Ann Arbor - Tommy Amaker has never seen a Michigan-MSU basketball game in its entirety.
But even though tonight’s game is the 36-year-old U-M head coach’s first experience with the rivalry, he’s no stranger to big games.
As a four-year starter at Duke from 1984-87, Amaker was center stage for one of college basketball’s greatest rivalries - Duke vs. North Carolina.
Amaker also spent nine years as an assistant under Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski and four as head coach of Seton Hall.
“I think I have some sense of the significance and the importance of this game,” Amaker said. “I think our kids have a better appreciation for it, given the fact that I’m new, I can only hide behind that for the first game.”
That may be all the time needed before the rivalry compares with Tobacco Road, said U-M forward LaVell Blanchard.
“Hopefully we can get there,” Blanchard said. “Hopefully by next year you’ll be saying this is a Duke - North Carolina matchup.”
And because of his players-first coaching style and approachable personality, Amaker is the guy to lift the rivalry to that status, said U-M forward Chris Young.
“It has been a dream,” Young said. “The attitudes around the program and the attitudes of the fans are a 100 times different than it was a year ago today.”
A year ago, the Spartans ran U-M out of its own gym, 91-64.
That’s why Amaker said U-M has to make a name for itself by gaining respect and credibility, before they reach MSU’s level.
“It hasn’t been much of a rivalry as of late,” he said. “We don’t need to compare ourselves with anyone. We’re going to be who we are, and we’re proud of that and comfortable with that.
“I think our name and our program stands on its own merit.”
Those around U-M feel Amaker’s style and personality will also do wonders for the Wolverines’ recruiting.
Amaker doesn’t believe a recruiting rivalry will begin. He feels the state has enough prep talent for both schools.
“Many people make more of that than it actually is,” Amaker said. “I think kids are looking to what fits them, what university or coaching staff they are more comfortable with.
“It’s nice for a conversational piece, but I don’t know how much a kid is going to make a decision based on one team won, opposed to the other in the rivalry.”
If recruiting decisions come down to coaching, neither Amaker or MSU head coach Tom Izzo have anything negative to say about the other.
“I like him a lot,” Amaker said. “I’ve always liked him.”
According to Izzo, the feeling is mutual. He said that it does make things more difficult.
“I think I would like that better,” Izzo said. “But I can still dislike him one or two days a year.”
