Sophomore forward Xavier Booker said the team’s camaraderie is on point because the players spend a lot of time with each other off the court, which tends to carry onto the court. 

Booker is set for a pivotal year in his career as he leads MSU's frontcourt alongside sophomore forward Coen Carr.

A trip to Spain over the summer was one of the team’s three major bonding events so far — the other two being Michigan State Madness and a recent trip to Northern Michigan University for an exhibition. 

In Marquette, MI, the Spartans won 70-53, with 34 of the points coming from their starting five. Senior guard Jaden Akins only scored four points but said Thursday he needs to remain confident this season: keep shooting and stay aggressive. 

With the departure of guard Tyson Walker, Akins is next in line to be MSU's primary leader and go-to-guy in tight spots.

"Everybody has something to prove," Akins said.

Redshirt freshman Gehrig Normand said everybody on the team has a voice. All players are allowed to share their opinions and help each other through difficult practices. Carr said sophomore Jeremy Fears Jr., who missed the last three months of his freshman season after being shot in his hometown, has made an emphasis on bringing his voice back.

Akins said he’s stepped into a leadership role the "best that I can."

Freshman forward Jesse McCulloch said he’s received some help from Akins this preseason, especially during practices, where Akins has kept him confident.

"Jaden is a great leader, not just vocally but also his work ethic," McCulloch said. "We all see the work Jaden puts in and it’s influencing (us)."

This season, Izzo wants the team to start playing more inside and move at a faster pace. He said the Spartans have "more ability to throw it inside" than in recent years, with the addition of lengthy wing Frankie Fidler and 7-foot center Szymon Zapala.

Izzo is also looking for more rebounds this season, specifically from junior forward Jaxon Kohler, Booker and Akins. Last season, the Spartans averaged 34.7 rebounds per game, only one rebound per game more than their opponents. Kohler averaged two rebounds in just over nine minutes per game and Booker averaged 1.7 rebounds in similar minutes.

"Coach said I’m going to be a starter this year and that’s a big responsibility," Booker said. "Obviously I didn’t have everything figured out at first last year but over time, just being around the right group of guys guiding you, it gets easier."

With Fears. Jr running the show and Akins in a new role at the scoring guard spot, MSU has the tools to play fast this season. Izzo said added depth this winter should help the Spartans' ability to run.

"I could start nine different people right now," Izzo said. "As we put the puzzle pieces together, I think there are enough pieces there to be damn good. Whether they all mesh together, that’s what the next period of time is going to determine."