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Michigan State great donates $3.1 million to hoops program

Draymond Green

Draymond Green

AP

In four seasons at Michigan State Draymond Green went from a role player to one of the nation’s best talents, winning NABC National Player of the Year honors as a senior. That growth has continued at the NBA level, where after being a second round pick in the 2012 NBA Draft Green developed into a first team NBA All-Defensive Team selection and a key contributor on the Golden State Warriors’ NBA champion squad.

Green was rewarded with a big contract this summer, and on Thursday it was announced that he’s made a sizable donation to his alma mater.

Green has decided to donate $3.1 million to the Michigan State basketball program, and as thanks the school will name the strength and conditioning center at Breslin Center in his honor. The donation, which is the most ever given by a former Michigan State athlete, comes at a time in which Michigan State is in the midst of a major fundraising campaign.

“Michigan State means everything to me. I grew up in Saginaw and was lucky enough to attend Michigan State University where Coach Izzo believed in me and gave me the chance to succeed,” Green said in the release. “I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my Spartan experience and this donation reflects my deep appreciation to the University.

“This donation isn’t just about me. I want more kids to have the opportunities I had thanks to Michigan State and want to use this to stimulate all Spartans to give back to the best university in the world.”

Last year the board of trustees approved a $28 million renovation project for the Breslin Center, with the project up for final approval this month.