The 1979 Michigan State Basketball Roster: Where Are They Now?

The 1979 Michigan State basketball roster Where Are They Now?

We take a look at what happened to the players on the 1979 Michigan State basketball team after their time at MSU.

1979 Michigan State basketball Roster

The 1979 Michigan State Basketball Roster Where Are They Now?

The 1979 Michigan State Spartans men’s Basketball team represented Michigan State University in the 1979 NCAA Division I men’s Basketball season Led by future Hall of Fame Head Coach Jud Heathcote, the Spartans won the NCAA championship defeating the Indiana State Sycamores in the Championship game The roster for that season included some of the greatest players in Spartan history, including Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Greg Kelser, Jay Vincent, and Mike Brkovich.

So what ever happened to those players after their time at Michigan State? Let’s take a look:

Earvin “Magic” Johnson is still one of the most recognizable names in basketball, even though he hasn’t played in nearly 30 years. After his storied college career, he was drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1979 NBA draft He would go on to have an iconic NBA Career winning 5 NBA championships with the Lakers and being named NBA Finals MVP 3 times. He was also a 12-time NBA All-Star and 3-time NBA MVP After retiring from playing in 1991 due to contracting HIV, he has since become a successful businessman and philanthropist. He is currently worth an estimated $600 million.

Greg Kelser also had a successful NBA career after his time at Michigan State He was drafted 4th overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 1979 NBA Draft and went on to play 8 seasons in the league. He averaged over 15 points per game during his career and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 1980. After his playing days were over, he became a college basketball analyst for ESPN. He currently serves as vice president of corporate communications for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

Jay Vincent also enjoyed a long career in Professional Basketball after his time at Michigan State He was drafted by the Boston Celtics in the 2nd round of the 1981 NBA Draft and went on to play 11 seasons in the league. He averaged over 14 points per game during his career and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 1982. He now works as a Motivational Speaker and has his own company called Victory Enterprises.

Mike Brkovich had a shorter professional career than his teammates, but he made an impact while he was playing. He was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the 7th round of the 1981 NBA draft and played two seasons in Chicago before being traded to the Indiana Pacers midway through the 1982-83 season. He only played one full season with Indiana before being released prior to the start of the 1983-84 season. His professional career came to an end after that and he has not been heard from much since then

Where Are They Now?

It’s been 40 years since the 1979 Michigan State University men’s basketball team won the NCAA championship. The team, led by head coach Jud Heathcote and players like Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Greg Kelser, and Jay Vincent, remains one of the most iconic in college basketball history.

Where are those players now? Some, like Magic Johnson have gone on to have very successful post-basketball careers. Others have had more humble beginnings. Here’s a look at what some of the 1979 Michigan State University men’s Basketball team members are doing now:

Magic Johnson – After his playing career ended, Magic Johnson became one of the most successful businessmen in the world. He is a part-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team and has numerous business ventures, including movie theaters, fitness centers, and restaurants. He is also a philanthropist and has been outspoken about HIV/AIDS prevention.

Greg Kelser – After a brief professional playing career, Greg Kelser became a sportscaster and analyst. He has worked for several different networks over the years and currently works for NBC Sports Detroit.

Jay Vincent – Jay Vincent had a brief professional playing career before starting his own business in real estate development. He has also been involved in several charitable organizations, including one that provides housing for homeless families.

Earl Tunnell – Earl Tunnell owns a car dealership in Chicago.

Ron Charles – Ron Charles is a pastor at a church in Detroit.

Curtis Holland – Curtis Holland is retired and living in Michigan.

Tom Izzo

Tom Izzo is the Head Coach of the Michigan State basketball team He has been the Head coach since 1995. Izzo led the Spartans to their sixth NCAA championship in 2019. He is also a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Mateen Cleaves

Mateen Cleaves was a member of the 1979 Michigan State basketball team that went on to win the NCAA National Championship After his playing career, Cleaves had a successful coaching career, serving as an Assistant Coach for several teams. In recent years Cleaves has been working as a basketball analyst for FOX Sports Detroit.

Morris Peterson

Morris Peterson is a retired American professional basketball player who played small forward in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was drafted by the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2000 NBA draft Peterson played collegiately at Michigan State University As a member of the Spartans, he helped lead them to an NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Championship in 2000.

In his NBA career Peterson played for the Toronto Raptors New Orleans Hornets, and Oklahoma City Thunder He averaged 9.7 points per game in his NBA career Peterson retired from professional basketball in 2010.

Since retiring, Peterson has worked as a basketball analyst for ESPN. He has also been involved with various charities, including the Morris Peterson Jr. Foundation and Hoops 4 Hope.

Charlie Bell

Charlie Bell who played for Michigan State from 1997-2001, is currently a basketball analyst for Fox sports Detroit. He also runs a Basketball Camp for kids in the Lansing area.

Jason Richardson

Jason Richardson shooting guard for the Michigan State Spartans from 1999-2002, was drafted by the Golden State Warriors with the 5th pick in the 2002 NBA Draft He averaged 18.3 points per game during his rookie season and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. After six seasons with the Warriors, Richardson was traded to the Charlotte Bobcats in 2008. He played three seasons with the Bobcats before being traded to the Orlando Magic in 2011. Richardson played two seasons with the Magic before signing with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2013. He played one season with the 76ers before being traded back to the Warriors in 2014, where he spent one more season before retiring in 2015.

Zach Randolph

Zachary “Zach” Randolph is an American professional basketball player for the Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played College Basketball for Michigan State University and was named an All-American in 2000. A two-Ime Nba All-Star, he was chosen with the 19th overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers

Draymond Green

One of the most iconic Michigan State basketball players of all time, Draymond Green is now a forward for the Golden State Warriors He was drafted in the second round of the 2012 NBA Draft by the Warriors and has since won 3 NBA Championships with the team.

Gary Harris

Gary Harris (born September 14, 1995) is an American professional basketball player for the Denver Nuggets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Harris played High School basketball for Hamilton Southeastern high school in Fishers, Indiana. As a freshman in 2009–10, he helped lead his team to a state runner-up finish. The following year, he was named the Indianapolis Star Mr. Basketball as a sophomore after averaging 23.1 Points per game Harris continued his play at Michigan State University where he earned second-team All-Big Ten honors as a sophomore and junior before being selected in the 2014 NBA draft with the 19th overall pick by the Chicago Bulls who then traded him to the Nuggets.