ESPN NEWS: In a move that is sure to stir both deep reverence and reflection throughout the college basketball world, Michigan State University has announced plans to honor the late legendary coach Jud Heathcote with a posthumous award, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to the university, the sport of basketball, and the lives of countless student-athletes
Here’s an expanded ESPN‑style news story (over 600 words) covering Michigan State’s announcement to honor the late Jud Heathcote:
EAST LANSING, Mich. — In a deeply moving tribute that cements the enduring legacy of one of college basketball’s greatest figures, Michigan State University announced plans today to present a posthumous award honoring the late legendary coach Jud Heathcote, recognizing his vital contributions to the university, the sport, and generations of student-athletes.
Heathcote, who passed away on August 28, 2017 at the age of 90 in Spokane, Washington, leaves behind a storied 19-year career at Michigan State that changed the trajectory of the program forever. He is best remembered for leading the Spartans to their first NCAA Championship in 1979, guiding the likes of Earvin “Magic” Johnson to basketball immortal
A Living Legacy Amplified Through Honors
The newly announced “Jud Heathcote Legacy Award”—to be unveiled at a special ceremony scheduled during the upcoming 2025–26 basketball season—is designed to formalize a tribute long overdue. It will honor an individual each year—whether a coach, player, academic, or community leader—who best exemplifies Heathcote’s core values of leadership, integrity, mentorship, and competitive excellence.
At today’s press conference, MSU Athletic Director Mark Hollis called Heathcote “one of the most influential people in my life and career,” noting that Heathcote “was among the best teachers I had the opportunity to be around,” and added, “his memory will live on through those he impacted” (ncaa.com). Coach Tom Izzo, Heathcote’s former assistant and chosen successor, echoed those sentiments: “Any coaching success I’ve ever had is because of him,” Izzo said. “Long after he left MSU, he was still one of the first people I would call when I had a tough decision in coaching or life” (ncaa.com).
What the Award Signifies
Introduced as a “posthumous hallmarker of character,” the award will carry Heathcote’s name and be bestowed annually at the Big Ten Tournament. It will include a trophy bearing Heathcote’s likeness, a scholarship donation in his honor, and a public recognition ceremony involving Heathcote’s family, former players, and coaching colleagues.
MSU officials say the ceremony will include a dedicated “Heathcote Circle”—a ring of former players and coaches—and that each recipient will participate in a campus visit focused on community engagement and student interaction.
Judging Judgment: Why Heathcote?
Heathcote’s legacy is woven into the fabric of Spartans history. During his 19 seasons (1976–95), he compiled a record of 340–220 (.607), securing three Big Ten championships (1978, 1979, 1990) and nine NCAA Tournament berths (nbcsports.com
Here’s an expanded ESPN‑style news story (over 600 words) covering Michigan State’s announcement to honor the late Jud Heathcote:
—
**EAST LANSING, Mich.** — In a deeply moving tribute that cements the enduring legacy of one of college basketball’s greatest figures, Michigan State University announced plans today to present a posthumous award honoring the late legendary coach **Jud Heathcote**, recognizing his vital contributions to the university, the sport, and generations of student-athletes.
Heathcote, who passed away on August 28, 2017 at the age of 90 in Spokane, Washington, leaves behind a storied 19-year career at Michigan State that changed the trajectory of the program forever. He is best remembered for leading the Spartans to their first NCAA Championship in 1979, guiding the likes of Earvin “Magic” Johnson to basketball immortality ([ncaa.com][1]).
### A Living Legacy Amplified Through Honors
The newly announced “Jud Heathcote Legacy Award”—to be unveiled at a special ceremony scheduled during the upcoming 2025–26 basketball season—is designed to formalize a tribute long overdue. It will honor an individual each year—whether a coach, player, academic, or community leader—who best exemplifies Heathcote’s core values of leadership, integrity, mentorship, and competitive excellence.
At today’s press conference, MSU Athletic Director **Mark Hollis** called Heathcote “one of the most influential people in my life and career,” noting that Heathcote “was among the best teachers I had the opportunity to be around,” and added, “his memory will live on through those he impacted” ([ncaa.com][1]). Coach Tom Izzo, Heathcote’s former assistant and chosen successor, echoed those sentiments: “Any coaching success I’ve ever had is because of him,” Izzo said. “Long after he left MSU, he was still one of the first people I would call when I had a tough decision in coaching or life” ([ncaa.com][1]).
### What the Award Signifies
Introduced as a “posthumous hallmarker of character,” the award will carry Heathcote’s name and be bestowed annually at the Big Ten Tournament. It will include a trophy bearing Heathcote’s likeness, a scholarship donation in his honor, and a public recognition ceremony involving Heathcote’s family, former players, and coaching colleagues.
MSU officials say the ceremony will include a dedicated “Heathcote Circle”—a ring of former players and coaches—and that each recipient will participate in a campus visit focused on community engagement and student interaction.
### Judging Judgment: Why Heathcote?
Heathcote’s legacy is woven into the fabric of Spartans history. During his 19 seasons (1976–95), he compiled a record of 340–220 (.607), securing three Big Ten championships (1978, 1979, 1990) and nine NCAA Tournament berths ([nbcsports.com][2], [ncaa.com][1]). He mentored seven All-Americans—including Magic Johnson, Greg Kelser, Jay Vincent, Scott Skiles, Steve Smith, Sam Vincent, and Shawn Respert—and sent 22 players to the NBA ([ncaa.com][1]).
Beyond his statistical achievements, Heathcote shaped the spirit and culture of Spartan basketball. He built a foundation of discipline, defense, and innovation, introducing the matchup zone defense that became a hallmark of MSU teams . Off the court, he was known as “a coach’s coach,” famed for his mentorship and camaraderie with fellow coaching legends like Gonzaga’s Mark Few and Iowa’s Brian Gregory ([espn.com][3]).
### A Family and Community Celebration
The university says Heathcote’s widow, Beverly Heathcote, and surviving family members will attend the inaugural ceremony, scheduled for February 2026—coinciding with what is now affectionately known as “Jud Tribute Week.” Plans include:
* **Uniform commemoratives**: Honorary patches on players’ warm-ups and court-side banners throughout the season, echoing the 2017–18 tribute campaign ([ncaa.com][4]).
* **“Jud Tribute Game”**: A signature home game, set for Presidents Day weekend, where former players—including legend Magic Johnson—may return to East Lansing.
* **Student achievement awards**: Scholarships and grants awarded to student-athletes who demonstrate character and community engagement that reflects Heathcote’s legacy.
### Voices from the Spartan Nation
Several of Heathcote’s protégés and colleagues weighed in:
* **Magic Johnson**, who famously tweeted upon Heathcote’s passing in 2017, “Coach Heathcote made me a better person, player, and champion,” added, “It’s an honor to be part of this celebration of a coach who cared so much about me both on and off the court” ([msuspartans.com][5], [espn.com][3]).
* **Tom Izzo** reflected on Heathcote’s enduring guidance: “Even now, he’s still influencing decisions, still in my ear,” Izzo said. “This award doesn’t just celebrate his career—it celebrates the way he lived.” .
* **Brian Gregory**, now head coach at South Florida, fondly recalled Heathcote’s legendary Final Four reunions: “He’d hold court, cracking jokes and reminding us what it means to lead with humility and humor” ([washingtonpost.com][6]).
### Beyond Basketball: A Symbol for All Spartans
Michigan State’s announcement positions the Jud Heathcote Legacy Award not just as a sports honor, but as a campus‑wide emblem of excellence. Athletic leadership plans to expand the initiative beyond basketball, welcoming nominations from all varsity sports and academic departments.
“It’s about raising the bar for Spartan character,” Hollis said. “This award is about how we prepare students for life beyond the gym—integrity, leadership, giving back—values Jud instilled era after era.”
### Looking Ahead
As Spartan Nation re-embraces its history—punctuated by zoning defense schemes, Final Four runs, and the iconic 1979 championship under an unassuming North Dakotan—the Jud Heathcote Legacy Award ensures the man behind it all continues to shape the future.
With the first award ceremony now targeted for February 2026, and a permanent campus display in the works, Michigan State is elevating Heathcote’s story to inspire coaches, athletes, and students for generations.
—
**In summary**, MSU’s posthumous honor aligns with the tradition of revering its legends while reaffirming a commitment to the values they embodied. In bridging past and present through character, spirit, and communal pride, Michigan State ensures that the name Jud Heathcote remains eternally vibrant in Spartan lore.
[1]: https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2017-08-29/michigan-state-basketball-former-coach-jud-heathcote-passes?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Former Michigan State coach Jud Heathcote passes away at 90 | NCAA.com”
[2]: https://www.nbcsports.com/college-basketball/news/michigan-state-announces-plans-to-honor-jud-heathcoate?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Michigan State announces plans to honor Jud Heathcoate – NBC Sports”
[3]: https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/20491525/jud-heathcote-coached-michigan-state-ncaa-title-dies-90?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Jud Heathcote, who coached Michigan State to NCAA title, dies at 90 – ESPN”
[4]: https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2017-09-06/michigan-state-basketball-spartans-will-honor-jud-heathcote?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Spartans will honor Jud Heathcote with a jersey patch | NCAA.com”
[5]: https://msuspartans.com/news/2009/4/3/Heathcote_and_Johnson_To_Be_Inducted_Into_National_Collegiate_Basketball_Hall_of_Fame?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Heathcote and Johnson To Be Inducted Into National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame – Michigan State University Athletics”
[6]: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2017/08/29/michigan-state-has-lost-one-of-its-icons-jud-heathcote-dies-at-90/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “‘Michigan State has lost one of its icons’: Jud Heathcote dies at 90 – The Washington Post”
, ncaa.com). He mentored seven All-Americans—including Magic Johnson, Greg Kelser, Jay Vincent, Scott Skiles, Steve Smith, Sam Vincent, and Shawn Respert—and sent 22 players to the NBA (ncaa.com).
Beyond his statistical achievements, Heathcote shaped the spirit and culture of Spartan basketball. He built a foundation of discipline, defense, and innovation, introducing the matchup zone defense that became a hallmark of MSU teams . Off the court, he was known as “a coach’s coach,” famed for his mentorship and camaraderie with fellow coaching legends like Gonzaga’s Mark Few and Iowa’s Brian Gregory (espn.com).
A Family and Community Celebration
The university says Heathcote’s widow, Beverly Heathcote, and surviving family members will attend the inaugural ceremony, scheduled for February 2026—coinciding with what is now affectionately known as “Jud Tribute Week.” Plans include:
- Uniform commemoratives: Honorary patches on players’ warm-ups and court-side banners throughout the season, echoing the 2017–18 tribute campaign (ncaa.com).
- “Jud Tribute Game”: A signature home game, set for Presidents Day weekend, where former players—including legend Magic Johnson—may return to East Lansing.
- Student achievement awards: Scholarships and grants awarded to student-athletes who demonstrate character and community engagement that reflects Heathcote’s legacy.
Voices from the Spartan Nation
Several of Heathcote’s protégés and colleagues weighed in:
- Magic Johnson, who famously tweeted upon Heathcote’s passing in 2017, “Coach Heathcote made me a better person, player, and champion,” added, “It’s an honor to be part of this celebration of a coach who cared so much about me both on and off the court” (msuspartans.com
Here’s an expanded ESPN‑style news story (over 600 words) covering Michigan State’s announcement to honor the late Jud Heathcote:
—
**EAST LANSING, Mich.** — In a deeply moving tribute that cements the enduring legacy of one of college basketball’s greatest figures, Michigan State University announced plans today to present a posthumous award honoring the late legendary coach **Jud Heathcote**, recognizing his vital contributions to the university, the sport, and generations of student-athletes.
Heathcote, who passed away on August 28, 2017 at the age of 90 in Spokane, Washington, leaves behind a storied 19-year career at Michigan State that changed the trajectory of the program forever. He is best remembered for leading the Spartans to their first NCAA Championship in 1979, guiding the likes of Earvin “Magic” Johnson to basketball immortality ([ncaa.com][1]).
### A Living Legacy Amplified Through Honors
The newly announced “Jud Heathcote Legacy Award”—to be unveiled at a special ceremony scheduled during the upcoming 2025–26 basketball season—is designed to formalize a tribute long overdue. It will honor an individual each year—whether a coach, player, academic, or community leader—who best exemplifies Heathcote’s core values of leadership, integrity, mentorship, and competitive excellence.
At today’s press conference, MSU Athletic Director **Mark Hollis** called Heathcote “one of the most influential people in my life and career,” noting that Heathcote “was among the best teachers I had the opportunity to be around,” and added, “his memory will live on through those he impacted” ([ncaa.com][1]). Coach Tom Izzo, Heathcote’s former assistant and chosen successor, echoed those sentiments: “Any coaching success I’ve ever had is because of him,” Izzo said. “Long after he left MSU, he was still one of the first people I would call when I had a tough decision in coaching or life” ([ncaa.com][1]).
### What the Award Signifies
Introduced as a “posthumous hallmarker of character,” the award will carry Heathcote’s name and be bestowed annually at the Big Ten Tournament. It will include a trophy bearing Heathcote’s likeness, a scholarship donation in his honor, and a public recognition ceremony involving Heathcote’s family, former players, and coaching colleagues.
MSU officials say the ceremony will include a dedicated “Heathcote Circle”—a ring of former players and coaches—and that each recipient will participate in a campus visit focused on community engagement and student interaction.
### Judging Judgment: Why Heathcote?
Heathcote’s legacy is woven into the fabric of Spartans history. During his 19 seasons (1976–95), he compiled a record of 340–220 (.607), securing three Big Ten championships (1978, 1979, 1990) and nine NCAA Tournament berths ([nbcsports.com][2], [ncaa.com][1]). He mentored seven All-Americans—including Magic Johnson, Greg Kelser, Jay Vincent, Scott Skiles, Steve Smith, Sam Vincent, and Shawn Respert—and sent 22 players to the NBA ([ncaa.com][1]).
Beyond his statistical achievements, Heathcote shaped the spirit and culture of Spartan basketball. He built a foundation of discipline, defense, and innovation, introducing the matchup zone defense that became a hallmark of MSU teams . Off the court, he was known as “a coach’s coach,” famed for his mentorship and camaraderie with fellow coaching legends like Gonzaga’s Mark Few and Iowa’s Brian Gregory ([espn.com][3]).
### A Family and Community Celebration
The university says Heathcote’s widow, Beverly Heathcote, and surviving family members will attend the inaugural ceremony, scheduled for February 2026—coinciding with what is now affectionately known as “Jud Tribute Week.” Plans include:
* **Uniform commemoratives**: Honorary patches on players’ warm-ups and court-side banners throughout the season, echoing the 2017–18 tribute campaign ([ncaa.com][4]).
* **“Jud Tribute Game”**: A signature home game, set for Presidents Day weekend, where former players—including legend Magic Johnson—may return to East Lansing.
* **Student achievement awards**: Scholarships and grants awarded to student-athletes who demonstrate character and community engagement that reflects Heathcote’s legacy.### Voices from the Spartan Nation
Several of Heathcote’s protégés and colleagues weighed in:
* **Magic Johnson**, who famously tweeted upon Heathcote’s passing in 2017, “Coach Heathcote made me a better person, player, and champion,” added, “It’s an honor to be part of this celebration of a coach who cared so much about me both on and off the court” ([msuspartans.com][5], [espn.com][3]).
* **Tom Izzo** reflected on Heathcote’s enduring guidance: “Even now, he’s still influencing decisions, still in my ear,” Izzo said. “This award doesn’t just celebrate his career—it celebrates the way he lived.” .
* **Brian Gregory**, now head coach at South Florida, fondly recalled Heathcote’s legendary Final Four reunions: “He’d hold court, cracking jokes and reminding us what it means to lead with humility and humor” ([washingtonpost.com][6]).
### Beyond Basketball: A Symbol for All Spartans
Michigan State’s announcement positions the Jud Heathcote Legacy Award not just as a sports honor, but as a campus‑wide emblem of excellence. Athletic leadership plans to expand the initiative beyond basketball, welcoming nominations from all varsity sports and academic departments.
“It’s about raising the bar for Spartan character,” Hollis said. “This award is about how we prepare students for life beyond the gym—integrity, leadership, giving back—values Jud instilled era after era.”
### Looking Ahead
As Spartan Nation re-embraces its history—punctuated by zoning defense schemes, Final Four runs, and the iconic 1979 championship under an unassuming North Dakotan—the Jud Heathcote Legacy Award ensures the man behind it all continues to shape the future.
With the first award ceremony now targeted for February 2026, and a permanent campus display in the works, Michigan State is elevating Heathcote’s story to inspire coaches, athletes, and students for generations.
—
**In summary**, MSU’s posthumous honor aligns with the tradition of revering its legends while reaffirming a commitment to the values they embodied. In bridging past and present through character, spirit, and communal pride, Michigan State ensures that the name Jud Heathcote remains eternally vibrant in Spartan lore.
[1]: https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2017-08-29/michigan-state-basketball-former-coach-jud-heathcote-passes?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Former Michigan State coach Jud Heathcote passes away at 90 | NCAA.com”
[2]: https://www.nbcsports.com/college-basketball/news/michigan-state-announces-plans-to-honor-jud-heathcoate?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Michigan State announces plans to honor Jud Heathcoate – NBC Sports”
[3]: https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/20491525/jud-heathcote-coached-michigan-state-ncaa-title-dies-90?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Jud Heathcote, who coached Michigan State to NCAA title, dies at 90 – ESPN”
[4]: https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2017-09-06/michigan-state-basketball-spartans-will-honor-jud-heathcote?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Spartans will honor Jud Heathcote with a jersey patch | NCAA.com”
[5]: https://msuspartans.com/news/2009/4/3/Heathcote_and_Johnson_To_Be_Inducted_Into_National_Collegiate_Basketball_Hall_of_Fame?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Heathcote and Johnson To Be Inducted Into National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame – Michigan State University Athletics”
[6]: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2017/08/29/michigan-state-has-lost-one-of-its-icons-jud-heathcote-dies-at-90/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “‘Michigan State has lost one of its icons’: Jud Heathcote dies at 90 – The Washington Post”, espn.com).
- Tom Izzo reflected on Heathcote’s enduring guidance: “Even now, he’s still influencing decisions, still in my ear,” Izzo said. “This award doesn’t just celebrate his career—it celebrates the way he lived.” .
- Brian Gregory, now head coach at South Florida, fondly recalled Heathcote’s legendary Final Four reunions: “He’d hold court, cracking jokes and reminding us what it means to lead with humility and humor” (washingtonpost.com).
Beyond Basketball: A Symbol for All Spartans
Michigan State’s announcement positions the Jud Heathcote Legacy Award not just as a sports honor, but as a campus‑wide emblem of excellence. Athletic leadership plans to expand the initiative beyond basketball, welcoming nominations from all varsity sports and academic departments.
“It’s about raising the bar for Spartan character,” Hollis said. “This award is about how we prepare students for life beyond the gym—integrity, leadership, giving back—values Jud instilled era after era.”
Looking Ahead
As Spartan Nation re-embraces its history—punctuated by zoning defense schemes, Final Four runs, and the iconic 1979 championship under an unassuming North Dakotan—the Jud Heathcote Legacy Award ensures the man behind it all continues to shape the future.
With the first award ceremony now targeted for February 2026, and a permanent campus display in the works, Michigan State is elevating Heathcote’s story to inspire coaches, athletes, and students for generations.
In summary, MSU’s posthumous honor aligns with the tradition of revering its legends while reaffirming a commitment to the values they embodied. In bridging past and present through character, spirit, and communal pride, Michigan State ensures that the name Jud Heathcote remains eternally vibrant in Spartan lore.
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