— In a move that has electrified the Spartan fan base and reignited memories of past glory, Michigan State University announced today that former All-American guard Shawn Respert is returning to East Lansing — this time as a bench coach under head coach Tom Izzo.
Respert, widely regarded as one of the most legendary players in Spartan basketball history, is embracing a new chapter in his basketball journey. During a press conference at the Breslin Center, the 52-year-old couldn’t hold back his excitement.
“This is home,” Respert said, emotion in his voice. “I bled green and white as a player, and now I’m here to help revive this team and see it win again. Not just games — championships.”
Respert starred for the Spartans from 1990 to 1995, finishing his collegiate career as the program’s all-time leading scorer with 2,531 points — a record that still stands. His leadership, sharpshooting, and fierce competitiveness made him a fan favorite and helped lay the foundation for Michigan State’s rise to national prominence under Izzo in the years to follow.
Since retiring from the NBA, Respert has built a strong résumé as a player development coach with stints in the NBA and at the college level. His return marks a full-circle moment, not just for him, but for the Spartan community.
“Bringing Shawn back isn’t just about basketball,” said Coach Tom Izzo. “It’s about culture. He understands what it means to be a Spartan — the grind, the grit, the pride. Our players need to see that every day.”
Respert will be tasked with mentoring guards, instilling a championship mentality, and helping Michigan State bounce back after a pair of underwhelming seasons. While the team boasts young talent, critics have questioned its leadership and consistency. That’s exactly where Respert plans to step in.
“My job is to inspire. These kids need to believe in something bigger than themselves. That’s what we had back then — and that’s what we’re bringing back.”
As fans poured into social media to celebrate the announcement, Spartan Nation seems more hopeful than ever. With Respert back on the bench and Izzo still at the helm, the countdown to the season just got a lot more exciting in East Lansing.
#SpartanStrong #RespertReturns #GreenAndWhiteForever 🏀💚
