Don't Give Up, Don't Ever Give Up

Happy Birthday Tom Izzo. I dedicate this post to you. But more so, I dedicate it to the love of the game. Warning- I’ve got a snow day, warm cup of coffee, cloudy skies, and I’m feeling sentimental. 

This past week has been marked in the records book as a W and L. Those two letters, though, do not summarize the heart of the week. They do not depict the churning stomach, racing heart, and triumph. Note I did not mention the emotion of disappointment. As the last seconds of the game again Indiana wound down I was of course clinging to the hope of a buzzer beater miracle. I wanted a win for the rankings and to stay on the top of the Big Ten. Mostly I wanted a win for the players who put on a physical show worthy of being compared by CBS announcer Greg Anthony to a Final Four game! I was never once disappointed in MSU. 

My cable company decided to finally end the service that was canceled 8 days prior at approximately 5 minutes before the tip off against Wisconsin on Tuesday. So I went old school. I listened to the game on the radio....well streamed a radio station through my iphone. One would think that I’d be less emotionally unstable if listening to a game vs watching it. That’d be a mistaken assumption. The blood still pumps. The stomach still aches. You’re still exhausted at the end buzzer as if you were the one running the court. As I turned off my “radio”, swallowed a Tums, and completed my multitude of texts to fellow MSU alumni, I was left with the nagging question of why do we (or I) love the game so much? My answer came on the window of Dusty’s Cellar in Okemos and right in time to put Sunday’s loss into perspective. 

The sign itself stated nothing profound. Just an announcement that Dusty’s Cellar was participating that evening in a fundraiser for Coaches vs Cancer, the charity in honor of Jim Valvano, from which Izzo was awarded the Coaches vs Cancer Champion Award in 2009 (see it all connects to the birthday man).  Now if anyone one could answer the question of why a person loves the game of basketball, it would be Jim Valvano. Or Dick Vitale, but I don’t often completely understand what that man is trying to say. So I, being my nerdy self, of course wept a bit while watching Jim Valvano’s 1993 ESPY Speech and researched him via Sports Illustrated (inspiring article here). Within my reading I found a vast amount of life motivation, quotes to live by, and YES, the answer to why we love the game. Sports Illustrated described the moment when Valvano himself discovered the answer while searching for his own meaning for life as he faced his mortality. 

He jumped form his seat one day not long ago....A paragraph had jumped into his eyes from a book he was reading. “That is why athletics are important,” wrote British sportswriter named Brian Glanville. “They demonstrate the scope of human possibility, which is unlimited. The inconceivable is conceived, and then it is accomplished.”

“That’s it!” cried Vee. “That’s why we strive! That’s the value of sports! All those games, they mean nothing- and they mean everything.”

Don’t take this as sacrilegious. Valvano developed a deeper understanding of love, family, and God as well throughout his search. But this understanding of the power of sports is what helped create his legacy. And so simply summarizes why fans face the ulcers and heartburn for two plus hours as they cheer on their team. It’s like the fairytales from days of old on our own flat screen TV.....or iphone radio station. It’s for the opportunity to see men rise up in the face of defeat and ridicule to be a knight in shining green and gold- ugh Nike uniforms. (Harris scored an unbelievable 21 points in front of a booing and jeering Indiana crowd, rising up from a low scoring night of 6 points against Wisconsin.) It’s to cheer on the rewards of a player who you never thought you’d be able to view as a rising hero. (Yes, I’m talking about Nix here. His free throws have become a thing of beauty and vital during the close games in the Big Ten. In addition, his intelligent ability to know when to create an assist and when to attack the basket, along with a strong defensive performance against Zeller, kept us in the game against WI.) It’s because no matter how a team or favorite player performs in a given game, there’s always the next game. They may be the victor upon the fans’ shoulder in one game and sit in defeat on the sidelines due to fouling out in the next. But we still love the anguish because it’s only a game and we know they will receive the chance to try and conquer again that we so often feel is lacking in real life. We love the opportunity to glimpse a demonstration of the scope of human possibility. To see the rise and falls, the tough lessons, the never ending fights for a “win” and confrontations with defeat. To hopefully view the joyful unexpected. 

So until my imaginary therapist tells me to end this emotionally unhealthy relationship, I will continue to diligently watch and love the game of basketball. Even though it means nothing. The win Thursday, the loss Sunday, it truly does not matter. But apply the reasons WHY we love the game to your life as Valvano did, and it can mean everything. Or at least to that child benefiting from the advancements of cancer research since 1993, it means a lot. And it’s just plain FUN.

The MSU Basketball Team has until Thursday to prepare to rise up from a close (but “good”) loss, place the past behind them, and strive to slay their next dragon. They face Illinois at the Breslin on January 31 at 7pm.  And I look forward to seeing them demonstrate their own human possibility on the court!

“Never give up! Failure and rejection are only the first step to succeeding.”

“Don’t give up, don’t ever give up!”

 -Jim Valvano

Izzo turns 58 on January 30th. Happy Birthday to a coach of integrity. I’m thankful he knows that the game doesn’t truly matter, but he continues to work at making what he DOES matter to his players and the community. To review how he has used the game to “matter” click here.

http://www.cracked.com/funny-4688-tom-izzo/

Free throw defense?

Well, it wasn't pretty but a win is a win, especially when it comes on the road.  Wisconsin held Michigan State to 49 points but the good news for the Spartans was that they held the Badgers to 47.  How did the Spartans win such a grizzly battle? Free throw defense.  The cameras were just a tad too far away to catch the sneers, jeers, and jabs the Spartans gave to their Wisconsin opponents attempting their free, uncontested shots from the line.  The result?  A 39% effort from the Badgers, which helped the Spartans keep an edge.

Unlike the Ohio State game with an even spread of offense, Tuesdays game witnessed two clear leaders in Appling and Dawson.  We've been waiting for Dawson to break out and his double-double performance did not disappoint.  In a team meeting the night before, Dawson told his team, "Don't argue with coach." (MSU men's hoops: Dawson keeps quiet...gets big results, lsj.com).  Listening to Izzo worked.  I'm sure Coach Izzo will not quickly let his team forget that.

As a team, the Spartans shot only 38% during the game but what mattered in the end was the ability for them to hold off the Badgers and pull off the win.

Each game is different and presents new challenges but as long as the Spartans stay adaptable, they will keep their lead atop the Big Ten.  Sunday's game against Indiana will prove to be their biggest challenge yet this season.  Both teams only have one loss in the Big Ten, along with Michigan.  One will go down on Sunday.

Who do YOU think it will be?

Making a mark

Saturday's game against Ohio State was a clash of defenses, as witnessed by the final score: 59-56.  Ohio State's defense is led by their point guard, Aaron Craft, who is known for his quick feet and quick hands.  The man did not disappoint with five out of the six team steals coming from his hands.  The Spartans had an impressive nine steals with the leaders between Appling (2), Dawson (2), and Nix (2). The Buckeyes made it difficult in the first half for our big men to score in the paint.  The Spartans shut down the Buckeyes except for Thomas, who had 28 points-the most in Big Ten play.

To pick up where RSMSUBall dropped off, the Spartan team listened to her suggestion and started the game with energy, confidence, and points!  They took an early 11-point lead and then went cold for about seven minutes.  Their drought, however, only happened on their offense, and they managed to maintain the Buckeyes, or at least not give them a lead, during that seven minute stretch.  The whole game was intense, exciting, and close.

During the course of the game, one had to wonder: who would emerge as the Spartan's leader?  Unlike the Buckeyes, there did not appear to be a one-star hero.  In fact, the commentators on espn, asked several times, "In a close game like this, would you rather be coaching the team with no star but scoring shared between several players, or would you rather coach the team with the superstar hothand?"  Call me biased, but my choice was the team with even scoring among several players.  Check the numbers: Appling: 15, Payne: 14, Dawson: 9, Harris: 8, and Nix: 8.  Appling emerged as the final leader due to his free throws at the end of the game.  But what do those kind of numbers say?  It means unselfishness, smart play, and at the end of the day, we don't have to have a Draymond Green to win a game. This is good news because last year, we couldn't win without him (remember Illinois?).  It means that at any point, any number of players can make a play to help the team.  This, indeed, is what happened.

The problem with a hotshot is that at any point, you can go cold.  AND, if your team doesn't/can't get you the ball, they are hurting on offense.  This is exactly what happened with the Buckeyes.  According to Izzo, as stated in si.com, when the Spartans were up three points with seconds left in the game, the plan was to foul Thomas if he got the ball but do it BEFORE he shot the 3.  This would have sent him to the line to shoot two freethrows, still leaving the Spartans up by one, at worst.  Getting the ball to Thomas was exactly what Ohio State had planned but instead, Shannon Scott shot the ball prematurely and it wasn't even close.

An important and well-fought win as we head to Wisconsin tomorrow, who just suffered a loss to Iowa on Saturday night.  Emotions will be high.

A few other hoop thoughts:

Apparently beating Indiana at Indiana was not enough to earn Wisconsin a spot in the top 25.  Did their loss to Iowa overshadow their earlier victory?

MSU's ranking has moved to #13.  Good job, Sparty!  Illinois has dropped out.

Keith Appling was named a third captain by Tom Izzo.  He joins Derrick Nix and Russell Byrd.

The MSU Women's bball team has earned the #25 spot in the rankings!

Hopefully the winter cold air doesn't affect our shooting tomorrow night.  GO STATE!!

Stepping It Up In The (Fist)Fight For The Big Ten

 ago

There’s a lot to cover from the week. UofM and Wisconsin each losing a game in the (yes I know I’ve said it already) TOUGH Big Ten Conference, leaving Wisconsin as the only team undefeated within conference play. The too close for comfort game against Nebraska, which included the heart stopping moment when Dawson laid on the hardwood holding his knee, followed by the heart pounding “superman” moment when the same man streaked back onto the court. And if you weren’t certain that Dawson’s knee was alright, him slamming the ball through the net at the last second of the game proved the point. This emotional topsy turvy game was followed by a win on the road in the Big Ten. An expected and necessary win, but a win none the less. The win against Penn State was a personal victory for Izzo, who has now coached his 200th Big Ten win, and in addition, it was announced that Izzo will receive the Tisdale Humanitarian Award for his positive impact upon the community. The game was a triumphing moment for Trice, who got to play his first game without his foe, the mask! And in the forefront of every fan’s mind is the upcoming game against #11 ranked Ohio State. The game that kicks off a 11 game streak of games against currently ranked teams. 

Phew! Exhausting week! Does that about cover it!?

Oh wait.....:)...let’s not forget that teeny, tiny news blurp that came out before Wednesday’s game. The “fist fight” between Dawson and Payne. Did every MSU fan note how the camera kept zooming in on Dawson and Payne any time they cheered together on the sidelines or assisted each other on the court? During those moments, did anyone else take advantage of the closeups in order to look for bruises in hopes of discovering who won the “fight”? (sidenote: I have decided that while Dawson/Payne caused some embarrassments and may need some anger management classes, it’s ok to not be too concerned because Izzo let them play in the second half. If it were serious, Izzo’s consequences would have been much more severe). So, the important question on all Spartan’s minds right now is obviously.....who won the fight!?!? Other questions that arise include, will Izzo ever allow Payne to play in the first half again after his AMAZING 20 point and 7 rebound performance during the second half. And does the NCAA allow players to use the pregame ritual of bashing each other’s heads into a wall, because Payne and Dawson may be on to something. 

Favorite quotes in response to the drama:

After Payne vowed the drama would not linger after the game, stating he and Dawson would “lay our heads next to each other” when they returned to their shared apartment, Izzo responded with “I wouldn’t go that far.” usatoday.com   Oh Izzo, you witty man:)

Alright, putting aside the gossip and focusing on the future hopeful victory against Ohio State. I read an article accusing Michigan State of being a “grind it out” team. It was NOT a positive description. Now, as fans we can say we’re a team that makes it happen, does what is needed to win when it’s needed. I mean, isn’t that what earns the wins come March!? However, as the Spartans enter into their next 11 games, they cannot allow it to come down to a second half “grind out”. Wins need to start during the first half, from the first second of play. Rumor is that Izzo will be starting Payne and we’ll see if that makes a difference. Amidst our grind out wins, I see a vital ingredient that may be the “yeast” to future wins. Players stepping up.

With the graduation of Draymond Green, MSU appeared to have lost its consistent guy. The player that always has a good game. The one we can depend on. On the flip side, though, when that player does have a rare poor game, be afraid. Remember the few times Draymond Green had an off day last season? Exactly. I blocked it out of my memory as well. So the positive is that we have a LOT of players with a LOT of talent. And we’ve seen each player take their turn stepping it up. Appling began the trend at the beginning of the season when Harris and Trice were out with injuries. Harris has shown us what he can do from behind the 3 when he is on fire and consistently steps up on the foul line when needed. Nix stepped up AGAIN against Nebraska with 17 points. Byrd took flight against PSU by sinking a 3 to energize his team early on, and we already sang praises to Payne stepping it up during the second half of the game. MSU opened its season with the guards stepping it up and leading the scoring, and has now shifted to showing the world what can happen when the big guys step up. During the game against Nebraska, the big guys went a combined 18-for-22. However, the four guards were 4-for-26. So, the key ingredient for a victory against Ohio State? EVERY player must step up! Big, small. In the paint and behind the 3. I love the team sharing the spot light but let’s let it shine now on ALL 5 players on the court AT THE SAME TIME! The talent is there. Izzo says he sees it come together at practice. Step it up and bring it to game time.

Go Green!

Next Up- #18MSU vs #11Ohio State Saturday January 19th at 6:00 on ESPN

Great article to give you a review of the players this year and how they can "stock up" and "step up"

Around the Big Ten

A full two weeks of Conference play and a few games under each team's belt, where does the Big Ten stand today?  Are we living up to the hype?  Is our conference really as good as everyone says we are? Well, currently we still have six teams in the top 25: Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio State, Michigan State, and Illinois.  Wisconsin has received votes for a spot in the rankings, making seven legitimately good teams.  In terms of Big Ten standings, Indiana and Wisconsin tie for first at 3-0.  After that, there are four teams tied for second with records at 3-1: Michigan, Minnesota, Michigan State, and Ohio State.  Alright, with technical stuff out of the way, let's take a look at a few Big Ten topics in typical Seth Davis fashion.

In no particular order...

1. Indiana is real good.  I know no one is really doubting that but their game against Minnesota was a shooting-the-lights-out show, particularly in the first half.  They just couldn't miss, it seemed.  Though they cooled off in the second half, which is typical, Indiana managed to gain a 25-point lead over Minnesota, making it very difficult to pull of a win from such a large deficit (kudos to Minnesota for a valiant attempt).

(Photo courtesy of si.com)

2.  Is Illinois actually good?  I personally cannot answer this question as I haven't personally watched them play but their 1-3 record in the Big Ten has me wondering if they're for real.

3.  Is Minnesota legitimate? Yes.  Though they shot themselves in the foot at Indiana by going down by 25 points, they slowly (too slowly, unfortunately) climbed themselves back into the game.  Add in their impressive wins against Michigan State and Illinois, I think its fair to say that the Hollins brothers are making mama proud.

4.  Michigan State seems to play to the level of the team at hand.  I may retract this statement after they play Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio State.  How do we put up a decent fight against Minnesota at Minnesota for almost 34 minutes and then barely beat Nebraska at home?  Is there something wrong with this picture?  Perhaps the real answer to this question can best be answered by the following photo that speaks louder than words...

(Photo courtesy of lsj.com)

5.  No matter what team you play, it will be a battle, a clash, and a fight.  As I watched the Minnesota v Indiana game, you would have thought they were playing for the National Championship. The game was intense all the way through.  That's Big Ten Baby (said in Dick Vitale fashion)!

Value the Basketball

                                           Detroitnews.com

Somehow, from what I considered to be one of the least enjoyable games of the season, came some of the best shinning moments. Payne’s and Dawson’s AWESOME dunks.  Harris stripping the ball, leading to Appling running it at a pace that only he can keep up with and taking the lead. Dawson's 17 points. Harris making all three of his free throws, even after popping his shoulder out during the first half AND Iowa taking a timeout to unsuccessfully freeze out the freshman. But that doesn’t mean I wasn’t tempted to turn the TV off on Thursday night....and I didn’t even start watching until halftime! Each time my finger inched towards the remote control, however, someone would step up and remind me that ugly game or not, the Spartans were playing to win. 

Nix described the games against Iowa as a ‘must win’. A must win game during the first weeks of January!!?? Welcome to the Big Ten. If a team can pull of a win on the road, it doesn’t matter if it came from a game so ugly that one of the highlights may have been listening to the announcers describe Nix taking a knee to....well the area described as a place where no man wants a knee to go. A win is a win. A reason to celebrate and, hopefully, a way to learn and grow. 

Learn and grow. And what shall we learn? It’s simple really- value the basketball and play a clean game. After a tight second half, our win came down to a little bit of luck and ending with a cleaner game. We valued every second with the ball. The Spartans fought harder for the rebounds, demanding more time and opportunities with the ball. Turnovers were less, and they got their hands on the ball on defense, taking advantage of their steals to tie up and later lead the game. But it wasn’t the flashy dunks or fast breaks that won them the game. It was valuing the ball when the clock was stopped. It was Harris, Appling and crew making good, clean free throws. Nothing flashy or worthy of youtube. Just valuing every moment the ball is in your hands and finishing clean. 

Hmmmm....now what coach is known for emphasizing tough rebounding and clean free throws!?:)

Looking forward:

Sunday January 13th at 6:00pm    Michigan State vs Nebraska on BTN

All home games this season with the Big Ten could be described as a ‘must win’. To get yourself ready for the game, enjoy this clip of Nix with a steal and dunk...yes you read that right, Nix...from last year’s game against Nebraska, when the Spartans beat Nebraska 62-34. I'm a fan of that score. I'm a fan that Nix outruns Nebraska and dunks on them.

And don’t forget to watch The Journey’s premier following the game on BTN!! 

No Keeping These Warriors Down!

I love the holiday season. Bowl Games (the 2am win by the MSU football team was a memorable end for a tough fought season), the annual Alumni Izzone Game (any chance that can be made semi annual...or more!), and the kick off to the Big Ten season for basketball. Just thinking about the upcoming Big Ten games gives me the shivers! What a way to prepare a young team for March. 

This teams has a lot of room for improvement. But that alone is exciting, the fact that there is such a high expectation for improvement. Isn’t that part of what makes college basketball so great? Loyally watching a group of athletes grow together, improve together, as teammates and Spartan warriors on the court? To see Appling step into his role as a leader and point guard, and the freshmen adapt to the wisdom of Tom Izzo. And the respect and awe that arises when, as a fan, I have the opportunity to watch tough players step up as warriors and overcome life’s injuries (who doesn’t get teary eyed as they watch the replay of Mateen Cleaves limp out to the court during the final game of the NCAA tournament!?). 

The Spartan’s roster of injuries this past year has granted (insert sarcasm) us the ability to watch a multitude of players fight back and overcome! Did anyone else go hoarse from cheering on the appearance of the ‘old Dawson’ during the second half of Saturday’s game? Or break out in song and dance as they watched Harris sink 3 pt after 3 pt shot as if he never had a shoulder inure? Or find themselves referring to Trice as the hero behind the mask? Yes, our three biggest warriors from MSU’s big win over Purdue include our three TOUGH injured men. Trice continues to show that no injury or illness can keep him down (though rumor is he hides his mask as far away from him as possible in the locker room) and put up an impressive 12 points and 4 rebounds. Elbows to the nose don’t slow that boy down! Dawson came back from halftime and threw his energy into both ends of the court, finishing the game with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Dawson has said that his injury last year caused him to reevaluate himself as a player and a person. I think we'll start to see that 'new person' on the court, with the old Dawson flair. And Harris....:) Harris scored a career high 22 points and was 6 of 8 from 3-point range. How wonderful it was to watch a player sink his 3s this year!!! His true colors were shining! Know the song ‘This Girl is on Fire’ by Alicia Keys? Change it to ‘boy’ and you’ve got your music montage for Harris’ game Saturday. 

I love the Big Ten season. I love tough Spartan basketball.

Next Game: #22 MSU at Iowa- Thursday January 10th, 7:02 pm on ESPN2

Not for cowards

You want an easy road?  Easy wins?  Easy baskets?  Then leave the Big Ten.  To be a team in the Big Ten means you will face a true battle of grit and toughness every game you play in the conference.  With six teams in the top 25 as we speak, nothing will come easy or cheap.

This was certainly true of the Spartan's Big Ten opener against the Golden Gophers.  Though the Gophers had a higher ranking at #9, their play against the Spartans over the past several seasons, suggested they were the underdog.  But they were far from it.  The first 34 minutes of play rather evenly matched the two teams.  My stomach was in knots the entire time as the Spartans and Gophers traded baskets and leads.  The game was physical, with both teams ready to put their pre-conference preparatory games behind.

After minute thirty-four, however, the game switched gears.  The Spartans looked afraid and jolted with their turnover nightmares haunting them once again.  Their poor free-throw shooting mocked them as they left the game with a miserable 20% showing.  Payne and Nix both had unimpressive games, missing easy shots in the paint and allowing the Gophers far too many second chance shots.

I could go on but will stop there to ask the all-important question: What do we learn from this?  Well, if you want a Big Ten Championship, you got to play for 40 minutes.  Thirty-four won't suffice.  You lose focus and it'll cost you.  One commentator mentioned that in the Big Ten, one loss cannot turn into two.  He's right.  Michigan State began its conference play with a disappointing loss to a very talented team.  But now, they must learn from that game, move on, and prepare for the next battle.  There will be very few opportunities for the Spartans to enjoy a relaxing cruise.  Take your cruise in May.  To play in the Big Ten, you must combine talent with mental toughness.  MSU has a lot of talent.  But when talented players make emotional decisions on court, such as frustration fouls or hurried, frantic passes, it costs the team.  Let Minnesota be a lesson because Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio State, just to name a few, are still ahead.

Time to play....for 40 minutes...against Purdue.  Don't miss: 1/5 at 12:00.