Michigan State Basketball: Most emotional Senior Day logo kisses

Let’s go down memory lane and take a look at some of the previous Michigan State basketball greats to end their career by kissing the logo.

Michigan State basketball owns one of the most unique, and coolest traditions in college basketball. Started by Shawn Respert back in 1997, once a senior is subbed out for their final time at the Breslin, a standing ovation followed by a kiss on the Spartan logo at midcourt is procedure. We have seen countless legends follow in Respert’s footsteps and continue the incredible tradition.

Seniors AJ Hoggard, Tyson Walker, Mady Sissoko, Steven Izzo, and Davis Smith had their moment last night against Northwestern (Malik Hall decided not to after partaking last year).

Let’s go down memory lane and take a look at some of the previous Spartan greats to end their career by kissing midcourt. 

It should be noted that some Spartan greats were not given the chance to do so during the game, as was the case for Draymond Green. He and his Spartans were upset by Ohio State, leading to a somber kiss after the game had concluded. It would be the last time an MSU team lost on Senior Night. 

Shawn Respert (Fast forward to 0:53)

Shawn Respert's senior day was iconic.

The 1995 @bigten POY scored 31 points in a win over Michael Finley and Wisconsin, and capped the day with a smooch of the midcourt logo. 😗

Watch 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝟏𝐆 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲: 𝐊𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐫 at 6 p.m. ET 3/6. pic.twitter.com/MO3LV67hXG

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) March 5, 2024

To start off this list, we’re going to go with the man who began the tradition. Shawn Respert is a Spartan legend, and the 1995 Big Ten Player of the Year. Shawn said goodbye to Spartan nation to a thunderous applause and kissing midcourt, which at the time was simply the Spartan ‘S’. I’m sure Respert did not realize he was starting such a historic tradition, but the Michigan State basketball great changed Senior Night forever.

Cassius Winston — March 8, 2020

Ultimo jogo de Cassius Winston em casa por Michigan State!

Senior Night é sempre emocionante!

pic.twitter.com/KqKxC5C61d

— Live Basketball BR 🏀🇧🇷 (@livebsktbr) March 8, 2020

Cassius will go down as one of the most beloved Spartans in program history. His senior year was filled with such up and down emotions, and would ultimately be cut short before likely having the best odds at a National Championship, thanks to Covid. Still, his senior night moment was one to remember.

Mateen Cleaves — March 4, 2000 (Fast forward to 0:36)

On this date in 2000, Michigan State defeated Michigan 114-63 on Senior Night. The largest margin of victory over a B1G opponent in school history. Mateen Cleaves finished with 20 of MSU's 36 assists and Charlie Bell scored 31 points. #AlumniWeek pic.twitter.com/6QZFYV0HuL

— The Izzone (@ThisistheIZZONE) March 4, 2019

Mateen brought a different feel to Michigan State basketball. He and the Flintstones set Tom Izzo and the Spartans on a path for success for the next 25 years. Little did Izzo and Spartan Nation know that just a few weeks after this senior night, they would be cutting down the nets with a national title.

Tum Tum Narin — Feb. 20, 2018 (Fast forward to 1:10)

Every year we look forward to this @MSU_Basketball Senior Night tradition. 💋

As Gavin Schilling, Ben Carter and Tum Tum Nairn leave the Breslin Center court for the final time, they give the customary kiss at center court: pic.twitter.com/DnWZf8MHzJ

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) February 21, 2018

Tum Tum was easily one of Tom Izzo’s most beloved players over the last 25 years. He has repeatedly stated how important Narin was to the program, and how he was one of the best leaders of men he’s ever coached. Tum Tum’s time at MSU towards the end began to be eroded away thanks to future Spartan great Cassius Winston, but Tum Tum still deserved a tremendous senior night.

Steven Izzo — March 6, 2024 

Steven Izzo kisses the Floor! #SeniorNight #MSU pic.twitter.com/0vzAzKISdc

— Rico Beard (@RicoBeard) March 7, 2024

How can you include a list of the most emotional Senior Night court kisses and not include Steven Izzo. Both Tom and Steven had an emotional interview immediately following the game, but later on, Steven and Tom were joined by the rest of the Izzo family and he was able to kiss the logo that he watched his dad coach on for so many years.