Michigan State vs. USC in Greece Would Breathe New Life into College Hoops

Michigan State Men’s Basketball is officially known for thinking outside the box with their play on a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, but there is another idea in place that could take the sport to another level.

They are planning to play a game against USC at Panathinaikos Stadium in Athens, Greece, the home of the first modern Olympic Games that was played in 1896, according to the Lansing State Journal.

If Mark Hollis, athletic director at Michigan State, pulls this off it would be another great step for college basketball.

The sport is continuously overshadowed by the NBA even if the brand of basketball is better in terms of rules and strategies. They need to continue to push the envelope, and they have done a great job thus far. 

Remember when Michigan State played North Carolina on the aircraft carrier? It was awesome. That explored the sport of college basketball to a completely different level while bringing in massive audience attractions.

Playing a regular-season game overseas in one of the most historic stadiums in the history of sports would take the game to another level.

Athens is a perfect setting for a college basketball game. The country is used to seeing the strategic, fundamental side of basketball, which fits right in place with how college basketball is played.

They also appreciate their love of basketball. Why not honor their love for the sport by rewarding them with an American game played closer to their style of basketball than the NBA.

It seems like Hollis loves to play games at different locations than what fans are accustomed to. He was all for playing a regular-season game at Ford Field, games on aircraft carriers and now in a country overseas.

Who knows where Hollis will turn to next? The sky is truly the limit.