The plane crash that killed 10 people Saturday, including two Oklahoma State basketball players, has sent a wave of emotion throughout the area.

“I think they said it right on TV, where when you do coach, all the players become sons for the period of time they are here,” MSU men’s basketball head coach Tom Izzo said. “Without being dramatic, you really are losing a family member.

“It’s very sad for any of us in athletics, because we can appreciate what happened because we have those nights.”

Izzo mentioned the team’s flight to Columbus, Ohio on Saturday and some of the difficulties the plane had when trying to land, because of the landing gear.

Some student athletes have been reminded of how fortunate they are whenever they safely step off a plane.

“I really feel bad for the people involved in that program,” senior forward Andre Hutson said. “It makes you really think. And thank God that you are safe when traveling.”

Detroit native Daniel Lawson Jr. was one of the Oklahoma State players killed in the crash.

Lawson, an Oklahoma State junior, transferred from Mott Community College in Flint, where he earned Michigan Community College Player of the Year honors in 1999.

Mott head coach Steve Schmidt coached Lawson from 1997-99. He learned of the crash as he was watching television Saturday night.

“Since finding out, I’ve basically been devastated,” Schmidt said. “Dan was the best.

“In my 10 years (as head coach), I’ve never approached a more solid individual.”

Schmidt said Lawson lit up every room he was in.

He said, “I don’t remember him ever having a bad day.

“He worked with our program and really developed to reach his dream of playing at the Division I level. Through that hard work he was able to live his dream,” he said.

“I never realized how much I loved the kid until a tragedy like this happens. I’m just thankful that I got to spend two years of my life knowing him.”

The Oklahoma State crash victims were aboard the Beechcraft King Air 200 Catpass, one of three planes carrying the school’s basketball team and associates.

Matt Larson, MSU’s assistant sports information director, said MSU charters one 50-seat plane when traveling to sporting events.

“The planes that Oklahoma State uses are much smaller than what we use,” he said.

Staff writer Eric Lacy contributed to this report.