. . . now THAT’S a Tuffy!
What’s to be done about hanging a banner?
Certainly, he [Tom Izzo] doesn’t want to show any disrespect to the Boilermakers, or fire them up, by dropping the banner before the game. And, such a ceremony might feel hollow if MSU loses to a motivated Purdue team, which is playing for the No. 2 seed in the Big Ten Tournament and the best seed possible in the NCAA Tournament.
However, seniors Travis Walton, Goran Suton, Marquise Gray and Idong Ibok will be playing their last game in Breslin and will scatter to the four winds after the season. They may not be able to make it back for a banner ceremony in November at Midnight Madness or before the season opener.
Mr. Grinczel’s plan to have a super-secret banner-raising ceremony after the game–but only if we win–is a pretty good one.
Two more things about Sunday:
- Wear white. (Mrs. SW picked up a very fashionable white block S sweatshirt this evening just for the occasion.) And get there by 11:45 for the Senior Day introductions.
- I just realized tonight that Sunday is also Jamil Wilson announcement day. Is the fact he’s waiting until 2:30 (Central Time) a good sign for us?
Man, I was thinking about this exact thing today. Since they’re still playing with an outside shot at a 1 seed, I still think non-jinxing rules apply. Might as well not tempt fate. Many seniors have to go through a conference championship season without seeing the banner raised while they’re still players, so there you go. I have a different suggestion for all of you attending the game Sunday: win or lose, give the four seniors a lengthy standing ovation for all the sweat and hard work they put in the last 4-5 years for the green and white. It is hard to maintain the student-athelete commitment. Think of every mid-afternoon nap you took in your day and how many classes you blew off to keep yourself sane. As a student-athelete, you’d be going to practice or to the weightroom instead of either those things. It’s not nearly as fun as it sounds. These four guys have had to go through some pretty bad times — what with our expectations, the often unfair media judgment, they’ve each made their share of mistakes, some that might have directly given games away, yet here they are strong on the other side. They saw it through, and now the four guys we at times thought wouldn’t live up to potential, drove us crazy with decision-making, weren’t mentally tough enough or whatever (I’ve certainly said my share), are the guys who will be standing at the end of the game on senior day as Big Ten champions. Beautiful.
And if they win: party like it’s 2000, peacefully take the court, get Walton to fire up the crowd, and carry him off court. He’s light. Plus the other three guys will be standing a good foot higher than most of you anyway, they don’t need your help.
I’m pretty sure Wilson’s announcement is 2:30 CST, so 3:30 est.
Couldn’t agree more with DP99. This Purdue game is more important than I think many people believe. Playing the 8/9 seed in the Big Ten Tournament, which I think will be Michigan/Northwestern, isn’t a breeze. An awful lot of talk about a possible #1 seed… but the possibility of a #3 seed would be truly disappointing. I’m sure the seniors will understand… Taking care of business on the court is first priority.
Uber-geeked about the Wilson announcement. He sounds like a ridiculous talent.
You’re right about the time of the announcement, Natron. Thanks.
I have a feeling that Izzo and Hollis have this planned and are going to be mad at Steve that he spoiled their plan. It’s not fair to the players or fans to not show recognisition. I would understand if we hadn’t already locked up sole possesion of first place. Izzo had no problems with honoring previous players and teams, so I say it’s time to show that recognition to our current team.
the banner would get the crowd pumped. it’s our place we do what we want.
Spartans projected as a 1 seed in rivals analysis
http://collegebasketball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=920435
Senior Day festivities are now AFTER the game. I smell a (not-so) secret banner ceremony.
http://msuspartans.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/030609aaa.html
Upper-level chair seats are available on the MSU ticket site right now.
Similar question: should I wear the Izzone shirt or the also white Big Ten champs T-shirt?
How is this game not sold out yet? I know the economy is hurting but come on people!