HEART OF A SPARTAN: Draymond Green’s Enduring Love for Michigan State
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Long before he became an NBA All-Star, Defensive Player of the Year, and a four-time champion with the Golden State Warriors, Draymond Green was a scrappy, undersized forward from Saginaw with something to prove. And prove it he did — not just on professional hardwoods, but first and foremost in the green-and-white of Michigan State.
Draymond Green arrived in East Lansing in 2008, joining a program built on toughness, loyalty, and resilience — traits that would come to define his career. Coached by the fiery and passionate Tom Izzo, Green didn’t make an immediate splash. But true to Spartan form, he worked, he learned, and he evolved.
By his junior year, Green had already been to two Final Fours, anchoring Michigan State’s defense while showcasing his unique ability to pass, rebound, and lead — all from the power forward spot. By his senior season, he was the undisputed leader, earning Big Ten Player of the Year honors in 2012 and finishing his career as one of only three players in NCAA history to record multiple triple-doubles in NCAA tournament play.
But it was never just about stats for Draymond. His connection to Michigan State was — and still is — visceral. After entering the NBA, he continued to support the program, returning to campus frequently, mentoring players, and donating generously. In 2021, he committed $5.1 million to MSU’s athletic department — the largest donation ever by a former Spartan basketball player — to help renovate the Breslin Center and support student-athlete resources.
Today, Green remains a vocal advocate for Michigan State, often sporting Spartan gear courtside and on national television. For him, MSU isn’t just a school — it’s a second home, a launching pad, and a lifelong family. As Green once said, “I’ll always bleed green. That’s not changing — not now, not ever.”
