SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -Former Michigan State coach Jud Heathcote sat a few rows behind the Spartans’ bench Friday as a steady stream of well-wishers came up to shake his hand and exchange a few words.
The man who won a national title with the Magic Johnson-led Spartans in 1979 signed his name to numerous baseball caps that showed the years in which MSU teams won Big 10 championships. Former MSU players came by to check up on him.
Heathcote’s take on these Spartans?
“I’ve said all along they are real good on defense and sputter on offense,” Heathcote said at halftime of the Spartans’ first-round game against New Mexico State.
That proved correct, as Michigan State shot just 37 percent and was outscored in the second half, but hung on to defeat the Lobos 70-67.
The Spartans need to get more of their players doing well at the same time, rather than having only a few play well, as happened during the regular season, he said.
retired to this city years ago, and has become involved in the Gonzaga basketball program. But his true allegiance is with Michigan State, where he spent 19 years. He was excited the Spartans were sent to Spokane this year.
While Heathcote, 82, has traveled to all the Spartans’ NCAA tournament sites since retiring, he wasn’t going to go this year.
That’s because his best friend just died and Heathcote was to speak at the funeral this weekend. Heathcote’s granddaughter also is playing in a major volleyball tournament in town.
Having the Spartans in town makes it even busier. He’s been entertaining Michigan State fans who came to Spokane, hosting dinners and other events.
“The fact that I get to see the games is a plus,” Heathcote said.
Heathcote was 339-221 in his 19 seasons, going to the NCAA tournament nine times and the NIT three times.
He sympathized with coach Tom Izzo, his protege, who has endured a rocky season.
“It’s been a hard year for him. But when they get to the tournament, then they’ll put everything aside,” Heathcote said.
The Spartans play Maryland on Sunday. If they lose, Heathcote won’t call Izzo for a few days. He likes to give him time to absorb the loss before offering his opinions.
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