The Legacy of a Winner
3/8/2000 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
March 8, 2000
By Matt Larson,
Michigan State Sports Information
For the past four years, Mateen Cleaves' name has been synonymous with Michigan State basketball. A two-time Big Ten MVP and two-time All-American, Cleaves led the Spartans to their first Final Four since 1979 last season. When he suffered a stress fracture in late October, Spartan fans learned all about metatarsals. And since his return to the Spartan lineup in the Big Ten, he has put the Spartans on the brink of winning a third-straight league championship.
In summation, Mateen Cleaves has meant a lot to Michigan State basketball. But, today is his last game in the Breslin Center, his last chance to play before the Izzone and his last opportunity to throw an alley-oop pass to Morris Peterson and incite the home fans.
Cleaves will be remembered for many things, but how does he want to be remembered?
"I just want to be remembered as a winner," said Cleaves. "The individual awards are nice, but I just want to be remembered as a winner. I'm happy just to have been a part of the success that we've had here."
The answer is one that you should expect from Cleaves. It's honest and straight to the point, yet it seems somewhat incomplete. To get a complete picture of what Mateen Cleaves means to Michigan State, its necessary to talk to the people who come into contact with him on a regular basis.
Beginning with his basketball skills, people recognize that Cleaves' work ethic sets him apart from other potential superstars.
"Mateen is our hardest worker," explained coach Tom Izzo. "Some days I think he's spending too much extra time in the gym. I told my staff that life is not going to be as good when he's not around. I'll figure out then if I can coach. There are just not many like him."
Not surprisingly, the coaching staff appreciates Cleaves' attitude, as do his teammates.
"Mateen has the heart of the lion," said teammate Morris Peterson. "There's nothing he can't do. He never lets anything get to him, and when the game is on the line, he's going to take the tough shot."
Michigan State basketball color commentator Gus Ganakas has been connected with the Spartan basketball program since the 1960s. He ranks Cleaves among the best of all time.
"Mateen Cleaves was born to be a point guard and has become the quintessential performer at that position," explained Ganakas. "His power, artistry and creativity are far beyond the scope of a normal player. He has been the force that propelled Michigan State University to national prominence during his career."
But more than his basketball skills, Cleaves is special for what he brings to the team off the court.
"I only wish people could be with him every day and see everything he does for different people," said Izzo. "He has done more for this place than I think anybody ever has and he's done it in so many different ways and through so much adversity. I think he deserves even more praise than he's gotten."
As coach Izzo alludes to, Cleaves has done so much for so many people, including people outside the basketball program.
"He's one of my all-time favorite student-athletes because of the way he supported our football program," explained MSU football coach Bobby Williams. "During his four years, he may have helped us recruit as many football players as he did basketball players. Here is a high-profile guy who is extremely unselfish."
Being a highly visible athlete also brings many responsibilities, such as representing the university in a positive manner. According to Michigan State President Peter McPherson, Cleaves has done an outstanding job in this role.
"Mateen will be remembered as a symbol of Spartan teams known far and wide for fervor and flair, hard work and talent, and perhaps most of all, unselfish, team-oriented success," said President McPherson. "He is the catalyst, the one who inspires his teammates on and off the court. Years from now, Mateen and the 'Flintstones' will remain major features of Spartan lore. As much as we value Mateen's contributions today, I think we will appreciate their significance even more in the future."
All that said, maybe Cleaves said it best himself when he just wanted to be known as a winner. As MSU Athletics Director Dr. Clarence Underwood explains, Cleaves is sure to be a success, whatever he does.
"Mateen is simply a great person, with a lot of humility," said Underwood. "He certainly has a bright future in professional basketball or whatever he chooses. Mateen is a winner."