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Michigan State announces plans to honor Jud Heathcoate

State Farm Champions Classic

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 15: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans reacts against the Kentucky Wildcats in the second half during the State Farm Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

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Michigan State announced on Wednesday how they plan to honor legendary head coach Jud Heathcoate this season.

Throughout the year, the team will be wearing patches on their uniforms to honor Heathcoate, and on Feb. 10th, when the Spartans host the Boilermakers, Michigan State will hold the Jud Heathcoate Tribute Game. That date coincides with the annual former player reunion. Many of the alumni that played for and knew Heathcoate will be in attendance.

Heathcoate died on August 28th at the age of 90.

“Jud might be gone, but he will live on as a part of our basketball program and our university as we dedicate the upcoming season to his memory,” said head coach Tom Izzo. “Every time we take the court, the patches on the uniforms will remind us of the man who set a great foundation for anything we accomplish now. I can’t wait for that Tribute Game against Purdue. I look forward to seeing so many of his former players paying their respect to a man to whom they owe so much. I know that weekend will involve amazing stories, laughter and tears. Jud had some great battles against the Boilermakers, and I’m hopeful that Gene Keady, one of his closest friends in the profession, will be able to join us for that game.”