Michigan State Men's Basketball Final Four Appearances
The Michigan State men's basketball team has a rich history of success, including numerous appearances in the NCAA Final Four. These appearances have cemented the Spartans as one of the top college basketball programs in the country.
1979 Final Four Appearance
The Spartans' first Final Four appearance came in 1979, led by head coach Jud Heathcote and star player Earvin "Magic" Johnson. Johnson had a phenomenal tournament, averaging 17.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game. He famously played all five positions in the championship game against Indiana State, leading the Spartans to a 75-64 victory and their first ever national championship.
1999 Final Four Appearance
The Spartans' next Final Four appearance came 20 years later in 1999, again led by Jud Heathcote, who had since been succeeded by Tom Izzo. The team was led by standout players Mateen Cleaves and Morris Peterson, who helped guide the Spartans to a 33-5 record on the season. In the Final Four, the Spartans defeated Duke 68-62 to advance to the championship game, where they would defeat Florida 89-76 to win their second national championship.
2000 Final Four Appearance
The Spartans returned to the Final Four the following year in 2000, once again led by Tom Izzo. This time, they were led by star player Morris Peterson, who averaged 16.8 points per game on the season. The Spartans defeated Wisconsin in the Final Four to advance to the championship game, where they would fall to the heavily-favored Florida Gators.
2001 Final Four Appearance
The Spartans made their fourth consecutive Final Four appearance in 2001, a remarkable achievement for any college basketball program. Once again led by Tom Izzo, the team was anchored by standout players Jason Richardson, Zach Randolph, and Charlie Bell. The Spartans would fall to Arizona in the semifinals, ending their bid for a third national championship in three years.
2005 Final Four Appearance
The Spartans' fifth Final Four appearance came in 2005, led by Tom Izzo and standout player Shannon Brown. The team had a rough start to the season, but turned things around in conference play and in the NCAA tournament. In the Final Four, the Spartans defeated Louisville to advance to the championship game, where they would fall to North Carolina.
2009 Final Four Appearance
The Spartans' sixth Final Four appearance came in 2009, led once again by Tom Izzo. The team was anchored by standout players Kalin Lucas and Raymar Morgan, and had an impressive 31-7 record on the season. In the Final Four, the Spartans defeated Connecticut to advance to the championship game, where they would fall to North Carolina.
2010 Final Four Appearance
The Spartans made their seventh Final Four appearance in 2010, again led by Tom Izzo. The team was anchored by standout player Draymond Green, who would go on to have a successful NBA career. In the Final Four, the Spartans would fall to Butler in one of the most memorable games in NCAA tournament history.
Meta Description:
Learn about the Michigan State men's basketball team's Final Four appearances, including their championship runs in 1979 and 1999. Read about the standout players and coaches who led the Spartans to success.
Meta Keywords:
Michigan State, men's basketball, Final Four, NCAA tournament, championship, Jud Heathcote, Tom Izzo, Magic Johnson, Mateen Cleaves, Morris Peterson, Jason Richardson, Zach Randolph, Shannon Brown, Kalin Lucas, Raymar Morgan, Draymond Green.