Michigan State University Athletics
Spartan Basketball Teams Have Magical MSU Madness Friday
10/6/2018 1:03:00 AM | Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball
Fans Get First Look at 2018-19 Basketball Teams
Michigan State Madness Photo Gallery | Men's Highlight Video | Women's Highlight Video
Michigan State's men's and women's basketball teams marked the official start of the 2018-19 season with the annual MSU Madness on Friday night.
A packed crowd of fans came to the Breslin Center to see the 2018-19 teams, opening by getting autographs and photos, before capping off the night with scrimmages by both squads.
Along the way, the crowd was treated to some Magic, as MSU recognized the 40-year Anniversary of the 1979 NCAA Championship.
Doors to the Breslin Center opened at 8:30 p.m. and fans lined up to get the new team posters. Players and coaches for both teams were available for autographs and pictures before the MSU Madness schedule started an hour later.
Led by DJ QuickSilva, the night began with performances from the MSU Drumline, Spartan Dance and Cheerleader team and the Spartan Marching Band.
The 2018-19 Michigan State women's basketball team was announced first entering with matching glitter jackets. All 12 players entered to their own theme music and were greeted by Sparty. Head coach Suzy Merchant later appeared via "magic" and was the magician's assistant along with her sons Tyler and Brady.
"We have some of the most amazing fans in the nation! This is one of my favorite times of the year. Practice has just started, and we are excited to have our whole team back together. I just wanted to take this time to thank Spartan Nation for coming out to be a part of this magical night. Go Green!," Merchant said.
The men's basketball team entered through two sections in the Breslin Center, with each player walking through the crowd to their own songs.
After the introductions of the teams, magician Todd Robbins took to the stage. Robbins, who has performed across the country and on television shows of David Letterman, Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien, displayed his fire-eating skills and then had Merchant assist her with a magic act.
Putting boxes together on stage, head coach Tom Izzo – in a full tuxedo – magically appeared. After welcoming the crowd, Izzo and Merchant did their own magic act with Robbins, and were joined by former MSU golfer Holly Sonders – who is the sideline reporter for FS1's coverage of Saturday's MSU Homecoming football game vs. Northwestern at 12 p.m. ET.
"This was a great day and a great night and it's always fun to celebrate MSU Madness with our great fans," Izzo said afterward. "It was great to incorporate some Magic on a night when we could celebrate the 1979 national championship. Our players were really excited about the night and I feel really good about my team this year."
The evening concluded with both teams showing off their skills in scrimmages with running clocks.
The Michigan State women's basketball team begins the 2018-19 campaign with its only exhibition on Thursday, Nov. 1 against Hillsdale. The regular season begins on Tuesday, Nov. 6 against Bowling Green.
The men's team hosts Northern Michigan in an exhibition game on Tuesday, Nov. 30 at the Breslin Center. The regular season tips off on Tuesday, Nov. 6 against Kansas in the Champions Classic.
Michigan State's men's and women's basketball teams marked the official start of the 2018-19 season with the annual MSU Madness on Friday night.
A packed crowd of fans came to the Breslin Center to see the 2018-19 teams, opening by getting autographs and photos, before capping off the night with scrimmages by both squads.
Along the way, the crowd was treated to some Magic, as MSU recognized the 40-year Anniversary of the 1979 NCAA Championship.
Doors to the Breslin Center opened at 8:30 p.m. and fans lined up to get the new team posters. Players and coaches for both teams were available for autographs and pictures before the MSU Madness schedule started an hour later.
Led by DJ QuickSilva, the night began with performances from the MSU Drumline, Spartan Dance and Cheerleader team and the Spartan Marching Band.
The 2018-19 Michigan State women's basketball team was announced first entering with matching glitter jackets. All 12 players entered to their own theme music and were greeted by Sparty. Head coach Suzy Merchant later appeared via "magic" and was the magician's assistant along with her sons Tyler and Brady.
"We have some of the most amazing fans in the nation! This is one of my favorite times of the year. Practice has just started, and we are excited to have our whole team back together. I just wanted to take this time to thank Spartan Nation for coming out to be a part of this magical night. Go Green!," Merchant said.
The men's basketball team entered through two sections in the Breslin Center, with each player walking through the crowd to their own songs.
After the introductions of the teams, magician Todd Robbins took to the stage. Robbins, who has performed across the country and on television shows of David Letterman, Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien, displayed his fire-eating skills and then had Merchant assist her with a magic act.
Putting boxes together on stage, head coach Tom Izzo – in a full tuxedo – magically appeared. After welcoming the crowd, Izzo and Merchant did their own magic act with Robbins, and were joined by former MSU golfer Holly Sonders – who is the sideline reporter for FS1's coverage of Saturday's MSU Homecoming football game vs. Northwestern at 12 p.m. ET.
"This was a great day and a great night and it's always fun to celebrate MSU Madness with our great fans," Izzo said afterward. "It was great to incorporate some Magic on a night when we could celebrate the 1979 national championship. Our players were really excited about the night and I feel really good about my team this year."
The evening concluded with both teams showing off their skills in scrimmages with running clocks.
The Michigan State women's basketball team begins the 2018-19 campaign with its only exhibition on Thursday, Nov. 1 against Hillsdale. The regular season begins on Tuesday, Nov. 6 against Bowling Green.
The men's team hosts Northern Michigan in an exhibition game on Tuesday, Nov. 30 at the Breslin Center. The regular season tips off on Tuesday, Nov. 6 against Kansas in the Champions Classic.
Tuesday, September 22
Sunday, March 15
Sunday, March 01
Wednesday, February 18