Each year for Michigan State University’s homecoming celebrations, the Alumni Association selects a notable alum to serve as the Homecoming Grand Marshal, an alum who represents the core values of MSU. 

This year, the senior director for Alumni Engagement, Lisa Parker nominated James Samuel Vincent, often referred to as Sam. 

"The nomination practically wrote itself," Parker wrote in a statement to The State News on Vincent’s nomination. "Sam is a terrific example of a Spartan who continuously seeks to better himself and others while remaining humble and connected to those he meets along the way."

As a student from 1981-1985, Vincent played for MSU basketball and studied theater with a focus in broadcasting. In 1985, he was drafted into the NBA to play for the Boston Celtics. After playing professionally he became a coach and has coached basketball all over the world.

Now he is returning to Lansing, not only as an MSU alumnus, but as a Lansing native. 

"For me, being from Lansing, that's where it all started, and a chance to come back in a meaningful role to connect with the campus and talk to people about what I'm doing and share some of my stories and experiences, that means a lot," Vincent said. 

As a high school basketball player in Lansing, Vincent’s ultimate goal was to play in the NBA.  

In 1980 Vincent got his first taste of championship basketball when, alongside his Lansing Eastern High School teammates, they won the state championship. In 1981, Vincent was the first recipient of Michigan’s "Mr. Basketball" award. 

When Vincent was offered a spot on MSU’s basketball team it was a no brainer. Head coach Jud Heathcote had just won a national championship with players like Magic Johnson and Vincent’s brother, Jay, on his roster in 1979. 

"I knew that was going to be an opportunity to play with a coach that was going to improve my game and give me a chance to reach my ultimate goal, which was to become an NBA basketball player," Vincent said.