I feel the weight of history and the fervor of a basketball-mad fan base that is all green and white every time I don the Spartans jersey and take in the arena’s thunderous cheers. Coaching at Michigan State carries a duty that was established by warriors who came before me, including Magic Johnson, Mateen Cleaves, and Draymond Green. And that duty is renewed each season—not as a burden, but as a mark of respect.
East Lansing is not merely a town of college students. Spartan basketball is the glue that holds this community together. The atmosphere in the Breslin Center is electrifying, whether it’s a cold Tuesday in January or a tournament matchup in March. You feel the fans, not just hear them. Their applause reflects the aspirations of a fan base that is driven only by the desire to watch their team battle, compete, and embody the Midwest’s toughness.
I never thought I’d be here for the rest of my career when I originally came to Michigan State as an assistant to Jud Heathcote. But now, after several decades, I know why I ended up in East Lansing. Leading young men and shaping them into champions on the court and in life was more important than merely coaching basketball. Here, we’ve created something that goes beyond banners and victories. We have established a Spartan culture that is based on tenacity, devotion, and unrelenting work.
Every game, every practice, and every second spent in that arena serves as a reminder of why this work is still unique. There is more to it than Xs and Os. Seeing a walk-on player get a scholarship is the main goal. Seeing a freshman develop into a team leader is the goal. When former players, who are now men with families and careers, return, it’s about their embraces and how they still call this place home.
I reflect on the evenings when the Izzone is trembling and the Breslin Center is crowded, and our team uses that energy to rally. These gatherings of the entire community are more than just basketball games. And we all win when we win. Together, we gain knowledge when we lose. That is the distinctive feature of Spartan basketball.
The transfer portal, one-and-done players, and NIL deals have all changed the college basketball landscape over the years, but at Michigan State, the fundamental principles have not changed. Although we welcome change, we never lose sight of our identity. We work in blue-collar jobs. We are related. We’re tough.
I’ve had the chance to go. The NBA and other prominent programs have sent offers to me. However, I was never able to leave this area. It’s significant, not because it’s comfortable. I belong in East Lansing. I have poured my heart, soul, and life’s labor into it.
And I will continue to proudly lead this initiative as long as I have breath. Because I am constantly reminded that this is more than just a job; it is a calling as I hear the Spartan battle song and watch our guys sprint out of that tunnel.
It’s home here. It’s Michigan State. And I will always be appreciative.