Lansing Sun

Michigan State University's men's and women's basketball teams officially kicked off the 2024-25 season with the annual MSU Madness event on Friday night in East Lansing. The celebration marked the beginning of the college basketball season for both teams.

Spartan fans experienced a new format this year, starting their evening with Michigan State Madness, followed by watching the MSU football game at Oregon, and concluding with the annual Izzone campout. The Breslin Center opened its doors at 6 p.m., where fans eagerly lined up to receive the new 2024-25 team posters. Players and coaches from both teams were present for autographs and photos before the main event.

The festivities began with performances by the MSU Drumline, Spartan Dance and Cheerleading teams, and the Spartan Marching Band. Announcements followed, introducing Head Coach Robyn Fralick and her women's team first, then Head Coach Tom Izzo and his men's team.

A surprise video message from Steve Mariucci, a long-time friend of Coach Izzo from their days at Northern Michigan University, announced that Izzo's alma mater would retire his #10 jersey next weekend during an exhibition game in Marquette, Michigan.

The evening featured a women's 3-point shooting contest, a men's dunk contest, and short scrimmages for both squads. The Spartans are set to play two exhibition games starting Sunday, Oct. 13 against Northern Michigan—a significant visit as it will be Izzo's first time coaching at his alma mater since graduating in 1977. Their second exhibition is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 29 against Ferris State at the Breslin Center.

Michigan State will commence its regular season on Monday, Nov. 4 by hosting Monmouth at the Breslin Center. Meanwhile, the women's basketball team will start their season with an exhibition game against Wayne State on Monday, Oct. 28 before opening their regular season against Oakland on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Specific times for these games will be announced later.