There is a big celebration planned today at Jack Breslin Student Event Center..

The Michigan State men's basketball program will retire the jersey (No. 12) of former All-American Mateen Cleaves before today's game versus Ohio State.

There has always been a lot of love for Mateen in East Lansing, many people feel that it was Mateen Cleaves who kick started the MSU Basketball program, who is singly responsible for everything Spartan Basketball has become.

And while its certainly true that Mateen was a part of that... he wasn't alone. In fact, he wasn't even first.

Morris Peterson was the first superstar to commit to Tom Izzo's Spartans. And during Mateen Cleaves career, it was mostly Morris Peterson who drained the shots that elevated Cleaves assists record. And during the biggest game of Mateen Cleaves career, it was Morris Peterson who carried the load while Mateen nursed an ankle on the bench.

Its always been my opinion that there wouldn't be a Mateen Cleaves legend if there hadn't been a Morris Peterson and its MoPete who should be getting his number retired today...

Cleaves, a three-time MSU captain, led the Spartans to the 2000 national championship and was named MVP of the Final Four. He is the school's only three-time All-American. He was named Big Ten Player of the Year twice. He also leads MSU and the Big Ten in career assists with 816.

It appears even Tom Izzo has allowed himself to get caught up in the Cleaves hype:

"Mateen Cleaves took a chance on me and this program before we were established; he might be as responsible as any player in the nation for turning around a team and a program. Michigan State basketball would not be what it is today without him."

Of course, I guess a guy who named a kid after his point guard, that shouldn't surprise me. But personally.. I'm not feeling it.

Which isn't to say that Cleaves doesn't deserve to have his number retired.. but it should be retired at the same time the #42 is. For #42 had every bit as much to do with Cleaves as Cleaves did himself.

It was a year before Mateen Cleaves committed to MSU that Morris Peterson came to East Lansing.

And while Cleaves certainly passed the ball well.. becoming the MSU's all-time assist leader.. it was Morris Peterson who is in the Top 10 of all the other records..

Each of these records is ahead of Mateen Cleaves.

Above all else.. while Mateen was stealing bottles of beer for the 7-11, falling asleep drunk in his car in the parking lot and getting fat and partying all night, it was Mo-Pete was in the gym.

It was Morris Peterson who put "the team" ahead of himself, coming off the bench in a 6th man role in the 99 season... a season where he was so successful he became the first sixth man to earn first-team all-league honors in a major conference, ever.

So in about three hours, the Mateen Cleaves love fest will commence. Its already started on the SportsInferno.com message board and its been going on for 2 weeks on the tRCMB.

That doesn't change the fact that is a miscarriage of justice.

By the way.. Mo-Pete won't be there.. he'll be starting in an NBA game.. the 368th time he has started in his 510th NBA game. And oh-by-the-way... Cleaves had 10.

Yippee for #12, wake me when MSU gets thier head out of their ass and retires the real star of the National Championship Team.. #42, Morris Peterson.

Did you enjoy this article? Please bookmark it onto:

Comments

Add New Search RSS

Bflecha - Come on Rick Registered | 2007-02-03 17:12:12 Man, I am one of the biggest MoPete fans there is, but Cleaves was the backbone of the team. Yes, MoPete should have his jeresy retired soon as well, but Mateen first is fine. Also, I don't think MoPete is starting tonight...he has really been getting the push off in Toronto...which, I hope withh allow JoeD to bring him here. MoPete's time will come soon...

Stucchi - Wow! Registered | 2007-02-04 13:30:57 Hey Rick, do you have something personal against Mateen? I sense some hatred......

lsrrandy - Mo Pete Registered | 2007-02-05 10:50:43 Not speak for Rick but I don't think there is any hatred of Cleaves. It just seems that sometime Peterson doesn't get the credit he deserves for what he did. Peterson was always changing himself for the team. When he broke a hand and couldn't shoot he became a lock down defender (remember the club?) When he was clearly a better player than Jason Klein he willingly came of the bench anyway to spark the team. And when MSU trailed big agaist Iowa State in the elite 8 it was Mo Pete who turned the tide. When all anyone would talk about is Florida's Mike Miller it was Mo Pete who kicked his overrated ass all over Indiana. Cleaves won Final 4 MVP because he got hurt and came back. The guy who should have won it was Peterson. I love Cleaves and his career ranks amoung the greatest ever at State, and his number does belong in the rafters, I was pissed when they let Neitzel play in it for a year. That said Peterson should have had it done the same day that would have been awesome. At the very least it needs to be done and done soon.

wallyfairway - Only love for MoPete Registered | 2007-02-12 11:52:13 I can't believe you didn't even mention Charlie Bell in your article.....his # should be retired with MoPete, look at his stats they are better than Mateens and his NBA career (as if that matters to having your collegiate number retired) far outshines #12. So lets add #14 to the list as well - maybe MSU should just retire the city of Flint.

Only registered users can write comments!