— Michigan State University has announced a heartfelt tribute to one of its most iconic figures in sports history: legendary basketball coach Jud Heathcote. In a ceremony slated for this fall, the university will posthumously award Heathcote with the “Spartan Legacy Lifetime Achievement Award,” a newly established honor meant to recognize transformative figures who have left an indelible mark on the university’s athletic and cultural landscape.
Heathcote, who passed away in 2017 at the age of 90, is widely credited with elevating Michigan State basketball to national prominence. Most remembered for leading the Spartans to their first NCAA Championship in 1979 with the help of a young Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Heathcote’s legacy transcends wins and banners. He was known for his fierce integrity, tactical brilliance, and ability to connect with players on a deeply personal level.
“Jud wasn’t just a coach — he was a teacher, a mentor, and a father figure to so many,” said Michigan State Athletic Director Alan Haller. “His impact still resonates through every player who walked through the tunnel at Breslin. This award is our way of saying thank you and ensuring future generations understand the foundation he built.”
The award ceremony will take place during Michigan State’s Homecoming Weekend in October and will feature tributes from former players, coaches, and peers. Notably, Magic Johnson is expected to deliver a keynote speech reflecting on the bond he shared with his former coach.
Tom Izzo, Heathcote’s protégé and successor, credited Heathcote for shaping the very soul of Spartan basketball. “Everything I know about coaching, discipline, and leadership came from Jud,” Izzo said. “He taught us that success is measured not just by what you win, but how you lead and who you lift up along the way.”
In addition to the award, Michigan State announced that a commemorative statue of Heathcote will be erected outside the Breslin Center by 2026. Plans are also in motion to establish a scholarship fund in his name for student-athletes who embody the values of humility, excellence, and resilience.
As the Spartan community prepares to honor one of its greatest icons, the words that once defined Jud Heathcote’s approach to life and sport ring truer than ever: “Play with purpose, coach with heart, and always lead with integrity.”
