Michigan State University Athletics
Branden Dawson: Toughness That Bleeds Green
3/4/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
The Tom Izzo era of basketball at Michigan State has been filled with success, rooted in the principles of toughness and rebounding. Great players have come and gone in the Green and White, all leaving their lasting legacy on a program that is one for the history books. As the games left in senior forward Branden Dawson's dwindle, the Gary, Indiana, native has only a handful of moments left to solidify his spot in the record books and the legacy he wants to leave.
A versatile 6'6'', Dawson's athleticism and strength have been something to marvel at over the last four years, all the while it is his toughness and ability to rebound that epitomizes Spartan basketball.
That toughness stems from Dawson's early days as a basketball player and became apparent quickly. After being called up to varsity as a freshman, he stepped on the court for the first time in a Sectional playoff game where foul trouble forced the coach to put him in. The young talent didn't shy away from the bigger and stronger competition, as Dawson put up 17 points in a game he sites flared his desire to never back down from a challenge.
He went on to become a four-star recruit who was selected to play in the McDonald's All-American game.
"I have always been tough since I started playing basketball," said Dawson. "My high school coach was hard on me and our entire team to be tough and that really carried over for me when I got to Michigan State. He really stayed on me and never let me quit going.
"That is the main reason MSU recruits certain guys, is because of their toughness and guys that are junkyard dogs," said Dawson. "I want people to remember me for being tough and as a hard worker that bled green."
As a highly touted freshman, Dawson's "junkyard dog" approach to the game allowed him to excel on the court and become an instant factor for one of the nation's top teams. But little did he realize, it would be that same mentality that he held off the court that would allow him to persevere.
In the final regular season game of his freshman campaign, Dawson went down with an ACL injury less than 10 minutes into the game that would put him out for the remainder of the season.
"When I first did it, honestly, I didn't think it was anything until I tried to stand up on my own and couldn't," said Dawson. "The game was over and coach was just saying he was sorry. It was definitely devastating because it was my first time going through something serious."
Despite the severity of the injury, Dawson came back the next season and didn't miss a game or practice all year, appearing in all 36 games and starting in 35.
"I haven't missed a beat at all," said Dawson. "It comes with the way you approach your rehab. Some guys take it lightly, but as far as for me, I told myself I was going to come back better than ever and truly believed that. I just never let up."
All of the things that originally came so naturally for Dawson now required effort to be restored, opening up a new perspective and appreciation of the game that made up such a big part of his life.
"After the ACL injury, it definitely opened my eyes a lot," reflected Dawson. "I had a different mindset and approach to the game. There are days when I am tired and aching or am sore, but I just always remind myself that there are a million people that would do anything to be in my position. So I am appreciative and come and work hard every day."
Dawson was faced with yet another challenge his junior season after a broken hand in late January forced him to miss 10 games. It was his drive and determination to return better than ever that allowed for a quick recovery and return that resulted in being named Most Outstanding Player of the Big Ten Tournament en route to the team's tournament title.
Regardless of the setbacks, Dawson has never ceased to produce. Earlier this season, he became the 46th Spartan to record more than 1,000 points in a career at Michigan State. On top of that, he joins recent MSU greats Draymond Green and Adreian Payne as the only players in MSU history with 1,000 career points and 100 career blocks.
"It is great to be a part of a group with those 46 guys," said Dawson. "It is great for myself and when I leave here I will forever be a part of that group. Just reaching that mark is exciting and part of the reason why I came here was to leave a legacy."
Part of that legacy will be more than just the points he scored though, as Dawson has thrown down some rim-rattling dunks over the past four years that have quieted gyms around the country along with bringing the Breslin Center crowd to its feet. When asked if he should be up there as one of the well-known leapers of MSU basketball, with the likes of Jason Richardson and Shannon Brown, guys he tried to emulate over the years, Dawson replied, "Yeah, I think I should be."
While the points, blocks, and dunks were all a fascinating part of watching the high-flying senior, his favorite part of his game remains what is the foundation of Michigan State basketball.
"My favorite part of my game is my toughness and being able to have the ability to defend and rebound," explained Dawson. "I take that as a source of pride in my game and a challenge. Usually teams have three guys box me out, but I never stop going. When the game starts, guys key on me and try to box me out. As the game goes on, they get tired and I remind myself to keep going with my toughness and just that nose for the ball."
As Dawson nears 800 career rebounds, he is on pace to finish ranked in the top-10 all-time at Michigan State. The do-it-all senior can also finish in another career top-10 list, as he is on pace for more than 115 career starts, adding to his resume as one of the most dynamic players to put on the Spartan uniform.
From the literal ups and downs that have made up Branden Dawson's Michigan State career, it is one that he can humbly look back on with a smile on his face.
"I think about the opportunities I have been given a lot," said Dawson. "I thank God every day. From where I'm from and how I was raised, it has been a great experience. I sit back and really thank God for being in the position I'm in now, because there are a lot of people out there that would give anything to be in our position. Getting the chance to earn my degree for free, getting all of the opportunities we do, they are all things I am appreciative of."
