The Breslin Center erupted in cheers, but this time, it wasn’t just for a win—it was for a tribute. As the final buzzer sounded on Michigan State’s dominant 79 to 62 victory over Michigan, the Spartans did something special. Players from both the basketball and hockey teams donned Magic Johnson’s iconic No. 33 jersey, a nod to the man who put MSU on the map back in 1979.

To support his Alma Mater, Magic Johnson has donated to the program’s growth and supports the players by regularly visiting them during the games. Since then, the love hasn’t stopped from the players representing the Green and White. In one such instance, not only the basketball team but even the hockey team celebrated their icon.

“I want to congratulate Michigan State’s hockey team on becoming Big Ten Champions! I love that they all rocked my throwback 33 jersey!” The 5x NBA champion was elated as both the men’s hockey team and men’s basketball team clinched the top seed. The celebration was after the final game of the regular season of the basketball team against bitter rivals Michigan.

With the Big 10 championship secured before the game, it was time for the program to celebrate! They did so by donning the Magic Johnson 33 jersey! Since the celebration was after the game, the 65-year-old spoke highly about his former team’s final game performance. “The Spartans checked all the boxes today – Defense, pace of the game, rebounding, free throws and they hit 9 three pointers! @MSU_Basketball.”

I want to congratulate Michigan State’s hockey team on becoming Big Ten Champions! I love that they all rocked my throwback 33 jersey! https://t.co/QOKt8aEPD4

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) March 9, 2025

It was at the beginning of the month when the hockey team clinched their title. They beat the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 5-2, clinching a share of the Big Ten Regular Season Championship for the second consecutive season. But it wasn’t that straightforward. They ended the season level on 50 points with the Minnesota Golden Gophers, but due to a better record during the regular season, the Spartans earned the number 1 seed.

Before back-to-back titles, the Spartans had seven straight years of sub-.500 hockey. But their fate changed when third-year head coach Adam Nightingale took the reigns of the program. This was the fourth time in program history that they secured back-to-back regular-season titles and the first time since the start of the Big Ten Conference in 2013-14. That’s why for the MSU alum, the celebrations mean a lot, and he celebrated when the basketball team achieved the title.

Magic Johnson also shared a huge verdict for the basketball team

Despite a slow start causing tension among the fans, the Spartans rallied in the second half to secure a 91-84 win over Iowa at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. What made the win special? The team’s first outright 2025 Big Ten win since 2018, as they won’t have to share their title. “Congratulations to my Michigan State Spartans on their 91-84 victory over Iowa! With this win they are the regular season Big Ten Champions! Go Green, Go White! @MSU_Basketball,” Magic Johnson on X celebrated the incredible feat.

A week ago, the owner of Magic Johnson Enterprises also poured in support for the program’s coach for an elusive title. “The best part for both teams is that they have incredible coaches. Tom Izzo should be Big Ten Coach of the Year…” The other team that the NBA icon was talking about was the Los Angeles Lakers, and he praised their Head Coach for a turnaround season.  

A few days ago, Magic Johnson called it the “best week of my life” as MSU went 4-0 against the top 25 teams in the country, and the Lakers went 5-0, beating four playoff-contending teams. And shared his excitement for the progression of teams in March Madness and the postseason of the NBA, respectively.