The Michigan State basketball program produced several notable NBA stars from the likes of Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Scott Skiles, and Stephen Smith, among others.
Apart from having spectacular careers in the pros, these amazing players were also among the select few who got their jerseys retired by the program.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is the latest player to receive such honor, as his jersey number 23 will be raised above the rafters on December 3, when the team hosts the Duke Blue Devils.
Green, who was born and raised in in Saginaw, Michigan, recently talked about how proud he is for the recognition.
Draymond, on getting his jersey retired at Michigan State: "It means a lot to me. To attend Michigan State and play basketball, that was a childhood dream of mine. And to not only live out that dream but actually leave an imprint to where my jersey will hang …
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) October 29, 2019
Draymond Green played four seasons with the Spartans under Tom Izzo from 2008 to 2012, where he racked up several individual awards including the NABC National Player of the Year in 2012 and Big Ten Player of the Year the same season.
He played a total of 145 games for Michigan and had career averages of 10.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.2 steals. Green was at his best during his senior year where he averaged 16.2 points and 10.6 rebounds and established himself as one of college basketball’s best two-way players.
Despite his stellar collegiate career, Draymond Green was passed over by multiple teams in the 2012 NBA Draft before being plucked by the Warriors with the 35th overall pick.
He has become one of the most accomplished players in the NBA today, winning three championships, three All-Star call-ups and a Defensive Player of the Year award in 2017.
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