Naturally, we jump to player comparisons of former Spartan greats. The first player Head Coach Tom Izzo likened to Christie was Steve Smith.

“He'll have some similarities to some of those players that you've seen here in Steve (Smith) because he's got length, and he's got the ability to play different positions, like Gary (Harris) because he can really shoot it and like (Denzel Valentine) because for a bigger guard, he can both shoot it and pass it,” Izzo said.

The Spartans will get another position-less, or perhaps multiple position player in Brooks. The Detroit native’s commitment video featured St. Cecilia’s Church, as Izzo described as “a place where the greatest of the greatest played … that's why Pierre's kind of old school.”

His game features some Valentine-esque components too. Brooks’ 6-foot-6-inch frame, strength around the rim and touch from midrange and beyond the arc fit the point-forward archetype seen in Valentine’s game. 

Izzo had similar things to say of Akins, as he believes the combo guard is “going to be able to play more than one position."

“He's just got athleticism and things that are even more than point guard," Izzo also said. "A six-foot-four guard, a six-foot-five guard, a six-foot-six swing man, we’ve got guys with size and length.”

Izzo drew his Spartan comparison of Akins as the “Keith Appling mold,” saying that after his commitment, the six-foot-three guard started sending him videos showcasing his dunking ability that caused him to dub Akins “the steal of the draft.”

Schedule update

Izzo said he is hopeful for a schedule release by the “end of this week,” as it’s roughly 90% done.

MSU awaits the finalization of its non-conference matchups outside of its 20-game Big Ten schedule. 

Point guard battle

When asked for his remote observations of practice as he recovers from COVID-19, Izzo continued to name multiple candidates for the job at the point. 

“I've seen a little bit more of a Rocket (Watts) at the point,” Izzo said. “I've seen a little bit more Foster (Loyer) at the point, and he's done a good job.”

Many believed Watts was primed to slot in at the point following Cassius Winston’s departure, but Loyer’s name continues to loom around this discussion. 

Izzo also gave an update on senior guard Joshua Langford, saying “he’s about as close to 100% as he can be.”