While Michigan State basketball fans are enjoying Coen Carr's big-time dunks these days, flash it back over a decade and Branden Dawson was throwing down some big dunks for the green and white.
The Gary, Ind., native made some news known on his Instagram this weekend. The former Spartan hooper called it a career after playing professionally around the globe for the better part of 10 years.
Dawson used to dazzle everyone with his fastbreak presence along with his outstanding rebounding.
Branden played for Tom Izzo from 2011-15. The former McDonald's All-American earned Big Ten Tournament MVP Honors in 2014, as he helped the Spartans take down Michigan to win the 2014 Big Ten Tournament. He was also a huge part of the 2015 team that made a run as a 7-seed to the Final Four in Indianapolis.
Following his four-year Spartan career that saw him score 1,309 points and grab 902 rebounds, Dawson heard his name called in the second round of the 2015 NBA Draft.
Dawson was picked by the New Orleans Pelicans and was ultimately traded to the Clippers where he spent the 2015-16 season bouncing between Los Angeles and the G-League. That led to a second full season in the NBA's G-League with the former Erie Bayhawks before he took his game international.
He stopped in Israel, Japan, and Mexico before ultimately finding a home playing in Taiwan where he was named a T1 League All-Star in 2023. A rough end to his time with the TaiwanBeer HeroBears left him as a free agent over the last year or so.
He made the tough decision to retire. His statement shared via his Instagram and later reposted via X by @msucontent stated.
"Man!! Can't believe I'm writing this. My first love, my sanctuary, my peace, etc. This game will always be embedded in me. I went from being told I would be in jail, a thug, etc. This motivated me even more to go harder! I say that to say, I'm officially hanging it up. Forever grateful & thankful for everything this game blessed me with. Thanks to all my coaches, teammates & family for always believing in me. 22 out! FINAO"
Michigan State (2011-2015) big man Branden Dawson announces he’s retiring from basketball. (via his instagram)
— Michigan State Content (@msucontent) January 26, 2025
Lots of memories he made in the green and white💚 pic.twitter.com/QnGVCKjgKP
It certainly was a privilege to watch you play, Branden. Thank you for so many memories. To whatever is next, you always meant so much to the Spartan Nation. Go Green forever.