WHO: Michigan State University of the Incarnate Word vs
WHAT: Exhibition Match
WHERE: Breslin Center – East Lansing, MI
WHEN: Friday, October 2 at 7:00 PM ET
VIG: Big Ten Network Plus (BTN+)
One month remains until the Michigan State Spartans begin their quest for the 2000 national championship.
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Fortunately for Lacon as he travels across the country, Tom Izzo is giving everyone — and himself — an early taste of what’s to come.
The Spartans will take the field Friday night for an exhibition match against the University of the Incarnate Word at the Breslin Center.
Tipoff is set for 7 p.m., when Michigan State’s Wood Player of the Year, favorite Jeremy Fears Jr., the top pick in college basketball, Coen Carr, along with the rest of the healthy Spartans look to show Izzo what they’re capable of this season.
And they’ll do it in front of a packed Breslin Center filled with seasoned fabricators, Izzone members and students participating in the annual Izzone Campout.
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Izzone Campout Gets Game Exhibition
The Izzone Campout is one of Michigan State’s most well-known basketball traditions, with thousands of students gathering in tents and preparing for the upcoming basketball season.
Coaches and players traditionally interact with students at the event, creating a unique environment that promotes their programs and fan base together before the season begins.
This year, however, the campout gets an added bonus.
The actual game shows will take place during the festivities, giving fans a chance to see the Spartans in action before the second season begins.
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And during halftime, Michigan State will also introduce its basketball team.
Plenty of new faces to look forward to
While Michigan State has already announced its starting lineup of Jeremy Fears Jr., Jordan Scott, Coen Carr, Jesse McCullough and Anton Bonke, this is still a spectacular game.
I was just waiting for Izzo to give the incoming freshman a boost to help the Spartans top 10 class.
That Jasiah Jervis and Carlos Medlock Jr. He is included in the backcourt, along with Julio Avent and Ethan Taylor.
Transfer Kaleb Glenn should also see significant action after missing all of last season.
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With the exhibition down, this is the perfect opportunity for Izzo to take a long look at some players who have become weight pieces once the games start counting.
Jesse McCullough Gets His Chance
We already know that starting power forward Cam Ward will miss the exhibition, which is why McCullough is sliding into the starting lineup.
According to Izzo, McCullough played extremely well over the summer and deserved the opportunity.
McCullough showed plenty of promise in his recent season as a freshman, knocking down some big shots from deep while also showing a willingness to do the dirty work down low.
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One of McCullough’s biggest priorities going into the offseason was adding more muscle.
Now Spartans fans will take their first real chance to see what added strength they can bring to the game.
First, look at the state of Michigan as one unit
If you’ve watched any of the coin games, you’ve already seen what players can do.
In those dramatic games, the 12 Spartans were divided into two teams and placed in different teams, the games being shown in the first show given in number.
Friday night will be different.
First, these Spartans will take just one against an opponent who will have a legitimate ambition to win the game and pull off an upset.
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Incarnate Word made the jump to Division I play in 2013, and joined the Southland Conference as part of its transition from Division II.
The Cardinals have yet to appear in the NCAA Tournament.
Now they will have the opportunity to open their season against one of the most popular college basketball programs in the nation.
The Spartans and Cardinals will meet next Friday night at 7:00 p.m. inside the Breslin Center.
And you can catch all the action on BTN+.