Michigan State University Athletics
Cleaves, Granger and Peterson Anxiously Await Draft
6/27/2000 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
June 27, 2000
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State seniors Mateen Cleaves, A.J. Granger and Morris Peterson are anxiously awaiting the 2000 NBA Draft to be held Wednesday, June 28 in Minneapolis. The draft will begin at 7:30 p.m. and be televised by TNT.
With the NBA Draft less than 24 hours away, none of the former Spartans know where they will be selected. Peterson has been projected anywhere from the sixth to the 16th pick. Cleaves could go as high as the seventh pick and as low as 24th. Granger has been told that he is a good bet to be selected in the second round. Cleaves, however, has not gotten caught up in all the speculation.
"I just want to get a foot in the door," explained Cleaves, 2000 Final Four MVP and two-time Big Ten Player of the Year. "I don't get caught up in what pick I'll go and what team I'll play for and what team I won't play for. That's not me. I'm an old-fashioned guy. I don't care if every team disliked me except for one. That means that somebody liked me and that's all it takes. I just want to get a chance to play."
Despite his impressive collegiate credentials, Cleaves has his distractors who don't believe that his game is suited for the NBA. To his credit, Cleaves has not been distracted by his critics, but has set out to prove them wrong.
"I'm a guy who will never let someone else tell me what I can or cannot do," said Cleaves. "One thing I can promise whoever picks me is that they are getting a guy who's going to stay in the gym and work hard and do whatever it takes to help that team win."
There are several NBA insiders who agree with Cleaves' assesment.
"He's got tremendous leadership qualities," explained Scott Layden, New York Knicks General Manager. "Whatever his shortcomings are as a player, he makes up for it with his ability to make other people better."
If Cleaves, Granger and Peterson are all selected, it will be the first time in Michigan State history that three players have been drafted. With Cleaves and Peterson virtually assured of being first-round selections, they will become only the second Spartan duo to be selected in the first round, joining Earvin Johnson and Greg Kelser in the 1979 draft.
Since the end of the spring semester, the trio has spent a good amount of time working on their individual games as well as taking part in some individual workouts with NBA suitors. Peterson led the way, working out for 16 different teams.
"It's been great," said Peterson, the 2000 Big Ten Player of the Year. "I got my degree in May and since then I've had the chance to travel and play basketball. I don't think it can get any better than that, doing something that I love. I can't complain."
One of the common characteristics unique to the Spartan trio is that they all stayed in college for the duration of their eligibility. In a time when many college basketball players give up their eligibility to declare for the NBA, the Spartans opted to make the most of their time in college. Of course, they were rewarded for their decision this season by capturing a third-straight Big Ten Championship, a Big Ten Tournament Championship and an NCAA Championship. As Peterson sees it, his decision to remain at Michigan State was the right move.
"The longer you stay in college the more polished you are," explained Peterson. "You learn the little things like what to do in pressure situations. I think one of the biggest things you learn is leadership. The guys who stay four or five years in school bring a little more to the table. I know when I was a freshman I looked up to the seniors. Being ready mentally and a little more physically will really help me."
NBA clubs can't help but notice the results of Peterson's play.
"He is a winner," said Layden. "He led his team to the NCAA title and he's got ability to play either the `2' and `3'."
The road to the NBA Draft has been a little different for Granger. A role player for much of his career at Michigan State, Granger captured the nation's attention during the NCAA Tournament including a 19-point, 9-rebound performance against Florida in the National Championship game.
After the conclusion of the season, Granger went to work in NBA draft camps. In the Nike Desert Classic, Granger scored eight points and grabbed eight rebounds as his Pacific squad won the championship. In the three-point shooting contest, Granger defeated Ohio State's Scoonie Penn 12-7. Granger was also the only Spartan to compete in the NBA Draft Camp in Chicago during the second week of June.
While Cleaves and Peterson attend the draft in Minneapolis, Granger will watch with his family from his home in Findlay, Ohio.
"I've heard a lot of talk that I could be taken somewhere in the 30s," said Granger. "If that's the case, that's great, but if not, that's ok too. I just want an opportunity to showcase my skills for an NBA squad. I think I have a lot to offer the right team."
NBA decision makers seem to agree with Granger.
"There's not many guys his size that can shoot the way he can," said Scott Skiles, former Michigan State All-American and current head coach of the Phoenix Suns.
To show his support for his seniors, Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo will make the trip to Minneapolis. He is scheduled to appear on TNT's broadcast following the selection of his former players.
"I just want to go out and support my players," said Izzo. "They have all been major contributors at Michigan State and based on their work ethic, I think they will all find success at the next level, wherever they may end up."
Michigan State Draft Facts
* 45 Spartans have been selected in the draft.
* 10 Spartans have been selected in the first round.
* Earvin Johnson is the only Spartan to be selected with the first pick in the draft - 1979.
* 1979 is the only time two Spartans were selected in the first round - Johnson and Greg Kelser.
* Three Spartans have never been selected in the same draft.
* 1995 was the last time two Spartans were selected in the same draft - Shawn Respert and Eric Snow.
* Jamie Feick was the last Spartan to be taken in the NBA draft - 1996.
