In a move that has electrified the Michigan State basketball community, former All-American and all-time leading scorer Shawn Respert is making a triumphant return to East Lansingโnot as a player, but as a new member of Tom Izzoโs coaching staff.
Respert, who starred for the Spartans from 1990 to 1995 and finished his collegiate career with 2,531 points, was officially announced Wednesday morning as the newest assistant coach for the MSU menโs basketball team. The unexpected homecoming was revealed in a surprise event held at the Breslin Center, where Respert walked out to thunderous applause from fans, alumni, and current players alike.
“Iโve always said that Michigan State is more than just a schoolโitโs family,” Respert said, visibly emotional during his introductory press conference. “To return here, to work beside Coach Izzo, and to help shape the next generation of Spartansโitโs a dream come true.”
Head Coach Tom Izzo, who was an assistant during Respertโs playing days before taking the reins in 1995, expressed his excitement about bringing back one of MSUโs most iconic figures.
โShawn isnโt just one of the greatest players weโve ever hadโheโs one of the finest people to wear the green and white,โ Izzo said. โHis knowledge, passion, and toughness will bring an incredible edge to our locker room and our program.โ
Respertโs return comes at a critical time for MSU, as the team looks to rebound from a transitional season and regain footing as a perennial Big Ten contender. With new talent arriving on campus and veteran leadership in place, the addition of a Spartan legend on the bench is expected to boost morale and raise expectations.
In the years following his NBA career, Respert held several developmental and assistant coaching roles with various NBA teams, most recently serving as a player development director for the Chicago Bulls. Now, his basketball journey comes full circle.
โMy heart never left Michigan State,โ Respert said. โAnd now Iโm back to give everything I have to a program that gave me everything.โ
The Spartans begin summer workouts next week, and with Respert officially in green again, the Breslin Center is already buzzing with renewed energy and championship aspirations.
