SerpApi.Org
Tom Izzo has not been shy about continuing the familiy traditions in East Lansing and bringing in the sons of former Spartan legends.
It looks as though the Michigan State head coach has his eye on another.
Last week, Izzo was in attendance at the Nike Peach Jam to watch Mateen Cleaves Jr., the son of former MSU great Mateen Cleaves.
Izzo has prioritized the point guard position in the 2027 class, making multiple high-level offers already. Cleaves fits the bill in 2028 as he is ranked as the No. 5 point guard in the nation and No. 37 player overall, according to 247Sports.
Cleaves Jr. has had plenty of spectators in the crowd during his games, including other Spartan greats Zach Randolph and Plaxico Burress. They were in attendance during the Nike EYBL this summer in Las Vegas. Cleaves Jr. finished with 23 points on 8-for-12 shooting with seven assists during this game.
Cleaves Jr. currently has three offers and they are all in the Big Ten. Along with Michigan State, the four-star guard has also heard from Michigan and Rutgers. Cleaves Jr. is a native of Orchard Lake, Michigan, but currently attends Dream City Christian in Glendale, Arizona.
Mateen Cleaves was a four-year standout for the Spartans. He was part of the 2000 National Championship team. He earned his third consecutive All-American selection that year as a senior. As a junior, Cleaves was a First Team All-American after averaging 11.7 points and a conference best 7.2 assists per game. He ended his career with a national title and as a three-time All-Big Ten selection and two-time Big Ten Player of the Year. Now, Izzo is on the heels of the next Cleaves in line.
This has become a trend for Izzo. In 2024-25, the Spartans featured the son of Jason Richardson. Jase Richardson turned into an All-Big Ten standout who was selected in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft. Izzo is also recruiting Kingston Thomas, son of David Thomas, in the 2027 class.
Other offers in the backcourt feature Joshua Tyson, Jaxson Davis, and Antonio Pemberton in 2027. The Spartans have prioritized the point guard position in the upcoming classes. Cleaves Jr. seems to be high on the list for Izzo in 2028.
Spartan fans, you saw their fathers play. Now, how do you feel about keeping the lineage alive in East Lansing? And what do you think about the news that new Michigan coach Mike Boynton has extended an offer to the son of a Spartan legend?
