Michigan State Basketball: Top 10 fan favorite players of Tom Izzo era
![Cassius Winston and Xavier Tillman, Michigan State basketball (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) Cassius Winston and Xavier Tillman, Michigan State basketball (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/29f8af85e19f68409dad6ee58f95fe2e5e5a164e8ad4b0790a63f0ce987ed977.jpg)
Are you really surprised to see Draymond Green this high up on the list? Some might argue he’s a top-two fan favorite in the Tom Izzo era, but you’d have a tough time making a case against Nos. 1 and 2.
If you pieced together an all-time MSU team, you’d probably have to go with Draymond as the captain. He was the ultimate leader in East Lansing and some fans are hoping that he one day makes the trek back home and takes over as head coach. He still has a professional career ahead of him and some NBA titles in his pocket.
Green came to Michigan State unorthodoxly, committing to Kentucky first before Tubby Smith left and then he committed to the green and white. He was from Saginaw, but wasn’t the highest-rated recruit. He was also not in the greatest shape.
Draymond molded into one of the best Spartans in his four years at Michigan State and won national player of the year honors as a senior. He was what you call a stat-sheet stuffer and that’s enough to win fans over.
In fact, he’s the only player in college basketball over the past 20 years to have multiple triple-doubles in the NCAA Tournament.
You won’t find many MSU fans who disliked Draymond. He’s the kind of guy who would be your favorite if he’s on your team and hated if he’s going against you.