MSU basketball trip to Germany about more than the game

As Michigan State headed to Germany to open the season on Ramstein Air Base, it provided a chance not only to compete against UConn, but to have a first-hand account of military life.

Take a look at some highlights of the trip and things players have said via social media:

"These soliders opened my eyes up and filt me in on a lot of things they went through in afghanistan and i thank all the military for what they do #thankful." -- Denzel Valentine on Instagram.

"This trip to germany has given me a whole new respect on life and a new respect on what our military goes thru every day #supportourtroops" -- Kenny Kaminski on Twitter.

**Photos courtesy of Michigan State Basketball, Denzel Valentine and ESPN's Kevin Negandhi