Michigan State Basketball: Top 15 Players that have Played for Head Coach Tom Izzo
5. Maurice Ager – Michigan State Spartans (2003-2006)
Career stats: 12.5 ppg 3.4 rpg 1.5 apg
Another player who Izzo developed into a star, Ager had a final two years with the program. He led the team in scoring both years and was the primary reason for the Spartans Final Four run in 2005. Ager went on to average 19 ppg his senior year, capping off his mark on Michigan State Basketball.
4. Denzel Valentine – Michigan State Spartans (2013-2016)
Career stats: 11.4 ppg 5.9 rpg 4.4 apg
Even in limited minutes, Valentine always was able to produce stats when on the court. His senior year showed him maximum potential, averaging 19.2 ppg 7.5 rpg and 7.8 apg. The 6’5 guard was named Big Ten and National Player of the Year, with a pair of triple-doubles to go along with the best single-season performance under Izzo.
3. Kalin Lucas – Michigan State Spartans (2008-2011)
Career stats: 14.2 ppg 1.9 rpg 4.0 apg
A starter almost his entire time at Michigan, Lucas is one of a few players in school history to score at least 1,500 points and dish out 500 assists. As a sophomore, he was awarded Big Ten Player of the Year, and had 21 points and five assists in the Final Four win over UConn in 2009. Lucas is regarded as the second-best point guard in Izzo’s career.
2. Draymond Green – Michigan State Spartans (2009-2012)
Career stats: 10.5 ppg 7.6 rpg 2.9 apg
Before he became a star with the Golden State Warriors, Green played a crucial part in the Spartans’ Final Four runs in his first two years. As his role expanded, Green helped keep the NCAA Tournament streak alive his junior year, before becoming an All-American as a senior. He averaged 16.2 ppg and 10.6 rpg, and pulled off the school’s only triple-double in the Big Dance, with 24 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists versus LIU-Brooklyn. Green was simply the embodiment of what Izzo loves in a player.
1. Mateen Cleaves – Michigan State Spartans (1997-2000)
Career stats: 12.5 ppg 2.1 apg 6.6 apg
The all-time assists leader, Cleaves averaged no less than five assists a game in any of his four years as a starter. He also has the Big Ten record for assists in a single game with 20 in his final home game as a senior.
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Cleaves was a capable scorer as well, including 18 points in the title game against Florida in 2000, which helped him win with Most Outstanding Player as well as a ring. His jersey has been retired since, as one of the greatest players in school history.