Michigan State has agreed to open the 2012-13 season against Connecticut at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.

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Michigan State has agreed to open the 2012-13 season against Connecticut at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. Pending formal approval from the Department of Defense.

Statement from MSU AD Mark Hollis
Once again, we are excited about participating in an event that pays tribute and respect to the men and women that serve in our nation's armed forces. With that focus in mind, all other challenges and obstacles in participating in an event of this significance are secondary. Pending final approval by the Department of Defense and with the collaboration of ESPN, we look forward to participating in an NCAA men's basketball regular-season game against Connecticut at Ramstein Air Base in Germany on November 9, 2012.

Coach Izzo has a talent for recognizing and bringing to Michigan State University student-athletes that want to be the best on the court while developing themselves as young men. All of us at Michigan State believe in providing our student-athletes with championship opportunities and amazing cultural experiences. The student-athletes on our men's basketball team have had an opportunity to play the game they love in NCAA Final Fours, for Big Ten titles and aboard a USN Aircraft Carrier in front of the President of the United States of America.

During Coach Izzo's outreach trips to visit and coach our troops overseas, along with our recent experience in San Diego aboard the USS Carl Vinson, we have all developed deep admiration and respect for the men and women that serve in our armed forces. Those troops, many the same age as our student-athletes, protect the freedom that we enjoy every day. It is our responsibility to give reflection and support to these men and women that currently serve and have served in the past. As such, we appreciate the consideration by the Department of Defense to allow NCAA competition to be a reflection of the support our entire nation feels for our troops.