Michigan State Basketball: Constructing all-athlete team from Tom Izzo era

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SPOKANE, WA – MARCH 21: Durrell Summers #15 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates making a three point shot with teammate Draymond Green #23 against the Maryland Terrapins during the second round of the 2010 NCAA men’s basketball tournament at Spokane Arena on March 21, 2010 in Spokane, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /

Shooting Guard

Starter: Jason Richardson
Backup: Durrell Summers

Flash all the way back to 1999-2001 and you’ll witness one of the best freak athletes not only under Tom Izzo, but in Big Ten history.

Jason Richardson came to Michigan State out of Saginaw and was a decent role player for a national title-winning team in 2000. His freshman season wasn’t eye-popping as he averaged just over 15 minutes per game and averaged 5.1 points without showing off his wide array of highlight reel slams. That came during his sophomore year.

In fact, Richardson became a star as a sophomore, averaging 14.7 points and 5.9 rebounds while shooting over 40 percent from three and 50 percent from the floor. He was also dunking on everyone. He was an impressive enough athlete that he turned pro after his second season with the Spartans.

Durrell Summers came about a decade later and was an absolute freak athlete and when he was consistent, he was scary and difficult to stop — just ask UConn.

We all remember that iconic dunk over Stanley Robinson at Ford Field in the 2009 Final Four.

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