The college basketball world mourned the loss of a legendary figure Monday when former Michigan State Spartans coach Jud Heathcote passed away at age 90.
Heathcote, who coached at Michigan State for 19 years, led the Spartans to a national championship in 1979 with Magic Johnson prevailing over Larry Bird in one of the most storied games in college basketball history.
Current Spartans head coach Tom Izzo served as Heathcote's assistant before taking over as his replacement.
"The basketball world is a sadder place today with the passing of Jud Heathcote," Izzo wrote in a press release. "No one cared more about the welfare of the game than Jud. He was a coach's coach and a mentor to many. Our hearts are filled with sadness and deepest sympathy for his wife Beverly and the Heathcote family.
"Without a doubt, he was one of the most influential people in my life, giving me a chance when no one else would. Any coaching success I've ever had is because of him.
"Michigan State has lost one of its icons today. And yet, nothing can erase his impact on the program, the players he coached and the coaches he mentored. Spartan basketball is what it is today because of Jud Heathcote."
Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis also reflected on the impact Heathcote had on his career.
"Coach Heathcote had an impact on so many people," he wrote. "For me, he was one of the best teachers I had the opportunity to be around. Reflecting on my career and life, Jud was among the most influential people in regards to my preparation for both.
"He will be missed, yet his memory will be seen through the many different people he impacted."
Heathcote, who began his coaching career at Montana, won 416 games in his college coaching career, 336 of them with the Spartans. He also won three Big Ten titles and made nine NCAA Tournament appearances at Michigan State.
Heathcote, who coached at Michigan State for 19 years, led the Spartans to a national championship in 1979 with Magic Johnson prevailing over Larry Bird in one of the most storied games in college basketball history.
Current Spartans head coach Tom Izzo served as Heathcote's assistant before taking over as his replacement.
"The basketball world is a sadder place today with the passing of Jud Heathcote," Izzo wrote in a press release. "No one cared more about the welfare of the game than Jud. He was a coach's coach and a mentor to many. Our hearts are filled with sadness and deepest sympathy for his wife Beverly and the Heathcote family.
"Without a doubt, he was one of the most influential people in my life, giving me a chance when no one else would. Any coaching success I've ever had is because of him.
"Michigan State has lost one of its icons today. And yet, nothing can erase his impact on the program, the players he coached and the coaches he mentored. Spartan basketball is what it is today because of Jud Heathcote."
Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis also reflected on the impact Heathcote had on his career.
"Coach Heathcote had an impact on so many people," he wrote. "For me, he was one of the best teachers I had the opportunity to be around. Reflecting on my career and life, Jud was among the most influential people in regards to my preparation for both.
"He will be missed, yet his memory will be seen through the many different people he impacted."
Heathcote, who began his coaching career at Montana, won 416 games in his college coaching career, 336 of them with the Spartans. He also won three Big Ten titles and made nine NCAA Tournament appearances at Michigan State.
