Tom Izzo built his Michigan State basketball program into a national champion and eventual powerhouse with the help of Mateen Cleaves .

Nearly 30 years later, Izzo reportedly offered Mateen Cleaves Jr. a scholarship to follow in his father’s footsteps.

Cleaves Sr. posted on his Instagram feed Tuesday, Aug. 12, that Izzo extended an offer to his son to join the Spartans in their 2028 class. That would be Izzo’s 38th year as MSU’s coach.

“You got a long way to go,” Cleaves Sr. wrote, “but you should feel good because you have been working your ass off!!!”

Cleaves Jr., a 6-foot-4 guard who played at Orchard Lake St. Mary's last season, has transferred for 2025-26 to Dream City Christian School in Scottsdale, Arizona. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

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