Michigan State Madness mixes talent with entertainment – The State News

Smoke machines. Theatrical performances from the Spartan Marching Band and spirit teams. Player and coach introductions filled with fire, songs and props.

The annual Michigan State Madness event introducing the men’s and women’s basketball teams returned to Breslin Center Friday night. 

The two-hour festivity gave MSU basketball fans a glimpse at the intense, sometimes-euphoric atmosphere that will consume the 2024-25 season. As always, the event was pure entertainment.

Both the women’s and men’s teams were introduced along with their respective coaches, Robyn Fralick and Tom Izzo. 

Though Izzo usually dresses in a costume, including last year when he and Fralick came out as Batman and Robin, Izzo kept it simple this year.

On his head, he wore a red, cut-out basketball with googly eyes. He blended into the Izzone and was “found” by students and made his way onto the court.

“When we win games, it’s because of the people in the stands. We’re all important, it takes all of us to win a championship,” Izzo said. “Let’s get back to that culture. We’re all grinders, that’s what we do. Let’s keep working.”

After his mention of a championship, Izzo introduced Mateen Cleaves and Jason Richardson, two staples of MSU’s 2000 national championship team. The two gave quick, inspirational speeches, saying that every day, the team needs to “work, grind, and make each other better.”

Fralick spoke about her excitement for this season to start, especially with all the support Michigan State students continue to give the women’s team. She remembered when she “sat in those seats” growing up in Okemos and thinks Michigan State has the “best basketball fans in the country.”

“(The team) talked a lot about momentum, and a big part of it is the stadium,” Fralick said. “This team is worth giving your support. We will play hard and we will play team basketball.”

Fralick also pitched a new tradition at MSU basketball games: The Breslin Boom. To gain more momentum in games, she wants the students to scream “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 various games and challenges in front of the crowd.

There was a three-point contest, where the students yelled “boom” after every make, a dunk contest and a 5-on-5 for both teams. 

For the most part, the men’s action was the “serious scrimmage” Izzo detailed this week.  MSU ran plays with intensity. The standout player was sophomore forward Coen Carr, who showed off his patented dunks and got the crowd on its feet. 

The scrimmage proved that Izzo’s comments this week were a good measure. This team improved in size and depth this offseason, but there are still inconsistencies, like three-point shooting and communication, to be worked on.