Re: tOfficial MSU Women’s Basketball 2022 - 2023

by **NigelUno** Fri Mar 03, 2023 2:46 pm

Lost 94-85

by **GRR Spartan** Fri Mar 03, 2023 5:13 pm

Another tough year.
Lost key players with season ending injuries.
Merchant hasn't been coaching since her car accident and "medical incident" in early February.

by **NigelUno** Mon Mar 13, 2023 5:10 pm

Suzy steps down.

Michigan State Announces Women’s Basketball Leadership Change

Michigan State Vice President and Director of Athletics Alan Haller and women's basketball head coach Suzy Merchant have come to a mutual decision that Merchant will step down as the program's head coach, effective immediately. Associate head coach Dean Lockwood will serve as interim head coach while a national coaching search is conducted.

"We are grateful to Coach Suzy Merchant for her contributions to Michigan State women's basketball and Spartan Athletics over the last 16 seasons," Haller said. "We appreciate everything Coach Merchant has meant to our community. Her two Big Ten titles and 10 NCAA Tournament appearances provided lasting memories. Beyond the team's on-court success, she invested considerable time and energy into our local community as a leader and a role model for young people."

by **Floyd Robertson** Mon Mar 13, 2023 5:19 pm

While her health is a prime concern, it was also time for a change. Maybe the next HC won't be snakebit with rosters decorated by injuries.

by **DWags** Mon Mar 13, 2023 5:27 pm

Floyd Robertson wrote:While her health is a prime concern, it was also time for a change. Maybe the next HC won't be snakebit with rosters decorated by injuries.

. Hope she lives a healthy peaceful long life. She really did have some bad luck. On and off the court.

by **Heat Miser** Mon Mar 13, 2023 5:34 pm

While her success pales in comparison to Izzo, she retires as the winningest coach in MSU WBB history. Granted, that history only started in 1982, but still. I'd say it was a solid B+ tenure.

by **Trapper Gus** Mon Mar 13, 2023 5:40 pm

https://msuspartans.com/news/2023/3/13/womens-basketball-michigan-state-announces-womens-basketball-leadership-change.aspx

Full Statement from Coach Suzy Merchant

"It is with a heavy heart that I announce I am stepping down from Michigan State University due to health reasons. After much consideration and consultation with my healthcare providers, I have come to the difficult decision that it is in my best interest. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the entire Michigan State community, including the administration, faculty, and staff.

"I have had the privilege of coaching some of the most talented and dedicated young women in the country. The opportunity to mentor, lead, and empower young women has been the honor of a lifetime. Over my 28 years as a head coach and the last 16 years at MSU, I have been blessed to work with incredible assistant coaches as well as staff members that have shared the love of the game, mentoring young women, and were passionate about the Green and White. I am truly grateful to each of you for your time, energy, and dedication to our program. Much admiration and love to you all.

"And of course it goes without saying to express my heartfelt appreciation to the best fans in the world, the SPARTAN NATION! You have supported our team through thick and thin and your unwavering enthusiasm has been a constant source of motivation and inspiration. Finally, I would like to extend a special appreciation to Mark Hollis and Dr. Lou Anna Simon for giving a small-town kid from Northern Michigan the chance of a lifetime to live my dream as a Spartan. I'm eternally grateful.

"It has been an incredible journey…Thank you, Spartan Nation.

by **NigelUno** Wed Mar 22, 2023 12:04 pm

Asst./Interim Coach Lockwood went with the Men's team to NYC.

by **Trapper Gus** Wed Mar 22, 2023 12:08 pm

NigelUno wrote:Asst./Interim Coach Lockwood went with the Men's team to NYC.

Any rumor that he might take over?

by **Floyd Robertson** Wed Mar 22, 2023 5:56 pm

Hmmm. New coach is going to maybe have a shorter bench.

[tw]1638660510240350210[/tw]

by **GRR Spartan** Mon Mar 27, 2023 11:01 am

Been almost 2 weeks since Merchant’s resignation.

Minnesota’s women’s basketball coach Whalen resigned Mar 2. Gopher’s announced Dawn Plitzuweit as HC on Mar 18. She’s former GVSU HC who left to become a umaa assistant, then HC jobs at Northern Kentucky, South Dakota and 1 season at WVA.

I think AD Haller might be waiting for BGSU’s season to end and announce MSU’s new coach is Robyn Fralick.

by **Robert J Sakimano** Mon Mar 27, 2023 11:13 am

Floyd Robertson wrote:Hmmm. New coach is going to maybe have a shorter bench.

[tw]1638660510240350210[/tw]

what the Ekh?!?!

by **NigelUno** Mon Mar 27, 2023 11:35 am

GRR Spartan wrote:Been almost 2 weeks since Merchant’s resignation.

Minnesota’s women’s basketball coach Whalen resigned Mar 2. Gopher’s announced Dan Plitzuweit as HC on Mar 18. She’s former GVSU HC who left to become a umaa assistant, then HC jobs at Northern Kentucky, South Dakota and 1 season at WVA.

I think AD Haller might be waiting for BGSU’s season to end and announce MSU’s new coach is Robyn Fralick.

Possible. She went to Okemos HS.

by **tGreenWay** Mon Mar 27, 2023 3:24 pm

Wasn’t the former very successful Okemos football coach’s name Keith Froehlich? Maybe winning in her dna.

by **Turtleneck** Mon Mar 27, 2023 5:28 pm

That's an ok hire if that's the case, but not a big splash. I was hoping they would be willing to make a big commitment to the women's program. I'm not sure that's a big splash. BGSU is having a great season - only six losses this season and still alive in the WNIT - but in terms of W/Ls, Fralick is pretty close to the person she replaced at BGSU (who was fired).

by **GRR Spartan** Mon Mar 27, 2023 8:38 pm

Based on what MSU was paying Merchant after over 5 years of under paying compared to the rest of the league I would expect a HC's from MAC, AAC, maybe some of the A10 coaches might be interested.

Would expect the hire to be made no later than Tuesday or Wednesday after the NCAA Four and NIT conclude.

by **NigelUno** Tue Mar 28, 2023 7:43 am

GRR Spartan wrote:Based on what MSU was paying Merchant after over 5 years of under paying compared to the rest of the league I would expect a HC's from MAC, AAC, maybe some of the A10 coaches might be interested.

Would expect the hire to be made no later than Tuesday or Wednesday after the NCAA Four and NIT conclude.

I would think there are plenty of coaches in Power 5 conferences who would be interested in making close to $900,000/year. Agree that a hire should be made soon.

by **GRR Spartan** Tue Mar 28, 2023 11:21 pm

NigelUno wrote:
GRR Spartan wrote:Based on what MSU was paying Merchant after over 5 years of under paying compared to the rest of the league I would expect a HC's from MAC, AAC, maybe some of the A10 coaches might be interested.

Would expect the hire to be made no later than Tuesday or Wednesday after the NCAA Four and NIT conclude.

I would think there are plenty of coaches in Power 5 conferences who would be interested in making close to $900,000/year. Agree that a hire should be made soon.

Don’t think MSU will be offering $880/season thru 2027 to the new coach since part of the $880K was a onetime bonus and 2 year longevity bonuses.

I would think MSU will sign a new coach a pay package of $650-$700K plus incentives like winning the Big Ten, winning the Big Ten Tournament, NCAA performance etc.

PS
All isn’t rosey for umaa’s women’s team. Today umaa announced 3 players have entered the portal but more significant was the coaching news.

First year assistant Erin Batth is leaving to take the Providence job. 2nd year assistant Val Nainima is leaving to join Batth at Providence and a graduate assistant is going too. That’s a lot of turnover for a team that had a decent season.

by **NigelUno** Wed Mar 29, 2023 7:54 am

GRR Spartan wrote:
NigelUno wrote:

I would think there are plenty of coaches in Power 5 conferences who would be interested in making close to $900,000/year. Agree that a hire should be made soon.

Don’t think MSU will be offering $880/season thru 2027 to the new coach since part of the $880K was a onetime bonus and 2 year longevity bonuses.

I would think MSU will sign a new coach a pay package of $650-$700K plus incentives like winning the Big Ten, winning the Big Ten Tournament, NCAA performance etc.

PS
All isn’t rosey for umaa’s women’s team. Today umaa announced 3 players have entered the portal but more significant was the coaching news.

First year assistant Erin Batth is leaving to take the Providence job. 2nd year assistant Val Nainima is leaving to join Batth at Providence and a graduate assistant is going too. That’s a lot of turnover for a team that had a decent season.

If pay is 650-700k, then we're back to being a bottom half team in terms of salary. Suzy's old contract wasn't Haller's doing, and Suzy hurt herself by never having an agent. I don't see us paying less (or significantly less) than Michigan. But, I could be wrong.

by aualum06 Wed Mar 29, 2023 10:44 am

Sounds like the Bowling Green coach who is originally from okemos is possibly the top choice

by **tGreenWay** Wed Mar 29, 2023 11:15 am

aualum06 wrote:Sounds like the Bowling Green coach who is originally from okemos is possibly the top choice

Where are you hearing that? I haven’t seen anything. It would be good to get a coach, though.

by **NigelUno** Wed Mar 29, 2023 11:45 am

aualum06 wrote:Sounds like the Bowling Green coach who is originally from okemos is possibly the top choice

That might explain the delay. BG is still playing. In the Fab 4 of the WNIT tonight.

by **GRR Spartan** Wed Mar 29, 2023 12:03 pm

I tossed the BGSU coaches name out there as a possible candidate because she’s rebuilt BGSU from awful for over 5 years to having over a .500 record and 30 wins for 22-23. Fralick’s team went 104-3 in 3 seasons at D2 Ashland.

Fralick was an educated guess based on her coaching record and having recruited the Midwest. BGSU recruits OH, MI and IN and based on her Ashland record she’s got a clue with in game coaching.

However there are other good candidates out there and regardless who’s named they want to come to EL. Not everyone fits that catagory.

by **GRR Spartan** Wed Mar 29, 2023 8:34 pm

Columbia beat BGSU 77-70 n the NIT semi’s tonight.

If BGSU’s Fralick is candidate for the MSU job there will be an announcement either she’s staying in Bowling Green or coming to EL by Tuesday/Wednesday.

by **NigelUno** Wed Mar 29, 2023 8:44 pm

GRR Spartan wrote:Columbia beat BGSU 77-70 n the NIT semi’s tonight.

If BGSU’s Fralick is candidate for the MSU job there will be an announcement either she’s staying in Bowling Green or coming to EL by Tuesday/Wednesday.

Probably. Applications close on Friday.

by **Turtleneck** Wed Mar 29, 2023 9:15 pm

GRR Spartan wrote:I tossed the BGSU coaches name out there as a possible candidate because she’s rebuilt BGSU from awful for over 5 years to having over a .500 record and 30 wins for 22-23. Fralick’s team went 104-3 in 3 seasons at D2 Ashland.

Fralick was an educated guess based on her coaching record and having recruited the Midwest. BGSU recruits OH, MI and IN and based on her Ashland record she’s got a clue with in game coaching.

However there are other good candidates out there and regardless who’s named they want to come to EL. Not everyone fits that catagory.

They were not exactly awful, GRR. Roos was fired after six years with probably around a .500 record. Before Roos was Curt Miller, which was probably a tough act to follow (now the Sparks coach). Roos definitely had success in her first 2-3 seasons, but things faded after that. Coming into this season, Fralick had a below .500 record.

I think she is a very good coach for sure, but I do not think it is a "homerun hire" (as our friend Steve would say). Then again, I really thought Merchant was a homerun hire who would make deep tournament runs a regular thing, so what do I know? Either way, I'll support whoever the coach is. We can have faith in this AD. He knows what's up.

by **GRR Spartan** Wed Mar 29, 2023 9:56 pm

Roos first 2 seasons of her 6 years at BGSU were very good. Those 2 seasons had players Miller had recruited before he left for IU.

In his 11 seasons at BGSU Miller won over 75% of his games and his teams finished first in their division the last 8 he was there.

Roos last 4 seasons were:
9-21 / 10-18 / 8-23 / 11-19. In Roos last 4 seasons her teams won 15 conference games after winning 11 and 17 respectively in her first 2 seasons. Her overall record was just below .500 over all and just above .400 in the MAC. Roos was awful after having to coach the players she recruited .

I wondered if AD Haller had been already looking before Merchant submitted her resignation.

I thought Dawn Plitzuweit (GVSU, Western Kentucky, South Dakota, WVA) might be a candidate. But Minnesota’s coach resigned 10 days before Merchant and Minnesota found out Plitzuweit wasn’t happy at WVA.

At this point it with the season with only 8 teams left after Sunday I’d like to believe MSU’s next coach is an NIT Final Four HC or an assistant one one of the NCAA Final Four.

by **kingstonlake** Thu Mar 30, 2023 5:26 am

Can’t we just get South Carolinas coach?

by **NigelUno** Thu Mar 30, 2023 7:10 am

GRR Spartan wrote:Roos first 2 seasons of her 6 years at BGSU were very good. Those 2 seasons had players Miller had recruited before he left for IU.

In his 11 seasons at BGSU Miller won over 75% of his games and his teams finished first in their division the last 8 he was there.

Roos last 4 seasons were:
9-21 / 10-18 / 8-23 / 11-19. In Roos last 4 seasons her teams won 15 conference games after winning 11 and 17 respectively in her first 2 seasons. Her overall record was just below .500 over all and just above .400 in the MAC. Roos was awful after having to coach the players she recruited .

I wondered if AD Haller had been already looking before Merchant submitted her resignation.

I thought Dawn Plitzuweit (GVSU, Western Kentucky, South Dakota, WVA) might be a candidate. But Minnesota’s coach resigned 10 days before Merchant and Minnesota found out Plitzuweit wasn’t happy at WVA.

At this point it with the season with only 8 teams left after Sunday I’d like to believe MSU’s next coach is an NIT Final Four HC or an assistant one one of the NCAA Final Four.

Requirements (which were probably established after a candidate was already chosen) included 5 years of head coaching experience. Not sure if any assistants meet those criteria. BG's Coach would triple her salary. Wouldn't take long to say yes.

by **GRR Spartan** Fri Mar 31, 2023 4:25 pm

And it didn’t take long for Robyn Fralick to say yes.

BGSU lost in the NIT semi’s 03/29/23.

Today, 03/31/23 she accepted MSU’s offer.

Fralick named Spartan’s Women’s Basketball Head Coach

by **NigelUno** Fri Mar 31, 2023 5:26 pm

GRR Spartan wrote:And it didn’t take long for Robyn Fralick to say yes.

BGSU lost in the NIT semi’s 03/29/23.

Today, 03/31/23 she accepted MSU’s offer.

Fralick named Spartan’s Women’s Basketball Head Coach

She most likely said yes two weeks ago (or before).

Going to be a big change in that half of the building. I guess she could keep some people around.

by **GRR Spartan** Fri Mar 31, 2023 5:51 pm

Every Big Ten AD has potential candidate lists for their next hire.

Merchant’s health issues weren’t new. Back in 2017 she collapsed at a game at Breslin then again in NJ when the team was playing Rutgers.

Got to believe AD Haller pulled that list out when Merchant had her next incident that resulted in a single car accident in late January.

He probably started looking n earnest after she said she was taking time off. Wouldn’t be surprised if MSU’s people talked agents to measure interest.

MSU and Haller’s office did a good job keeping a lid on things especially after Merchant announced her resignation March 13.

I guessed Fralick might be a candidate because of her HC experience at D2 and 5 seasons at BG. Also did expect MSU to hire another female.

by **tGreenWay** Fri Mar 31, 2023 6:00 pm

Fralick’s maiden name is Flewelling. I wonder if her dad is a dentist in south Lansing.

by aualum06 Fri Mar 31, 2023 8:54 pm

It will all be about being able to elevate recruiting like all sports

by **NigelUno** Sun Apr 02, 2023 10:02 pm

6 year deal.

$900,000/year.

by **Turtleneck** Tue Apr 04, 2023 11:21 am

Refugee families from Ohio have started arriving in Mid-Michigan.

[ig]CqnjaeJvyhm[/ig]

by **Trapper Gus** Tue Apr 04, 2023 11:30 am

NigelUno wrote:6 year deal.

$900,000/year.

That sounds like serious money. As in top finishes in the B1G expected money.

by **NigelUno** Tue Apr 04, 2023 12:32 pm

Turtleneck wrote:Refugee families from Ohio have started arriving in Mid-Michigan.

[ig]CqnjaeJvyhm[/ig]

Short flight. Probably no time for the beverage cart.

by **Robert J Sakimano** Tue Apr 04, 2023 12:33 pm

Turtleneck wrote:Refugee families from Ohio have started arriving in Mid-Michigan.

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the two little homeskillets already got the green Nikes.

by **Floyd Robertson** Wed Apr 05, 2023 2:05 pm

[tw]1643381699475124224[/tw]

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