In a heartfelt moment on social media, Michigan State assistant basketball coach Saddi Washington opened up about his journey over the past year, expressing deep gratitude for the Spartan program and legendary head coach Tom Izzo. Washington, a Lansing native and son of Spartan basketball great Stan Washington, joined MSU’s coaching staff last season and has already left a mark on the program during a year of notable success.
A Transformative Year
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Washington reflected on a challenging period before joining Michigan State, sharing that he was feeling “discouraged and frustrated” about the direction of his career. However, his fortunes changed when he became part of the Spartan family.
“A yr ago I was discouraged & frustrated about where my career was going. I even questioned if God saw me. Enter Coach Izzo & @MSU_Basketball. I can’t say enough about the PEOPLE I’m blessed to work alongside every day,” Washington wrote, closing his message with the hashtags #WatchHimWork and #Yr2Loading.
The post resonated with fans and colleagues alike, showcasing Washington’s renewed faith and passion for coaching.
A Season of Achievements
Washington’s first season with Michigan State saw the Spartans claim a Big Ten championship and advance to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. Notably, MSU also swept Washington’s former team, the Michigan Wolverines, in their head-to-head matchups—a sweet victory for the Lansing native.
His contributions were lauded by Izzo, who praised Washington’s basketball IQ, recruiting prowess, and deep ties to the Spartan program. “Saddi is not only a real and genuine person, but he’s an incredible coach,” said Izzo. “He’s an outstanding teacher with a great basketball IQ and has been recognized as a great recruiter, in and out of Michigan.”
Spartan Roots Run Deep
Washington’s connection to Michigan State runs through his bloodline. His father, Stan Washington, was a three-time All-Big Ten honoree for the Spartans, and Saddi grew up immersed in the program’s rich history. After eight successful years coaching at Michigan and a decade at Oakland University, his return to East Lansing feels like a homecoming.
Looking Ahead
As Washington embarks on his second season with the Spartans, his faith, resilience, and deep-rooted ties to Michigan State position him as a vital figure in the program’s continued success. With a talented roster and an unshakable commitment to excellence, both Washington and the Spartans are set to thrive.
