“Our relationship on the court is just as good as it is off the court,” Summers said. “We have our heated battles in practice, but off the court we’re all living in the same suite so you can’t be mad at anybody. We leave what’s on the court on the court, and we’re best of friends off the court.”

While the friendship between Detroit natives Summers and Lucas has grown through playing on the same AAU team in high school, Allen, a Georgia native, has fit in with the two since they began talking with one another during the recruiting process.

“We’re always together,” Allen said.

“Anytime you see me, you’ll probably see Kalin and Durrell. Anytime you see Kalin, you probably see me and Durrell. We’re real close.”

Although the three freshman guards are often put together due to their position and athleticism, they each have their own niche on the hardwood.

In the 6-foot-4 Summers, Izzo sees an incredible athlete in the mold of former Spartan Jason Richardson who “jumps out of the gym.” While Izzo was aware of Summers’ athletic ability while he was recruiting him, he was a little concerned with his jump shot but said Summers’ jump shot has been constantly improving.

Shooting is the least of Izzo’s concerns for the 6-foot-3 Chris Allen, who he said could become the best shooter to play in East Lansing since MSU career points leader Shawn Respert.

“Chris Allen, I think, will be the best shooter on the team,” Izzo said.

“He has range, he has a picture perfect shot. He gets it off the same way every time.”

The one responsible for getting Summers, Allen and the rest of the Spartans the ball is 6-foot point guard Kalin Lucas.

“He’s the quickest I’ve ever coached,” Izzo said of Lucas. “The break is tailor-made for him because he can really distribute it and really make some good decisions.”

While Izzo and the players see the talent that Allen, Summers and Lucas possess, junior guard Travis Walton said it’s up to the veterans to help them along during their first collegiate season.

“They got recruited here, they’re good enough to play here, so take everything as a growing day,” Walton said. “There’s going to be bad days, there’s going to be good days, but trust in your teammates and it will get better.”

Izzo expects bad days from the freshmen as well — especially until they improve their defense — but he also acknowledges that the freshman trio can do some special things on the basketball court.

“They’re going to be freshmen, they’re going to make mistakes — I’ve got to keep reminding myself of that,” Izzo said. “Because when you watch them play they have some talent that … they’re as talented as some guys that maybe we’ve ever had.”