Lansing Sun

Michigan State's men's basketball team is set to begin the 2024-25 season by hosting Monmouth University at the Breslin Center on Monday, November 4. The game will start at 7 p.m. and be broadcast live on BTN+. Commentary will be provided by Jack Stager, Ethan Hunter, and Marin Klein. The Spartan Media Network will offer a radio broadcast statewide and online at MSUSpartans.com, featuring Will Tieman as the play-by-play announcer and Matt Steigenga as the color analyst, with Blake Froling as the studio host. The game will also be available on SiriusXM channels 161 or 197 and via the SiriusXM app.

Michigan State concluded last season with a record of 20-15 overall and a 10-10 record in the Big Ten Conference, tying for sixth place. They participated in the NCAA Tournament for the 26th consecutive year, marking the longest streak in Big Ten history and third-longest in NCAA history. The Spartans defeated Mississippi State in the first round before losing to North Carolina.

The team is undergoing changes this season with four starters from last year being replaced. These players contributed significantly to scoring, rebounds, and assists last season. Returning players include senior guard Jaden Akins, who was fourth in team scoring last year with an average of 10.4 points per game. Other returning players are junior guard Tre Holloman and junior center Carson Cooper.

MSU has added two transfers: senior forward Frankie Fidler from Omaha and senior center Szymon Zapala from Longwood/Utah State. Fidler averaged over 20 points per game last season, while Zapala contributed significantly to his team's success in Virginia.

The incoming freshman class has been ranked among the top-20 nationally by various sports outlets. This group includes guards Jase Richardson and Kur Teng along with forward Jesse McCulloch.

In preparation for the new season, Michigan State played two exhibition games, securing victories against Northern Michigan and Ferris State. Notable performances included freshman guard Jase Richardson's scoring efforts.

Monmouth University finished their previous season with an 18-15 record and took part in a summer trip to Italy where they won all three games played there. They have been projected to finish eighth in their conference this year under head coach King Rice.

Monday’s matchup marks the first-ever meeting between Michigan State and Monmouth University.