Notable Michigan State Basketball Alumni: From East Lansing to the NBA and Beyond
Michigan State University (MSU) has a rich basketball tradition, producing talented players who have made their mark in the NBA and other professional leagues around the world. Coached by Tom Izzo, the MSU Spartans have long been known for their defense, rebounding, and transition offense, as well as their ability to develop talented scorers and all-around players. This article explores the careers and accomplishments of some of the most notable MSU basketball alumni.
NBA Success Stories
Michigan State basketball consistently has a presence in the NBA, from legends like Magic Johnson to more recent players like Draymond Green, Jaren Jackson Jr., Xavier Tillman Sr., and Miles Bridges. While the Spartans may not produce as many NBA stars as Kentucky, Duke, or North Carolina, they have still had a number of players who have made a name for themselves in the league.
Draymond Green: Drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 2012, Green has become one of the NBA's premier defenders and a key member of the Warriors' dynasty. He has won four NBA championships and has been selected to multiple All-Star and All-NBA Defensive Team selections. At MSU, Green was a three-level scorer and rugged rebounder.
Jaren Jackson Jr.: Jackson Jr. was one of the more dominant defensive players at MSU, and he only played in East Lansing for a year before going No. Last season, the Grizzlies suffered many injuries to star players, finishing 27-55 and third-to-last in the western conference. While Jackson Jr. put up a career-high 22 points per game, his defensive numbers fell as he was tasked with more offensive duties without superstar Ja Morant.
Gary Harris: Harris is entering his fourth season with the Orlando Magic after being traded to Denver during the 2020-2021 season. Orlando is a young team led by star power forward Paolo Banchero, looking to compete for a championship. Harris has played quality minutes for the Magic and is a key player off the bench as a three-and-D guy.
Read also: The Legacy of Georgia Tech Basketball
Xavier Tillman Sr.: Tillman was a crucial piece of MSU's latest Final Four run in 2019, pairing up with Cassius Winston to take down a loaded Duke team in the Elite Eight. Tillman was a trade deadline acquisition for Boston as Memphis traded him for Lamar Stevens and two second-round picks. With the Celtics, Tillman averaged four points and three rebounds per game while playing his role in interior defense.
Miles Bridges: Bridges has played five seasons with the Hornets, missing the 2022-2023 season due to off the court issues. While the Hornets were one of the worst teams in the league last season, Bridges was a bright spot.
Top 40 Players Coached by Tom Izzo
As Tom Izzo approaches his thirtieth season as head coach, it's worth looking back at some of the best players he has coached. Here is a ranking of the top 40, showcasing the depth of talent that has come through the MSU program under Izzo's leadership:
Mateen Cleaves: The best player on the best team Izzo ever coached, Cleaves led the Spartans to the 2000 National Championship. He was a two-time Big Ten Player of the Year, consensus All-American, and Final Four Most Outstanding Player.
Cassius Winston: Winston's ability to control the court and score when needed made him one of Izzo's best players. He might be ranked higher if he had the opportunity to play in his last NCAA Tournament.
Read also: Legacy of Kansas Basketball
Draymond Green: Known for his defensive prowess and all-around game, Green was a consensus All-American and Big Ten Player of the Year.
Morris Peterson: A key player on the 2000 championship team, Peterson was the Big Ten Player of the Year and had an outstanding senior season.
Denzel Valentine: Valentine's senior season was exceptional, earning him AP and Big Ten Player of the Year honors.
Kalin Lucas: Lucas was a phenomenal scorer and leader, earning Big Ten Player of the Year honors in 2009.
Charlie Bell: Part of "The Flintstones," Bell was a tenacious defender and scorer who played a crucial role in the Spartans' success.
Read also: Breeding Ground for Basketball Greatness
Xavier Tillman: One of the best defensive bigs in MSU history, Tillman was a perfect complement to Cassius Winston.
Miles Bridges: Bridges' talent was undeniable, averaging 17 points and 8 rebounds as a freshman.
Maurice Ager: Ager's electric scoring ability almost single-handedly lifted the Spartans to the Final Four in his last season.
Drew Neitzel: Neitzel was an absolute baller for the Spartans, averaging a stunning 20 points per game his junior season.
Branden Dawson: Dawson was a dominant rebounder and electrifying dunker.
Zach Randolph: Randolph's post game was tantalizing for NBA teams, making him a one-and-done player for Izzo.
Andre Hutson: One of the key members of the 2000 title team, Hutson was a dominant interior scorer and rebounder.
Paul Davis: Davis was a 7-footer who could score, rebound, and defend in the paint.
Adreian Payne: Payne peaked his senior season, becoming a first-round NBA draft pick.
Chris Hill: Hill was ahead of his time, thriving as a three-point shooter and tenacious defender.
Jaren Jackson Jr.: Jackson earns his spot here by being one of the most talented players to come through East Lansing.
Jason Richardson: Richardson was a freshman on the 2000 national title team and thrived in his sophomore year.
Alan Anderson: An elite ballhandler and scorer, Anderson would have fit the modern game well.
Gary Harris: Harris walked into East Lansing as a 41-percent three-point shooter, dogged defender, and elite scorer.
Keith Appling: Appling had the potential to become one of the great players in MSU history before injuries slowed him down.
Antonio Smith: Smith was an integral part of the "Flintstones" and a key player for Michigan State.
Goran Suton: Suton was a stellar rebounder and reliable post-scorer for MSU.
Aaron Henry: Henry was the perfect small forward, complementing Cassius Winston and Xavier Tillman.
Tyson Walker: Walker had one of the most prolific scoring seasons of all-time.
Raymar Morgan: Morgan was a bucket-getter and a stout rebounder.
Travis Trice: Trice was a do-it-all Swiss Army Knife for MSU, exploding for 15.3 points per game as a senior.
Shannon Brown: Brown was known for his unique athleticism and developed into a great shooter.
Bryn Forbes: Forbes is arguably the best shooter in MSU history.
Joshua Langford: Langford was a quintessential Spartan shooting guard, known for his defense and three-point shooting.
Nick Ward: Ward had the highest Usage Percentage in modern MSU history in 2018-19.
Matt Costello: Costello worked hard every play and nearly recorded a double-double per game as a senior.
Joey Hauser: Hauser shot an incredible 46-percent from three on 4.9 attempts per game in his final season.
Quinton Brooks: Brooks was Tom Izzo's first great player, leading the team after Shawn Respert graduated.
Travis Walton: Walton is one of the best defenders in MSU history.
Jaden Akins: Akins has incredible bounce, can be the best defender on the floor, and shoots around 40-percent from three.
Kelvin Torbert: Torbert was an excellent defender and had one of the best shooting seasons in MSU history.
A.J. Hoggard: Hoggard was a bruising, big-bodied point guard who could breakdown defenses with his aggressive style getting into the paint.
Marcus Taylor: Taylor was the first player in MSU history to lead the Big Ten in both scoring and assists in the same season.
Professional Careers Beyond the NBA
Many MSU basketball alumni have found success playing professionally in leagues around the world. Here are a few examples:
Kalin Lucas: After going undrafted in the 2011 NBA draft, Lucas played in two NBA games and has played internationally in Greece, Turkey, Israel, Yugoslavia, Puerto Rico, Italy, Kuwait, and Mongolia.
Durrell Summers: Summers spent time in the NBA Developmental League (D-League) and has played internationally in Venezuela, Australia, Hungary, Israel, Mexico, Chile, and Argentina.
tags: #msu #basketball #notable #alumni
