Jud Heathcote, who coached a Magic Johnson-led Michigan State team to the 1979 national championship, died Monday in Spokane, Wash., Michigan State officials announced Monday night. He 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.