smoke machine. Theatrical performance by the Spartan Marching Band and Spirit Team. The player and coach introductions are filled with flames, songs, and props.
The annual Michigan Madness event showcasing the men’s and women’s basketball teams was held again Friday night at the Breslin Center.
The two-hour extravaganza gave MSU basketball fans a glimpse of the intense and sometimes euphoric atmosphere that will grace the 2024-25 season. As always, this event was pure entertainment.
Michigan State women’s basketball head coach Robin Fralick speaks during Michigan State Madness at the Breslin Center on October 4, 2024.
โ[่่ ]Photos by Maya Colton State News
Both the women’s and men’s teams were introduced along with their respective coaches, Robin Fralick and Tom Izzo.
Izzo usually wears a costume, but last year he appeared with Fralick as Batman and Robin, but this year he wore a simple costume.
On his head he wore a red cutout basketball with hollowed out eyes. He blended in with Izzone and was โspottedโ by the students as he made his way to the court.
“We win games because of the people in the stands. We all matter. It takes all of us to win championships,” Izzo said. “Let’s get back to that culture. We’re all grinding. That’s our job. Let’s keep working.”
After mentioning championships, Izzo introduced Mateen Cleaves and Jason Richardson, the mainstays of MSU’s 2000 national championship team. The two gave brief, inspirational speeches, saying the team must “work, hone, and improve each other” every day.
The Spartan Drumline performs upside down during the Michigan State Madness event at the Breslin Center on October 4, 2024.
โ[่่ ]Photos by Maya Colton State News
Fralick spoke about her excitement for this season to begin, especially with all the support Michigan State students continue to give the women’s team. She recalls “sitting in those seats” at Okemos and believes Michigan State has “the best basketball fans in the country.”
“(The team) talked a lot about momentum, and a big part of that is the stadium,” Fralick said. “This team deserves your support. We’re going to play hard and we’re going to play team basketball.”
Fralick also established a new tradition at MSU basketball games: the Breslin Boom. To add more momentum to the game, she wants her students to yell “Boom” every time an MSU player hits a three.
After player introductions and video news that Izzo’s No. 10 jersey will be retired at Northern Michigan, the men’s and women’s basketball teams played a variety of games and challenges in front of the crowd.
There was a three-point contest where students shouted “boo” after each make, a dunk contest, and a 5-on-5 between both teams.
Much of the men’s action was what Izzo detailed this week: “serious scrimmages.” MSU played hard. The standout player was sophomore forward Cohen Carr, who brought the crowd to its feet with his patented dunk.
The scrimmage proved Izzo’s comments this week were a good measure. This team has improved in size and depth this offseason, but there are still some inconsistencies that need to be addressed, including 3-point shooting and communication.
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