On Thursday morning, the Michigan State community lost an icon as Jumpin’ Johnny Green passed away at the age of 89.
Green came to Michigan State in 1955 and helped lead the team to the 1957 Final Four before he was drafted in the first round of the NBA draft by the New York Knicks.
‘I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Jumpin’ Johnny Green,” Michigan State Head Coach Tom Izzo said. “Johnny was one of the greatest players to ever wear the Michigan State uniform and his legacy will never be forgotten. He was one of our first All-Americans, one of the great rebounders in program history and was a leader on some of the great teams at Michigan State in the late 1950s, including our 1957 Final Four Team. Johnny carried that success to the NBA as a first-round pick of the New York Knicks, where he still today stands as one of the best rebounders in the history of their team, and was a four-time NBA All-Star.
Taking away all that he did on the basketball court, Johnny was an all-time great person. He was just one of the nicest and kindest gentlemen you could ever meet and it meant a lot that he came back to visit during our reunions each year. I’ve been fortunate that during my career at Michigan State I was able to spend time with him and that our young players were able to meet one of the guys who built this program. Our players are better for it and I know that I am too.’