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Michigan State basketball in NBA draft: Meet every Spartan ever selected

jenna malinowski, detroit free press
·9 min read

Michigan State basketball and Tom Izzo have certainly produced some high-caliber talent in recent years, but the pipeline from East Lansing to the NBA has existed longer than some would think. Here's a look at all of the players drafted from MSU by NBA teams:

Max Christie (2022)

Christie declared for the draft after one season at MSU. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers as the 35th overall pick. Since then, he has split time between the G League affiliate and the Lakers, making 41 NBA appearances in the 2022-23 season.

Xavier Tillman (2020)

Tillman entered the draft after three seasons at MSU and was selected 35th overall by the Sacramento Kings but was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies on draft night. After three seasons in Memphis, Tillman averages seven points and five rebounds per game.

Cassius Winston (2020)

Arguably the best point guard in recent MSU history, Winston declared for the draft after his senior year and was selected 56th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was traded to the Washington Wizards the night of the draft. Winston currently plays for Bayern Munich in Germany's top league.

Jaren Jackson Jr. (2018)

Jackson entered the draft after just one season at MSU and was selected by the Grizzlies with the fourth overall pick. He has dealt with injuries but remains a vital part of Memphis' lineup and recent postseason success; he won NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2022-23.

Michigan State forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (2) goes in as Ohio State forward Kaleb Wesson (34) defends during the second half of MSU's 80-64 loss on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, in Columbus, Ohio.
Michigan State forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (2) goes in as Ohio State forward Kaleb Wesson (34) defends during the second half of MSU's 80-64 loss on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, in Columbus, Ohio.

Miles Bridges (2018)

Bridges was selected as the 12th overall pick in the draft after two seasons at MSU by the Los Angeles Clippers but was traded to the Charlotte Hornets. He was suspended 30 games following a domestic violence charge back in June 2022 while a free agent and has yet to sign with an NBA team for the 2023-24 season.

Denzel Valentine (2016)

Valentine was drafted 14th overall by the Chicago Bulls following four years at MSU. He played four seasons with the Bulls and split a season between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Utah Jazz. He currently plays for the Maine Celtics, a G League affiliate of the Boston Celtics.

Deyonta Davis (2016)

Davis was drafted 31st overall by the Celtics after one season at MSU and was traded to the Grizzlies the night of the draft. He now plays for the Taoyuan Leopards of the Taiwanese T1 League.

Branden Dawson (2015)

Dawson played four years at MSU before being drafted 56th overall by the New Orleans Pelicans and then traded to the Clippers. Since then, he has played overseas and was most recently a member of the TaiwanBeer HeroBears in Taipei City, Taiwan.

Michigan State senior center Adreian Payne carries his special guest Lacey Holsworth onto the court where he was honored with fellow seniors on March 6, 2014, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.
Michigan State senior center Adreian Payne carries his special guest Lacey Holsworth onto the court where he was honored with fellow seniors on March 6, 2014, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.

Adreian Payne (2014)

Payne played four years at MSU and was known for his friendship with 8-year-old cancer patient Lacey Holsworth. He was drafted 15th overall by the Atlanta Hawks and played a few seasons in the NBA before playing overseas. Payne was shot and killed in Orlando, Florida, on May 9, 2022

Gary Harris (2014)

Harris declared for the draft after completing his sophomore year at MSU. He was drafted 19th overall by the Chicago Bulls and traded to the Denver Nuggets. He currently plays for the Orlando Magic.

Draymond Green (2012)

Green led the Spartans to the national championship game his junior year and declared for the draft following his senior year. He was selected 35th overall by the Golden State Warriors and has since won four NBA championships.

Goran Suton (2009)

Suton was a senior on the 2009 team that went to the NCAA title game at Ford Field in Detroit. He was drafted 50th overall by the Jazz before playing overseas.

Michigan State University head coach Tom Izzo talks with Draymond Green during a break against USC in the 1st half of their 2nd round game of the NCAA basketball tournament in Minneapolis, Minn. on Sunday, March 22, 2009.
Michigan State University head coach Tom Izzo talks with Draymond Green during a break against USC in the 1st half of their 2nd round game of the NCAA basketball tournament in Minneapolis, Minn. on Sunday, March 22, 2009.

Shannon Brown (2006)

Brown was drafted 25th overall by Cleveland where he played for two years before being traded to the Bulls. He bounced around between the NBA and the G League before finishing his career in 2018.

Maurice Ager (2006)

Ager played at MSU from 2002-06 and was selected 28th overall in the draft by the Dallas Mavericks. Ager is also a music producer.

Paul Davis (2006)

Davis was drafted 34th overall in the draft by the Clippers before signing with the Wizards and eventually playing overseas.

Erazem Lorbek (2005)

Lorbek played one season at MSU before returning home to Europe to play professionally. He was drafted 46th overall by the Indiana Pacers in 2006 but was not signed and continued to play in Europe.

Michigan State's Maurice Ager, (13), flys to the hoop during practice at the 2005 NCAA Division 1 Men's Basketball Final Four Championships, Friday April 1, 2005, at the Edward Jones Dome in St Louis, Missouri. DAVID P. GILKEY/Detroit Free Press
Michigan State's Maurice Ager, (13), flys to the hoop during practice at the 2005 NCAA Division 1 Men's Basketball Final Four Championships, Friday April 1, 2005, at the Edward Jones Dome in St Louis, Missouri. DAVID P. GILKEY/Detroit Free Press

Marcus Taylor (2002)

Taylor played two seasons at MSU before being drafted 52nd overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Jason Richardson (2001)

Richardson was a part of the 2000 NCAA championship team before being drafted fifth overall by Golden State. He retired in 2015 due to injury.

Zach Randolph (2001)

Randolph was also a part of the 2000 team before he declared for the draft. He was selected 19th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers but found the most success in Memphis. Following his retirement in 2019, the Grizzlies retired his number.

Andre Hutson (2001)

Hutson played at MSU from 1997-2001 and played a key part in the 2000 championship run. He was drafted 51st overall by the Milwaukee Bucks but instead played overseas.

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo stands with Mateen Cleaves as they listen and watch the overhead screen playing the team tribute after the national championship game against Florida on Monday, April 3, 2000, in Indianapolis.
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo stands with Mateen Cleaves as they listen and watch the overhead screen playing the team tribute after the national championship game against Florida on Monday, April 3, 2000, in Indianapolis.

Mateen Cleaves (2000)

Perhaps one of the most well-known Spartans, Cleaves spent four years at MSU, leading the Spartans to their second national title in 2000. He was drafted 14th overall by the Detroit Pistons and his playing career ended in 2006.

Morris Peterson (2000)

Peterson was also instrumental in the 2000 national title. Following his time at MSU, he was drafted 21st overall by the Toronto Raptors. He retired from the NBA in 2010.

Jamie Feick (1996)

Feick played at MSU from 1992-96 and was drafted 48th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers.

Shawn Respert (1995)

Respert played at MSU from 1990-95 and was drafted eighth overall by the Portland Trail Blazers. He played in the NBA until 1999 before playing overseas. He was also an assistant coach for the Grizzlies.

Morris Peterson, left, and Mateen Cleaves celebrate at midcourt with 1 minute to go in the 53-41 win over Wisconsin in the Final Four semifinal Saturday, April 1, 2000 in Indianapolis.
Morris Peterson, left, and Mateen Cleaves celebrate at midcourt with 1 minute to go in the 53-41 win over Wisconsin in the Final Four semifinal Saturday, April 1, 2000 in Indianapolis.

Eric Snow (1995)

Snow played at MSU from 1991-95 and was selected 43rd overall in the draft. His brother, Percy Snow, was a linebacker at MSU, and his son, Darius, is currently a linebacker for the Spartans as well.

Anthony Miller (1994)

Miller played at MSU from 1991-94 and was drafted 39th overall by the Warriors.

Mike Peplowski (1993)

Peplowski was selected 52nd overall by the Sacramento Kings after playing at MSU from 1989-93.

Matt Steigenga (1992)

Steigenga was selected 52nd overall by the Bulls. He played at MSU from 1988-92.

2015, Duke 81, MSU 61: Michigan State's Denzel Valentine, center, fights for a loose ball with Duke's Matt Jones, left, and Justise Winslow, right, during the second half of the NCAA Final Four tournament college basketball semifinal game Saturday, April 4, 2015, in Indianapolis.
2015, Duke 81, MSU 61: Michigan State's Denzel Valentine, center, fights for a loose ball with Duke's Matt Jones, left, and Justise Winslow, right, during the second half of the NCAA Final Four tournament college basketball semifinal game Saturday, April 4, 2015, in Indianapolis.

Steve Smith (1991)

Smith had an exemplary career at MSU before being drafted fifth overall by the Miami Heat. His son, Davis, is currently on the Spartan basketball team.

Darryl Johnson (1987)

Johnson played at MSU from 1983-87 and was drafted 58th overall by the Warriors.

Vernon Carr (1987)

Carr was drafted 97th overall following his senior year by the Sacramento Kings.

Scott Skiles (1986)

Skiles was drafted 22nd overall by the Bucks. Following his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, most recently as the head coach of the Orlando Magic in 2016.

Orlando Magic coach Scott Skiles encourages his players against the San Antonio Spurs on Feb. 16, 2016, in Orlando.
Orlando Magic coach Scott Skiles encourages his players against the San Antonio Spurs on Feb. 16, 2016, in Orlando.

Larry Polec (1986)

Polec was drafted 155th overall by the Detroit Pistons.

Sam Vincent (1985)

Vincent was the first-ever Michigan Mr. Basketball award winner (1981) and was drafted 20th overall by the Celtics.

Ken Johnson (1985)

Johnson was drafted 28th overall by the Chicago Bulls.

Kevin Willis (1984)

Willis was drafted 11th overall by the Atlanta Hawks and played in the NBA for 21 seasons.

Michigan State forward Xavier Tillman (23) speaks with head coach Tom Izzo during a break in the action in the first half of their Final Four game against Texas Tech at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Saturday, April 06, 2019.
Michigan State forward Xavier Tillman (23) speaks with head coach Tom Izzo during a break in the action in the first half of their Final Four game against Texas Tech at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Saturday, April 06, 2019.

Ben Tower (1984)

Tower was drafted 203rd overall by the Detroit Pistons.

Derek Perry (1983)

Perry was drafted 124th overall by the Detroit Pistons.

Kevin Smith (1982)

Smith was drafted 193rd overall by the Detroit Pistons.

Jay Vincent (1981)

Vincent was drafted 24th overall by the Dallas Mavericks. His number was retired by Michigan State.

Mike Brkovich (1981)

Brkovich was drafted 181st overall by the Milwaukee Bucks but did not play in the NBA.

Magic Johnson (left) shown during Michigan State's March 18, 1978 NCAA Mideast Regional Final against Kentucky.
Magic Johnson (left) shown during Michigan State's March 18, 1978 NCAA Mideast Regional Final against Kentucky.

Ron Charles (1980)

Charles was drafted 74th overall by the Chicago Bulls.

Earvin "Magic" Johnson (1979)

Undoubtedly the best player to come out of MSU, Johnson led the Spartans to the 1979 national title, defeating Larry Bird and Indiana State in the championship game in Utah. He was then drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers, where he won five NBA championships.

Greg Kelser (1979)

Kelser, along with Johnson, led the team to the 1979 national title. He was drafted fourth overall by the Detroit Pistons.

Bob Chapman (1977)

Chapman, a mentor to Johnson, was drafted 97th overall by the Kansas City Kings.

Terry Furlow (1976)

Furlow was drafted 12th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers.

Former players on Michigan State's 1979 national championship team, including Jay Vincent, left, Magic Johnson, center, and Greg Kelser, right, on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019, in East Lansing.
Former players on Michigan State's 1979 national championship team, including Jay Vincent, left, Magic Johnson, center, and Greg Kelser, right, on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019, in East Lansing.

Lindsay Hairston (1975)

Hairston was drafted 64th overall by the Detroit Pistons.

Peter Davis (1975)

Davis was the ninth pick in the seventh round of the draft. He was selected by the New York Knicks.

Mike Robinson (1974)

Robinson was selected as the 111th pick overall in the draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Bill Kilgore (1973)

Kelgore was the 145th overall pick by the Detroit Pistons.

Ralph Simpson (1972)

Simpson was selected as the 11th overall pick by the Chicago Bulls.

Rudy Benjamin (1971)

Benjamin was selected 75th overall by the Houston Rockets.

Lee Lafayette (1969)

Lafayette was selected as the seventh pick in the fourth round by the Golden State Warriors.

Bubba Smith (1967)

Smith, better known for his achievements on the football field, was the first pick in the 11th round of the draft. He was selected by the Washington Wizards.

Matt Aitch (1967)

Aitch was the 135th overall pick. He was selected by the Detroit Pistons.

Stan Washington (1966)

Washington was selected 48th overall in the draft by the Los Angeles Lakers.

Mateen Cleaves, center, holds a Detroit Pistons jersey with his high school number with president of basketball operations Joe Dumars, left, and head coach George Irvine at the Palace of Auburn Hills, during a news conference.
Mateen Cleaves, center, holds a Detroit Pistons jersey with his high school number with president of basketball operations Joe Dumars, left, and head coach George Irvine at the Palace of Auburn Hills, during a news conference.

Pete Gent (1964)

Gent was selected 98th overall by the Baltimore Bullets.

Horace Walker (1960)

Walker was drafted sixth in the fourth round of the draft by the St. Louis Hawks.

Johnny Green (1959)

Green was the fifth overall pick in the draft. He was selected by the New York Knicks.

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Bob Anderegg (1959)

Anderegg was the 20th pick in the third round by the New York Knicks.

Jack Quiggle (1958)

Quiggle was selected as the 59th overall pick by the Detroit Pistons.

Larry Hedden (1958)

Hedden was selected as the fourth pick in the 10th round by the Philadelphia Warriors.

Julius McCoy (1956)

McCoy was the 50th overall pick by the St. Louis Hawks.

Al Ferrari (1955)

Ferrari was the 15th overall pick in the draft. He was selected by the St. Louis Hawks.

Bob Armstrong (1955)

Armstrong was selected as the 58th overall pick by the Rochester Royals.

Gordon Stauffer (1952)

Stauffer was the first MSU player drafted by the NBA, in its sixth draft. He was selected in the eighth round by the Indianapolis Olympians.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan State basketball in NBA draft: Every Spartan ever selected