Mateen Cleaves News

Dwyane Wade’s Prediction Comes True as Suns Hire Mateen Cleaves in Player Development Role

He’s not an All-Star guard or someone casual NBA fans might recall, but Mateen Cleaves is highly regarded in the basketball community. Post-retirement, the former first-round Draft pick built a career around inspiring others in the community, and he was pretty good at it.

MSU Legend Draymond Green Defends Suns' Mateen Cleaves Hire

Earlier this week, Michigan State alum and college basketball national champion Mat Ishbia hired his former Spartan teammate , Mateen Cleaves, to serve as a player development coach for the Phoenix Suns.

Draymond Green Reacts to Suns New Coaching Hire

The Golden State Warriors struck gold when they landed Michigan State forward Draymond Green with the 35th pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. Even though Green was a star in his senior year with the Spartans, questions about his true position and size left many wondering what his future could look like at the next level.

Suns Add Michigan State Great to Staff

The Phoenix Suns have hired former Michigan State legend Mateen Cleaves to their player development staff. Arizona Sports' John Gambadoro first reported the news of Cleaves, who played with Suns owner Mat Ishbia at MSU and under general manager Brian Gregory, who was an assistant coach for the Spartans 25 years ago.

The 25 worst contracts in the NBA for 2025-26

Not every player on here is bad or overrated - rather, the contract is one that is currently or has the chance to be a cap killer moving forward.

Warriors’ Draymond Green elated by Suns’ move that ‘makes the most sense’

The Phoenix Suns’ recent front office and coaching staff moves have gained attention across the NBA, and none more so than from Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green.

Jesse Mermuys, Mateen Cleaves joining Suns coaching staff

The Suns plan to hire Jesse Mermuys as one of the top assistant coaches under new head coach Jordan Ott, sources tell Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter link).

Watch: MSU Legend Mateen Cleaves' Son Shines at Nike Elite 100

Mateen Cleaves Jr., son of Michigan State legend and national champion, Mateen Cleaves, is gaining national attention. Cleaves Jr., who just picked up an offer from Rutgers, was a standout at this week's Nike Elite 100 Camp at St.

Watch: Michigan State Legend Mateen Cleaves Speaks at Halftime of MSU-Oregon

EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Moments after addressing the crowd while he and his 2000 national title teammates were honored at halftime of Michigan State's home game against Oregon on Saturday, Mateen Cleaves spoke to media members, discussing Saturday's reunion, the 25th anniversary of that legendary Spartan team and Tom Izzo's current squad.

Spartan Legend on Former Teammate: 'He Can Hoop'

Michigan State Spartans hall of fame legend Mateen Cleaves spoke publicly earlier this week, giving praise to his former college teammate and current boss, Mat Ishbia.

The greatest players in Michigan State men's basketball history

Two national championships, a runner-up finish, and 10 Final Four appearances. Having great coaches like Forddy Anderson, Jud Heathcote, and Tom Izzo helps. So do great players — like the 20 best players in Michigan State players listed below.

The '2001-02 Sacramento Kings' quiz