More Than a Memory

When trying to think of the best, most clever way to start this post, I was stumped.

How do you summarize a game that is unprecedented? How do you briefly describe what it's like to witness a tipoff that is surrounded by open waters and troops by the thousands? How can you recap a game that is so much more than just a game?

This was a setting unlike any other with a large portion of the 8,000 plus in attendance being described as the "greatest team in America". A team that was not clad in Carolina blue or Spartan green, but a team that fights for something more than a trip to the Final Four. A team that is always fighting for the red, white and blue and never has an off season. A team that cheered on the Michigan State Spartans and the North Carolina Tar Heels from temporary stands atop the USS Carl Vinson.

North Carolina claimed the victory 67-55 on the 100,000-ton floating airport, with the President and the First Lady of the United States sitting on the first row at center court. 127 college basketball games played throughout the country Friday night and only one took place on an aircraft carrier with the Commander in Chief who was, literally, front and center.

For the game, Michigan State shot for an unimpressive 30.6% with the Heels shooting 47%, which could leave some wondering how the final score was so close. There are not many teams that pull down more boards than the squad in the light blue, but the Spartans outrebounded the Tar Heels 49-34, with 16 more offensive rebounds. Dan Shulman said it best when he said "Michigan's State's best shot was from a missed one." Both teams shot poorly from behind the arc with Carolina shooting 4 of 12 and Michigan State making only 2 of 20.

The ACC Preseason Player of the year, Harrison Barnes, led all scorers with 17 points, while John Henson had a career-high nine blocked shots. Michigan State's Draymond Green had a career-high 18 rebounds and led the Spartans with 13 points.

When the game and obligatory picture taking was over, players from both teams removed their jerseys, made their way from center court to the Wounded Warriors and proceeded to do something we may never witness again; they gave the jerseys to the first soldier they encountered. 

This was a moment of reality. A moment to realize why this trip to San Diego held value outside of basketball game. It was a moment of realizing that those men and women that these players had never met before this week, have fought for them. For us.

And in that moment, James Michael McAdoo at 18 years old, realized that he wanted to go home with more than a victory and a few pictures.

"I gave my jersey to a soldier named Joe," he said. "I told him my name and talked to him for as long as I could. I got the opportunity to sign it for him and make it personal, because it's not just us playing a game. We were able to build some relationships with people who do so much for us.

"Since we've been in San Diego, people from the military are always telling us, 'Thank you,' for an autograph or for a picture. My response is always, 'No, thank you.' These are people who put their lives on the line just so we have the opportunity to do what we do, and to be able to be part of this is something I will never forget."

I don't think any of us will. 

Recognizing Today

In less than 8 hours, an idea that was more often than not scoffed at, will become a reality.

The USS Carl Vinson, an active aircraft carrier that weighs 95,000 tons and reaches just under 1,100 feet in length, has had its flight deck transformed into a makeshift stadium in 10 days. Seating for 7,000 people, which will include 4,000 troops and President Obama, has been constructed, along with two large video boards, both of which are located behind the goals.

When junior power forward John Henson was asked if the video boards could pose a problem, he replied optimistically by saying, "It was almost like you could watch yourself while you shoot [free throws], which is going to be kind of weird. But hopefully you can focus on the backboard and the rim and it will be fine."

Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams agrees that though it's an "unusual environment", both teams are familiar with playing "big-sized stages". Aside from the oddly placed video boards, changes in wind, temperature and light as the game progresses, will be elements that neither squad has experience with or has had to face in any other high profile game.

However, North Carolina has the edge in experience despite playing on a makeshift basketball court. The Tar Heels return their entire starting lineup that made it the Elite Eight last season, while the Spartans return only two players to start more than 5 games last season and have seven players who have never played a minute.

Since returning to North Carolina, Roy Williams is undefeated (5-0) against Michigan State. A record that includes a 13-point win in the 2005 Final Four and 14-point win in the 2009 national championship game. And though he recognizes the fact that the game played tonight is one that counts in the standings, he also recognizes this is an experience unlike any other that deserves to be enjoyed.

"This is a celebration," Williams said. "The basketball game, from the tipoff till the final horn, we're going to be working our tails off about the game. But every single second prior to it and as soon as the game's final horn is over with, we're thinking about hopefully putting a smile on some people's faces who represent our country and serve our country."

And the Spartans head coach, Tom Izzo, is also attempting to master the same balancing act.

"It's bigger than a game. It's bigger than North Carolina vs. Michigan State. It’s a dream come true for us because in a small, small way, we're giving a little bit back. We're recognizing the people that deserve to be recognized instead of just the athletes."

In addition to the thousands of troops and the Commander in Chief, Earvin "Magic" Johnson (Michigan State, 1977-1979) and James Worthy (North Carolina, 1979-1982) will be honorary captains for their alma maters.

Tipoff is set for 4:20 p.m. PST and midway through the first half, we will be reminded that just because an active military ship can play host to a historical basketball game and all that that entails, it is still an active military ship. And at sunset, the colors will be retired and the flag lowered. 
 
Because today is a day to remember those that have fought for what those stars and stripes represent and to honor and celebrate each of them.  
 
"It's unbelievable," said Harrison Barnes. "What they do and how much time they give is incredible. All the credit goes to them. [The game] is less about Michigan State and more about a tribute to what they do."


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This Game

When college basketball players think of the “once in a lifetime” experience, it usually involves the cutting of nets and the hoisting of trophies, not playing on the deck of a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier. But for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels and the Michigan State Spartans, a once in a lifetime experience will also be history making when they tip off on the deck of the USS Carl Vinson for the inaugural Carrier Classic.

This is a game of logistical nightmares and weather concerns. It is a game that will inevitably produce lifelong memories and sense of eternal pride. This is a game of first times and only times. It is a game that is meant to honor the men and women that lay their lives on the line day in and day out.

It is a game that will prove to be unforgettable to all those involved.

All of that to say, it is just a game. Win or lose, these players and coaches will leave San Diego, return to their respective states and continue the 2011-2012 season. But for the several thousand sailors and soldiers that will be in attendance, it is game that is meant to bring honor and to recognize the sacrifices they have made and continue to make. 

While this game represents so much more than what the final score will reflect, these teams also recognize the opportunity that lays before them. For Michigan State, it is a chance to kick off their season by beating the undisputed top-ranked and most talented team in college basketball. And for North Carolina, it opens the door for history to repeat itself; the 2005 and 2009 national title teams each traveled across the country to open up their seasons and each played Michigan State during the season and came away victorious...

And when the final buzzer echos throughout the San Diego Bay, a trophy built by the same company that builds aircraft carriers, will have a new home in Chapel Hill or East Lansing.

But this is not a game about trophies or final scores or top ranked teams.

This is a game to say thank you and a chance to remember that the biggest battles are not fought on the hardwoods.