The old is apparently becoming new again.
The University of Michigan announced Tuesday that former President Gerald Ford's No. 48 jersey would be worn on the football field in 2012.
Now, Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis and head basketball coach Tom Izzo have reportedly discussed the possibility of playing a commemorative basketball game at Jenison Field House, the Spartans' home court until 1989, when Breslin Center opened.
The game would honor the anniversary of a 1963 NCAA Tournament game at Jenison between Mississippi State and Loyola of Chicago.
Fifty years ago this spring, Mississippi State, an all-white team, had to sneak out of the state for its Mideast Regional semifinal game. Its opponent in that game, Loyola, featured four black starters, and a court injunction had barred Mississippi State from competing against black athletes.
"The historical significance of that game needs to be recognized," Hollis told MLive.com on Tuesday. "I don't think a lot of people in Michigan are aware that game was played there, and we want to make sure that story is told."
According to the report, Hollis was hoping to bring back both Loyola and Mississippi State for the anniversary. As of now, neither are involved, and Izzo told MLive.com that the game is "on hold" because of scheduling issues.
"The thought of it is really cool," he said. "Executing it is the problem."
