Players signed autographs, met with campers and said they’re looking forward to starting the season after a productive summer.

“The way we ended the season last year, everybody was happy about it, but we also know we can do better, so we have to come out on top,” sophomore forward Draymond Green said. “We’re eager to get back into it and try to get back to where we were at, and come out on top this time.”

Izzo and each of the players addressed the large student assembly about last year’s NCAA Tournament run before mingling with campers.

The night’s only disappointment for fans came when Izzo was asked why he didn’t shave his head as he promised to do last fall if the Spartans won a Big Ten championship.

Among other reasons the coach listed, Izzo said he didn’t want to disappoint any potential recruits.

“This is a big recruiting weekend, and I’m sure not going to get any recruits looking like an idiot,” Izzo said to the audience, but added he’s kept the majority of the promises he’s made to the student cheering section through the years.

Fans said the event was a fun time and a good way to get player access.

Megan Kursik, a social relations and policy senior, has been a season ticket holder the past three years and said she’s impressed with Izzo’s dedication to fans.

“It’s cool just that Izzo actually camps out himself, which shows that he appreciates us as fans,” Kursik said. “I don’t really know of other coaches that do that.”

Other fans such as Darin Schug, an agribusiness management junior, enjoy the event because of its upbeat atmosphere. The campout featured live music, several footballs and frisbees being tossed around and plenty of cooking.

“You don’t get to camp out with all these students much,” Schug said. “It’s cool to see the basketball team and hang out with them and do all the activities.”

Last year Schug and some friends cooked venison and served it to several players, including senior forward Raymar Morgan and junior guard Kalin Lucas.

“They came by and we gave them dinner,” Schug said. “They were all kind of skeptical about it, but they liked it.”

This season the Spartans return with most of the players who were vital to their Final Four run and are considered a top-5 team, according to many preseason forecasts.

The backcourt should be especially dynamic with the return of Lucas and Morgan, along with fellow junior guards Durrell Summers and Chris Allen.

MSU should have much to look forward to, but as for Saturday night it was all about getting to know the fans and showing appreciation for their supporters.

“It’s good to see this many people out here supporting MSU basketball,” Izzo said. “It’s awesome.”