Written by Gary Parrish at CBS Sports.com
Jud Heathcote, who coached a Magic Johnson-led Michigan State team to the 1979 national championship, died Monday in Spokane, Washington, Michigan State officials announced Monday night.
Heathcote was 90.
“The basketball world is a sadder place today with the passing of Jud Heathcote,” said Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, a Hall of Famer who worked under Heathcote from 1983 until replacing him as Michigan State’s coach in 1995. “No one cared more about the welfare of the game than Jud. He was a coach’s coach and a mentor to many. … Without a doubt, he was one of the most influential people in my life — giving me a chance when no one else would. Any coaching success I’ve ever had is because of him. Long after he left Michigan State, he was still one of the first people I would call when I had a tough decision in coaching or life.”
Heathcote also coached at Montana from 1971-1976. He retired with a career record of 419-274 that includes a 339-221 record at Michigan State.
“Coach Heathcote had an impact on so many people,” Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis said. “He was among the best teachers I had the opportunity to be around.”
Heathcote’s greatest professional moment came in Salt Lake City — where his Spartans beat Indiana State (and Larry Bird), 75-64, in the final game of the 1979 NCAA Tournament. It remains the highest-rated televised game in college basketball history. Heathcote finished his career with three Big Ten titles and two Big Ten Coach of the Year awards. He was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.
My college Coach Jud Heathcote will be missed so much. He was a great man & basketball coach who truly cared about me on & off the court.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) August 29, 2017
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