They are certain characteristics that define the phrase 'Spartan Dawg'. Tre Holloman possess all of those characteristics. He's a leader, he's got heart, he's tough and it stand up for others.
That was no different in Michigan State's rivalry win against Michigan on Senior Day on Sunday. While the Spartans' three seniors, Jaden Akins, Frankie Fidler, and Szymon Zapala, were awaiting to check out of the game for the final time, as tradition dictates, each would get to sub out one at a time and kiss the Spartan logo at center court.
It's a tradition that was started by Spartan all-time leading scorer Shawn Respert in 1995. It was carried on by Mateen Cleaves and Co., and the rest is history.
But a couple of freshmen took it upon themsleves to try and block the Spartan seniors from having their moment.
While Akins and Holloman vocally told the players LJ Carson and Phat Phat Brooks to move, they ignored it while Fidler kissed the logo, albeit far left of the typical spot right at center court.
Sure, it seemed like nothing in that moment until the verbal request to move went unanswered. So, Tre, being a leader and sticking up for his teammates, took it upon himself to move the Wolverine players, which brought on an altercation. Holloman and Cason received technical fouls, but the message from Tre was clear: you aren't going to mess with our tradition.
Tom Izzo was hellbent on that phrase of "no one will wreck our tradition" following the game, while also not quite agreeing with Holloman's actions at first saying he wasn't happy with Tre "but only a little bit" with a smirk on his face.
Holloman's action caught the attention of some of the Spartans' most historic point guards. That included the aforementioned Mateen Cleaves and Cassius Winston, as both sent a message to him after the game.
Tre Holloman says he has already heard from Spartan point guards Mateen Cleaves and Cassius Winston thanking him for defending Michigan State's senior day tradition of kissing the Spartan head. Holloman asked Michigan players to leave the Spartan head before the dust up.
— Paul Konyndyk (@Pkonyndyk) March 9, 2025
Holloman talked about the messages he recieved via text with SpartanMag following the game.
"Uh, yeah, man. Uh, you know, the former, former players are, like, uh texting me, about don't let, don't let nobody disrespect our, our tradition. So, I was just trying to, trying to defend them, too," Holloman said via SpartanMag.com. "After... The guys that were here -- Mateen, (Cassius). Just those guys, you know."
It's a Spartan tradition, and you don't mess with it. No matter who you are. Thanks for defending it, Tre. Spartan Nation appreciates it. You're a true Spartan Dawg.