While his first instinct is to put the ball in the hoop, he has the ability to make the right read when necessary. With his ability to get downhill towards the rim or look for a pull-up midrange shot, he’ll frequently be the focus of the defense on the court. As he collapses the defense with his ability to score, it’ll open up passing lanes and scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Finishing
You can’t be a three-level scorer if you can’t get to the rim, but that’s not a problem for Jervis.
Not only does he have the athleticism to put a defending big man on a poster, but I’m most impressed with his body control in the air. He does a great job of going up strong and absorbing contact, yet can also show some finesse at the basket, particularly with his left hand. Once he gets in the MSU weight room and gets above 200 lbs, his finishing ability should continue to improve.
Off-Ball Scoring
Now we’re getting into what Jasiah does best, and that’s shooting the ball.
There are multiple layers to his scoring game, but we’ll first start with his ability to be an off the ball scorer. While I think this is his biggest area of growth, the potential is there.
He has the ability to come off a screen to get up a movement three. He’s able to get his feet set quickly as he catches the ball to quickly start his shot attempt. Given that Izzo’s offense features pindown screens, a few of these possessions reminded me of MSU alums Matt McQuaid and Bryn Forbes. I’d expect to see pindowns ran for Jervis next season.
Stepback Threes
I’m convinced Jasiah’s favorite shot attempt is the stepback three.
If the ball is in his left hand, expect a stepback jumper. I’m impressed with his ability to create space with the ball in his hands and he’s able to create plenty of room as he steps back. Again, he’s able to quickly get his feet set to stay balanced and get vertical on his jumpers.
Off-the-dribble Game
This last set of highlights is where I’m impressed the most. If he wants to get a bucket, he can do it from anywhere on the court.
While he looks comfortable with fadeaways or spinning jump shots in the midrange, he also doesn’t hesitate to show off his range from the NBA three-point line. To me, this is exactly what last year’s roster was missing: a guy that can help take the offensive load off of Fears and can create a shot whenever the offense needs it.
Most of all, his game oozes confidence. Many of these clips feature good defense and a hand in his face, but he looks unbothered. He doesn’t need a ton of space to get a shot off and his game should translate extremely well to college ball.
Takeaway
Look, maybe I’ve been drinkin’ too much Green Kool-Aid, but I am stoked that Jasiah will be wearing a Michigan State uniform in the fall. While this isn’t the perfect comparison, I see a less athletic version of Anthony Edwards – a two-guard that can score at all three levels, create a shot from anywhere on the court, and has the ability to make the right pass when the defense collapses. As I told the other guys on the TOC Staff, I’m convinced Jervis will be the best shooting guard Tom Izzo has had since Gary Harris.
What say you, TOC? What’re your thoughts on 5-star SG Jasiah Jervis?
Go Green.
