The All-Time Michigan State Basketball Starting 5

Since 1976, Michigan State has led the way for Big Ten basketball, headlined by two National Titles in 1979 and 2000. In this time, led by coaches Jud Heathcote and Tom Izzo, the Spartans have produced a large crop of NBA starters, All-Stars, and all-time greats.  This all-time team stands out with a great mix of recent and historic stars who played in the Spartan green and white.

Many fan favorite guards were left off the list because of the Spartans' rich history. Both members of the “Fire and Ice” combo of Eric Snow and Sean Respert are definitely honorable mentions, as well as 2020 Senior guard Cassius Winston. Let's get the debate started!

5. Center: Paul Davis

The three-year starter flourished in East Lansing by averaging over 15 points per game twice, as well as being Michigan State’s main source for rebounds. In his senior season, he helped lead the Spartans to the 2005 Final Four, where he averaged over 17 points per game and nine rebounds per game. He also logged four seasons in the pros, where he averaged 2.6 points per game.

4. Forward: Steve Smith

Smith lit up the scoreboard at his time in East Lansing, as he finished his four seasons with the most points in Spartans history. He averaged 18.5 points per game, as he led the Spartans to the Sweet 16 in 1990. He also recorded a solid 16-season NBA career, where he averaged more than 20 points per game in two seasons, and was a 1998 All-Star with the Hawks.

3. Forward: Draymond Green

Before he became a three-time NBA All-Star, Draymond Green starred at Michigan State for four seasons. He was a vocal leader on the team and won Big Ten Player of the Year in 2012. He is one of only three Spartans to record 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. As a pro, Green has cemented himself as a defensive leader with the Warriors, where he's won three NBA Championships.

2. Guard: Mateen Cleaves

Cleaves continued MSU's storied tradition for guards, as he led the Spartans to their second National Title in 2000. The three-year captain tops the Spartan record book in steals (195) and assists (816). However, Cleaves’ game didn’t translate to the Association, as he only averaged 3.6 points per game in his six-season career.

1. Guard: Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson is the easiest pick on this list, as he is not only one of the best Michigan State players in history, but also one of the best professional players to ever hit the hardwood. In his two years in East Lansing, he averaged 17.1 points, 7.9 assists, and 7.6 rebounds, while leading the Spartans to their first National Championship in 1979 by outlasting the Larry Bird-led Indiana State Sycamores 75-64. Forever iconic.

All Time Bench: Eric Snow, Sean Respert, Cassius Winston, Denzel Valentine