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Big Ten Basketball: 10 most polarizing figures in Michigan-Michigan State rivalry

By Joe Cook-Shugart

EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 13: Michigan Wolverines celebrates a teammates made basket from the bench during a 82-72 win over the Michigan State Spartans at Breslin Center on January 13, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 13: Michigan Wolverines celebrates a teammates made basket from the bench during a 82-72 win over the Michigan State Spartans at Breslin Center on January 13, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 11: Draymond Green #23 of the Michigan State Spartans fights for rebound position against Deshaun Thomas #1 and William Buford #44 (R) of the Ohio State Buckeyes Spartans during the Final Game of the 2012 Big Ten Men’s Conference Basketball Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 11, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 11: Draymond Green #23 of the Michigan State Spartans fights for rebound position against Deshaun Thomas #1 and William Buford #44 (R) of the Ohio State Buckeyes Spartans during the Final Game of the 2012 Big Ten Men’s Conference Basketball Tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 11, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

2. Draymond Green

Here, we have a unique case where a player is polarizing even among his own fan base. Day-Day is an East Lansing legend, and the large majority of the green and white faithful still hold a soft spot in their heart for him. There are a select few Spartans, however, that have slightly distanced themselves from supporting him because of some of his antics since going pro.

Like many on this countdown before him, Green is a native Michigander, born and raised in Saginaw, MI. After winning a Class A state championship during his senior year in high school, he spurned an offer from a recently hired John Beilein to go play for coach Tom Izzo. That was the start of what would become an illustrious college career on the banks of the Red Cedar, ripe with hate from the rival Wolverines.

During his time at Michigan State, Day-Day was a part of two Final Four appearances, as well as a Big Ten Tournament championship. After his senior season, he was recognized as the National Player of the Year by the National Association of Basketball Coaches. He was a warrior and a fierce competitor on the court, for better or for worse – better if you’re a Spartan, worse if you’re a Wolverine.

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