Right around this time, the Top 50 Best Small & Medium Companies to Work for in America are announced.  I'm beginning to think that playing basketball for Michigan State University should belong to this list.

It was announced that the Spartans will open up the 2012-2013 Men's NCAA College Basketball Season for the second straight year on Nov. 9 at Ramstein Air Base in Germany against UConn— an event to be played in front of troops and televised by ESPN.

According to Mark Hollis, Athletic Director for Michigan State:

“Once again, we are excited about participating in an event that pays tribute and respect to the men and women that serve in our nation’s armed forces.  With that focus in mind, all other challenges and obstacles in participating in an event of this significance are secondary.  Pending final approval by the Department of Defense and with the collaboration of ESPN, we look forward to participating in an NCAA men’s basketball regular-season game against Connecticut at Ramstein AirBase in Germany on November 9, 2012.

“Coach Izzo has a talent for recognizing and bringing to Michigan State University student-athletes that want to be the best on the court while developing themselves as young men.  All of us at Michigan State believe in providing our student-athletes with championship opportunities and amazing cultural experiences.  The student-athletes on our men’s basketball team have had an opportunity to play the game they love in NCAA Final Fours, for Big Ten titles and aboard a USN Aircraft Carrier in front of the President of the United States of America.

Coach Tom Izzo added:

“This is another amazing opportunity for Spartan basketball and Michigan State University. I’m thankful that ESPN reached out to us to be a part of this great event. Being a part in the first college basketball game to be played on a military base overseas is truly an honor.”

“Playing in the Carrier Classic on the USS Carl Vinson last season provided memories that will last a lifetime, as the historic event was so much more than just a basketball game. The opportunity to honor the great men and women of the US Armed Forces was a humbling experience, as we felt that we got so much more in return than we gave. To now have the opportunity to take our game overseas to the servicemen and women serving to protect us is an awesome experience. I’m reminded of my trips to the US bases in Kuwait, and what a life-changing experience that was for me. Everyone associated with the Michigan State basketball program is excited for this unique opportunity.”

 So, your Senior Keith Appling.  In the past three years, you've:

• Played three straight years in the NCAA tournament
• Won two Big Ten Titles
• Played in the Final Four
• Be featured regularly in nationally televised games
• Played on an aircraft carrier.

Now, you get to experience something no other college basketball player has done - play on a military base overseas.

Add to the fact that every four-year MSU basketball player has made the Final Four under Tom Izzo's leadership, you have a truly compelling value proposition to sell to recruits.  This is why Tom Izzo and Mark Hollis get it.  They're offering something unmatched at other organizations.  A potential recruit may soon find themselves playing at the site of the first Olympic Games, or, who knows....the International Space Station.

What compelling value proposition to recruits are you making for your organization?