ESPN NEWS: Michigan State to Posthumously Honor Legendary Coach Jud Heathcote
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 over his storied career.
The tribute, which will be officially presented at a special ceremony during the upcoming college basketball season, marks a poignant moment in the university’s athletic history. Heathcote, who passed away in 2017 at the age of 90, is widely considered one of the most influential coaches in college basketball. His legacy at Michigan State — and beyond — is both enduring and transformative.
Heathcote served as head coach of the Michigan State Spartans men’s basketball team from 1976 to 1995. Over the course of his 19-year tenure, he compiled an impressive 339–221 record and led the Spartans to nine NCAA Tournament appearances. Most notably, he coached a young Magic Johnson and guided MSU to its first national championship in 1979 with a historic victory over Indiana State — and its then-star, Larry Bird — in a game that would go down as one of the most iconic in college basketball history.
“Jud Heathcote was more than just a coach,” said MSU Athletic Director Alan Haller in a statement. “He was a teacher, a mentor, and a man of integrity who cared deeply about his players both on and off the court. His influence shaped not just a program, but a generation of coaches and student-athletes who carry forward his legacy to this day.”
The posthumous award will recognize Heathcote’s unmatched contribution to the Michigan State community. It will also celebrate his influence on the broader college basketball landscape, where his coaching tree — including current MSU head coach Tom Izzo — continues to thrive.
Izzo, who served as Heathcote’s assistant for over a decade before taking over the program in 1995, often credits his former mentor for shaping his coaching philosophy. “Everything I am today as a coach, I owe to Jud,” Izzo said in a recent interview. “He taught me how to lead with both passion and principle, how to hold players accountable while also loving them like family. His impact was profound and permanent.”
Heathcote’s coaching style was both cerebral and fiery. Known for his strong defensive schemes and animated sideline demeanor, he brought a combination of basketball intelligence and showmanship that captivated fans and challenged opponents. Off the court, he was beloved for his quick wit, humility, and unwavering loyalty.
In addition to the national title, Heathcote’s teams won three Big Ten championships. But for Heathcote, success was never measured solely in wins. He believed in developing young men — guiding them through the challenges of college life, instilling values, and preparing them for life after basketball.
Under his leadership, MSU basketball developed a reputation not just for excellence, but for character. That standard lives on in the program’s continued emphasis on academics, community service, and personal growth.
To honor his memory, the university will establish the Jud Heathcote Legacy Award, which will be presented annually to a current or former Spartan athlete, coach, or staff member who embodies Heathcote’s principles of leadership, integrity, and service. Additionally, MSU plans to unveil a commemorative plaque and digital exhibit chronicling his career, to be housed in the Breslin Center.
“This award is not just a tribute,” Haller emphasized. “It’s a reminder — of the values Jud lived by, and of the impact one person can have when they lead with purpose.”
The basketball world has already begun to react with heartfelt messages. Magic Johnson tweeted, “Coach Heathcote changed my life. He believed in me and pushed me to be great. I’ll never forget him.”
As college basketball continues to evolve, the Jud Heathcote Legacy Award ensures that the core values of the sport — teamwork, mentorship, and heart — remain at the forefront. For Michigan State University, and for the countless lives he touched, Heathcote’s spirit lives on — not only in banners and accolades, but in the fabric of what Spartan basketball stands for.