Yes, Michigan State lost to Tennessee, but playing that game no matter the result yielded only positives for both teams, in my opinion.
- Both squads got real game experience against quality competition in a big time environment
- Much rather play a quality opponent than beat up on a D2 team (sorry Hillsdale)
- Great for the fans to see a top 10 matchup in October
- Benefitted a great cause
- Didn't count for or against anyone's record
I can not think of any negatives of playing high-level exhibition games, except for injury. I think teams should play an open-door exhibition game every year against a good opponent. Pick a charity, play the game, players get great experience, fans see high-level basketball without worrying about a loss on the resume. Sunday was a ton of fun.
Thoughts?
- Both squads got real game experience against quality competition in a big time environment
- Much rather play a quality opponent than beat up on a D2 team (sorry Hillsdale)
- Great for the fans to see a top 10 matchup in October
- Benefitted a great cause
- Didn't count for or against anyone's record
I can not think of any negatives of playing high-level exhibition games, except for injury. I think teams should play an open-door exhibition game every year against a good opponent. Pick a charity, play the game, players get great experience, fans see high-level basketball without worrying about a loss on the resume. Sunday was a ton of fun.
Thoughts?
