George Melvin “Jud” Heathcote (May 27, 1927 – August 28, 2017) was an American basketball player and coach….who was a college basketball head coach for 24 seasons….with five at the University of Montana from 1971–1976….and nineteen at Michigan State University from 1976–1995….where he coached Magic Johnson during his two years at Michigan State…which concluded with the 1979 national championship season….and then the “Bird vs. Magic rivalry” went pro….and many NBA experts make the argument that without the massive media attention that was placed on the rivalry that Johnson and Bird had….the NBA might not have made it through the 1980’s following the merger with the ABA, among other things.
Anyway, we are just “tickled pink” to have this wonderful flashback memory of the 1979 National Championship Game…..as remembered by Michigan State Coach Jud Heathcote….for the highlights are “pure gold” in our treasure chest of vintage memories…..cuz when it comes to sports….Bird vs Magic is one of the top billings of all time.
