What a Kind Heart: Draymond Green Shocks the Basketball Community with Transformative $20 Million Donation to Michigan State Spartans; Tom Izzo Responds with Emotion
In a moment that has left the college basketball world both stunned and deeply moved, NBA star Draymond Green has made a historic $20 million donation to Michigan State University, his alma mater. The gift — the largest ever by a former MSU athlete — is aimed at transforming the future of Spartans basketball and supporting student-athletes for generations to come.
Green, who played under legendary coach Tom Izzo from 2008 to 2012, has never hidden his love for Michigan State. Known for his grit, leadership, and relentless energy on the court, Green has credited MSU and Coach Izzo as the foundation for much of his success in the NBA, where he has won multiple championships with the Golden State Warriors. Now, he’s giving back in the most impactful way imaginable.
“This isn’t just about money — it’s about legacy,” Green said during the official announcement at a packed Breslin Center event. “Michigan State made me who I am. This program, this community, this coach — they believed in me when a lot of people didn’t. I want to make sure the next generation of Spartans has even more support, more opportunity, and more reason to believe in themselves.”
The $20 million donation will be used to support a number of key initiatives:
Renovation and Expansion of Facilities: A significant portion of the funds will go toward modernizing and expanding the Breslin Center and the team’s training facilities. Plans include updated locker rooms, a state-of-the-art performance and recovery center, and a new student-athlete leadership hub named in Green’s honor.
Scholarships and NIL Support: Recognizing the new realities of college athletics, Green’s donation also includes funding to assist MSU athletes with Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) education and opportunities. Scholarships for underprivileged student-athletes across all sports are also included.
Community and Mentorship Programs: Green is dedicating part of the donation to mentorship programs focused on leadership, personal development, and post-college career readiness, particularly targeting first-generation college students and underserved communities.
What has touched many observers the most, however, is not just the size of the gift, but the emotion behind it. Coach Tom Izzo, a mentor and father figure to Green, was visibly emotional when addressing the crowd following the announcement.
“I’m not often at a loss for words,” Izzo said, holding back tears. “But today is one of those days. Draymond is more than a player to me — he’s family. To see him succeed the way he has, and to see him come back and do this, it’s beyond anything I ever imagined. He’s never forgotten where he came from, and today, he made sure we’ll never forget him, either.”
Izzo went on to describe Green’s journey from a “stubborn, undersized forward from Saginaw” to an All-Star, a champion, and now, a philanthropist. “He always played with a chip on his shoulder,” Izzo said. “And he’s always cared — about his teammates, his coaches, and this university. That passion is what made him special as a player, and it’s what makes this gift so powerful.”
The reaction from the basketball community has been overwhelming. NBA players, analysts, coaches, and fans took to social media to express admiration and respect for Green’s generosity. Magic Johnson, another proud Spartan and NBA legend, tweeted, “Draymond just set a new standard for giving back. What an incredible example for every athlete out there. Spartan for life!”
MSU Athletic Director Alan Haller called the donation “a game-changer,” adding, “This is more than a financial contribution — it’s a statement of belief in what we’re building here at Michigan State. Draymond’s commitment reinforces our mission and gives our student-athletes tools to thrive on and off the court.”
Green’s legacy at Michigan State was already cemented through his achievements on the floor — including an NCAA Final Four appearance, Big Ten titles, and his reputation as one of the most intense and versatile players to ever wear the green and white. But this donation takes his Spartan legacy to a whole new level.
For Draymond Green, the message is clear: success isn’t just about what you achieve, but how you lift others once you’ve made it. And for Michigan State University, this transformative act of generosity will echo far beyond the walls of the basketball arena — inspiring future generations to give back, dream big, and remember the place that made them.