Michigan Seeks to Reshape Rivalry Narrative vs. Michigan State

With the college basketball landscape constantly changing due to player and coach transfers, maintaining program traditions can be challenging. However, rivalry games remain a constant, and the No. 12 Michigan men’s basketball team is set to face in-state rival No. 13 Michigan State. Notably, only two current Wolverines have experienced this specific rivalry.

“I would be lying if I said I fully grasp it,” said Michigan assistant coach Kyle Church. “But we’re going to write a new chapter here on Friday night. I know our guys will be extremely excited to play.”

The game is a highly anticipated top-15 matchup, but many Michigan players, especially transfers like Vlad Goldin and Danny Wolf, lack firsthand experience with the rivalry’s intensity. “Probably yes, still learning,” Goldin admitted. “Probably won’t be able to find out until the game starts, but I’ve heard it a lot.”

Michigan State, with its traditional player development approach, has a better understanding of the rivalry’s dynamic. However, they haven’t faced a Michigan team of this caliber recently. Michigan State won three of the last four meetings, including two decisive victories last year. They will now enter a revitalized Crisler Center.

To bridge the experience gap, Michigan is actively educating its players about the rivalry. They are using alumni conversations, past game footage, and locker room displays, including score sheets from last year’s games and images of Michigan State players taunting Michigan. “In our locker room right now, we have papers, especially me, (redshirt junior Will Tschetter) and (senior guard Ian Burns), of the scores from last year,” graduate guard Nimari Burnett said. “And then the rest of the guys just have Michigan State fans, Michigan State players taunting us. So I think that all gets us pumped for the game.”

The Michigan players understand the significance of the game, even if they lack direct experience with the rivalry’s intensity. They are hoping their extensive preparations will translate into success on the court.