EAST LANSING, Mich. (WJBK) - Michigan State announced late Monday that former head coach Jud Heathcote passed away at the age of 90.
Heathcote led the Spartans to the 1979 National Championship with Magic Johnson and nine NCAA Tournament appearances during his 19 years in East Lansing. Heathcote retired in 1995 with 418 career wins and 275 losses.
Tom Izzo was an assistant for 13 seasons under Heathcote before succeeding him.
"The basketball world is a sadder place today with the passing of Jud Heathcote," Izzo said. "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.
"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."
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