Former MSU guard Mateen Cleaves celebrates with his family after winning the National Championship trophy April 3, 2000, in Indianapolis, Indiana at the RCA Dome. Photo Courtesy of MSU Athletics
MSU head basketball coach Tom Izzo confirmed Monday that the 2000 MSU national championship basketball team will be honored during his current No. 1 MSU basketball team's home game against Florida on Saturday.
The 2000 team went 32-7 and were led by the likes of Spartan legends Mateen Cleaves and Morris Peterson. Ironically enough, Florida is also the team MSU defeated in the championship game that year, 89-76.
Izzo said Saturday's event is something MSU has been looking to do, but hasn't been able to plan the event for a date where most of the team can come back.
Nearly every member of the team will be back Saturday, Izzo said, besides Aloysius Anagonye and Adam Ballinger. Both were freshmen forwards on the 2000 team but can't make it Saturday because of their overseas playing careers.
"I think for me is it makes me realize and remember is that those are the guys that built my part of this great tradition here," Izzo said. "Players coming back continues to be the best part of my job so hopefully somehow we can play well on Wednesday and play well on Saturday and get a chance to enjoy the guys that really laid the foundation for what we've accomplished."
MSU will hit the hardwood against Florida on Saturday at 6 p.m. at Breslin Center.
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