ANN ARBOR, Mich. – No. 3-ranked Michigan Wolverines guard Roddy Gayle Jr. reflected on the intensity of the rivalry game against No. 7-ranked Michigan State Spartans inside the Breslin Center.
Gayle Jr. said he didn’t fully understand the rivalry’s passion until playing in it last year.
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“The Michigan-Michigan State rivalry is so much more intense,” Gayle Jr. said. “The tougher, more physical, and more connected team is going to win, no matter the location or coaching.”
He acknowledged the added pressure of both teams being ranked in the top 10 nationally, but emphasized the rivalry’s unique significance.
“At the end of the day, it’s Michigan versus Michigan State. It’s an opportunity to show the world what we’re capable of,” Gayle Jr. said.
Gayle Jr. stressed the need for togetherness, physicality, and maturity.
“Sometimes when things don’t go our way, we complain. We have to come into the game with a cool level head and get to the next play,” Gayle Jr.
Gayle Jr. talked about helping newer teammates prepare for the intensity of the Michigan State rivalry.
“I try to have them imagine the hatred you feel for an opposing side,” Gayle Jr. said. “But it’s also about respecting everything they’ve done, especially this season.”
Gayle Jr. acknowledged Michigan State has a great staff and players, but said, “We’re the more talented team. We just have to come with that toughness.”
Gayle reminded his teammates, “This is going to be the most physical game they’ve ever played in their lives.”
Ohio State victory
Reflecting on a recent win against former teammates at Ohio State, Gayle Jr. called it an “amazing feeling” to compete against close friends and longtime rivals.
Gayle Jr. described the experience of facing Bruce Thornton and Devin Royal again.
“It was an amazing feeling to go out there and play against those guys,” Gayle Jr. said. “Those are my brothers, no matter what jersey I wear or they wear. We’ve built a relationship that will last years.”
He added with a laugh, “It’s just bragging rights to me at this point. I called Devon the other day just bragging, ‘Hey, we beat you.’”
Gayle Jr. also noted the significance of winning on Trey Burke jersey night.
“There was no way we could have lost that one. It wouldn’t have felt right on this jersey night,” Gayle Jr. said.
Emotional swings
Gayle Jr. noted the team has improved in handling emotional swings this season, learning to grind out tough games.
“That made us very good down the course of the season,” Gayle Jr. said.
Road warriors
Gayle Jr. credited the team’s road success to strong leadership and bonding.
“On the road, it’s just us. We lean on each other more and enhance our communication,” Gayle Jr.
Nebraska physicality
He praised Nebraska for preparing the team for Big Ten physicality, calling it a “great test” and “warm-up” for Michigan State.
Rivalry game
Gayle Jr. said Friday night’s rivalry game is one of the most important nights for Michigan fans and the team.
“We have long dreams down the road, but this game is a chance to show what we’re capable of,” Gayle Jr. said.
On the team’s perception, Gayle Jr. said, “I’d rather be underrated because it fuels desperation and hunger to prove ourselves.”
Discussing the guarding of Michigan State star Jeremy Fears Jr., Gayle highlighted the importance of legal defense and avoiding trash talk or foul-drawing antics.
“We need to disrupt his vision and keep him off the free-throw line,” Gayle Jr. said.
He described Fears Jr. as smart and skilled at creating contact and drawing fouls, but said keeping him in check is key.
Trey McKenney
Gayle Jr. shared his thoughts on Trey McKenney’s emergence this season.
“It’s been great,” Gayle Jr. said. “I’ve been with Trey since the summer, and it’s been amazing to see his development not only as a basketball player but as a person.”
Gayle Jr. recalled that McKenney initially spoke very little and seemed distant.
“I didn’t even think he liked any of us at the time,” Gayle Jr. joked.
But over the summer, McKenney changed significantly.
“He’s been a tremendous guy. I don’t even look at him as a freshman anymore. His maturity level has been unreal,” Gayle Jr.
Gayle Jr. said he took it upon himself to teach McKenney some lessons from his own experience.
“Trey is a workaholic. His dedication and ability to learn and work through challenges are reasons for his success,” Gayle Jr. said.
The Spartans are currently on a four-game winning streak vs. Michigan and have won seven out of their last 10 games.
Michigan’s last win inside the Breslin Center was back in 2018, but they’re 1.5-point favorites for the 8 p.m. tipoff on Jan. 30.