Golden State Warriors’ star Draymond Green was honored by his alma mater Michigan State University in a special way on Tuesday night. Michigan decided to retire No.23 jersey in honor of Green, who wore the number during his time with the Spartans.
Green attended the ceremony with his family and friends, while several of his Warriors’ teammates, including Klay Thompson, came to support him as well. Golden State’s head coach Steve Kerr and owner Joe Lacob were also in attendance.
“As a kid from Saginaw, Michigan, my hopes and dreams were to play at Michigan State. It was never to get my jersey retired, and I lived that dream,” Green said. “This is special. I come here, and every time I walk into the arena, I look up there. And, now, when I walk in here, I’m going to see my name up there.”
Draymond Green played four years at Michigan State, between 2008 and 2012, helping the team to reach two Final Four appearances during that time. Green played 145 games (66 as a starter) with Spartans and averaged 10.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. He was drafted by the Golden State Warriors out of college, becoming 35th overall pick in 2012 NBA Draft.
Green has stayed connected with Michigan State even after going to NBA, and regularly supports the school’s basketball program. He recently gave a donation to help build the strength and conditioning center at the Spartans’ team arena.
