The Spartans basketball season kicks off Friday and the MSU men's basketball team is expecting the 2002-2003 campaign to be a memorable one.

The main goal for the Spartans, who are ranked ninth and tenth in The Associated Press and USA Today/ESPN Coaches polls, is to make some noise and return to glory.

"We're looking for championship effort, so we can take this thing to an elite level," MSU head coach Tom Izzo said. "Our goals are back to winning championships."

And when Izzo and his players say championships, they mean every one. The first tournament on MSU's schedule is the Greater Alaska Shootout beginning Nov. 28. The Big Ten Championship, Big Ten Tournament and the Field of 65are the rest of the championships the Spartans are preparing to take home.

The Spartans' season starts with a 7 p.m. Friday tip-off against UNC Asheville at Breslin Center.

For more on the story check Thursday's edition of The State News.