A Michigan Suprise – Hometown View

Nobody would argue that Michigan State has one of the premier men’s basketball programs in the nation. The Spartans are currently 19-5 and ranked 11th in the country and under Coach Tom Izzo have been to six Final Fours since 1999 and won the National Championship in 2000. So how is it until this past weekend that I didn’t know that a former player at Toms River North was on the current team?

I mean I’m supposed to know what’s happening right in my own backyard but was completely stunned to learn that senior Joe Sweeny is indeed a member of the Spartans squad. Maybe that’s because I don’t even remember Sweeny from his days at High School North where he was a 5’6 guard playing for the Mariners.

However after graduating in 2008 he moved on to Michigan State with the goal of one day playing for the Spartans which seemed like the longest of shots…I mean how many 5’6 guys make it onto the roster of a national powerhouse? Sweeny lived in Michigan before moving to Toms River in 1999 and has been a life-long fan of the school and basketball program.

WORKING TOWARDS A DREAM

Well over his first few years in college he grew about six inches and spent every available moment of his free time at the gym working out and playing basketball focused on his ultimate goal of putting on the green and white uniform. Well dreams do come true and this season the now 6’, 175 pounder walked onto the team and earned a roster spot and that coveted #34 jersey. Sweeny spends most of his time on the bench cheering on his teammates and so far has appeared in just six games and has yet to score.

However he has become quite popular with teammates, fans and even the Michigan State broadcasters because this is one of those heart-warming Cinderella stories that make sports so great at times. By the way Joe gives much credit to his former coach at High School North Jim Cleveland who always encouraged him to make the most out of the ability he had.

So now every time the Spartans play on TV I’ll have to turn the game on and look for #34…I want to be watching when he scores his first college basket which for sure is coming. I mean would you bet against this kid?