EAST LANSING, Mich. — September 10, 2015 — Michigan State University (MSU) announced today a historic $3.1 million donation from NBA All-Star and former Spartan Draymond Green, who graduated in 2012. The announcement was made at a news conference held at the Breslin Center, joined by MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon, Athletic Director Mark Hollis, and legendary head coach Tom Izzo .
Green’s generosity marks the largest single gift to MSU Athletics ever made by a former student-athlete, surpassing earlier high-profile donations from Magic Johnson, Steve Smith, and NFL standout Flozell Adams . The contribution supports the men’s basketball program, with the primary gift allocated to the creation of an endowment aimed at scholarships and program support—while roughly $1 million will fund renovations to the Jack Breslin Student Events Center, including a new strength and conditioning complex bearing Green’s name .
“Michigan State means everything to me,” Green shared. “I grew up in Saginaw…Coach Izzo believed in me…this donation reflects my deep appreciation to the University.” These heartfelt remarks echoed the wider sentiment held by the Spartan community.
President Simon lauded Green’s example, stating: **“Draymond is an exemplary Spartan … His gift will help our campus continue to be a vibrant community that attracts extraordinary student and faculty talent.”** Coach Izzo added that the facility named in Green’s honor would forever connect student-athletes with his transformative journey—an athlete who entered college out-of-shape but committed himself to become an elite player and national star . Athletic Director Hollis highlighted the ripple effect: **“We’re so grateful he continues to be a champion for MSU. His impactful gift will ensure…tools to pursue excellence both on and off the court.”**
A native of Saginaw, Michigan, Green played four seasons under Izzo, earning multiple Big Ten titles, a Final Four appearance, and becoming one of MSU’s all-time rebounding leaders (1,096 rebounds), scorer (more than 1,500 points), and accumulating an impressive career that included 40 double-doubles and three triple-doubles—second in school history only to Magic Johnson . After graduation, Green became an instrumental piece of the Golden State Warriors’ 2015 NBA Championship run, earning All‑Defensive First Team honors and ranking high in Defensive Player of the Year voting .
His generosity builds on a solid tradition of former MSU athletes reinvesting in their alma mater. His gift supports MSU Athletics’ ambitious $262 million “Empower Extraordinary” campaign, administered through the Spartan Fund—an effort to elevate facilities, athlete development, and academic support . More than 2,400 alums have cumulatively donated over $22 million to athletics in the campaign’s history .
As the Board of Trustees awaits final approval for the naming of the Draymond Green Strength and Conditioning Center, the announcement already sent shockwaves through East Lansing and the broader college sports world. At just 24 years old at the time, active in the NBA, Draymond Green not only contributed financially, but he also offered an inspiring model of returning value to one’s roots—fueling dreams for future Spartans.
In essence, Draymond Green’s $3.1 million gift is more than a financial milestone—it’s a legacy that bridges athletic excellence with academic empowerment, bold ambition with humble gratitude, and reinforces the lifelong bond between Spartan alumni and the university that shaped them.
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If you’d like quotes, deeper analysis of facility upgrades, or reactions from current MSU players, I’d be happy to add more!
