Michigan State to Honor Legendary Coach Jud Heathcote with Posthumous Legacy Award
In a heartfelt tribute to one of college basketball’s most revered figures, Michigan State University has announced the creation of the Jud Heathcote Legacy Award, honoring the late coach’s enduring impact on the university, the sport, and generations of student-athletes. The award will be presented annually to an individual who exemplifies the principles Heathcote upheld throughout his storied coaching career: integrity, leadership, innovation, and a deep commitment to athlete development both on and off the court.
Jud Heathcote led the Michigan State Spartans men’s basketball team from 1976 to 1995, compiling 339 wins and guiding the program to national prominence. His most iconic achievement came in 1979, when he coached a young Earvin “Magic” Johnson and the Spartans to a national championship victory over Indiana State in what is still considered one of the most pivotal games in college basketball history.
Heathcote’s coaching style was defined by discipline, tactical precision, and a fierce dedication to doing things “the right way.” Off the court, he was known for his mentorship, sense of humor, and deep loyalty to his players. Many of his former athletes, including Magic Johnson, have long credited him with shaping not just their basketball careers but their lives.
“Coach Heathcote was more than a coach—he was a mentor, a teacher, and a true Spartan,” said Michigan State Athletic Director Alan Haller in a statement. “This award is a way to ensure that his values continue to guide our program and inspire future generations.”
The Jud Heathcote Legacy Award will be unveiled at the university’s annual Midnight Madness event this fall, which will be dedicated to celebrating Heathcote’s contributions to Michigan State basketball. The first recipient of the award will be announced during the event, which traditionally serves as the official start of the basketball season and a rallying point for the Spartan community.
In response to the announcement, Magic Johnson posted on social media: “Coach Heathcote changed my life. I’m thrilled to see MSU honor his legacy in this way. He taught us how to win the right way—with character and class.”
Heathcote passed away in 2017 at the age of 90, but his influence continues to echo through the halls of the Breslin Center and throughout the sport. By establishing this award, Michigan State ensures that the memory and values of Coach Jud Heathcote remain an integral part of its basketball tradition for years to come.