BTN.com staff, August 29, 2017
With the passing of legendary former Michigan State basketball coach Jud Heathcote at age 90, the basketball universe took to Twitter to offer their condolences and tributes.
Below is some of the immediate social media reaction in the hours following Heathcote's death.
Magic Johnson
My college Coach Jud Heathcote will be missed so much. He was a great man & basketball coach who truly cared about me on & off the court.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) August 29, 2017
Coach Heathcote made me a better person, player, and champion. He turned a young kid into a man. Thank you so much for all you did for me.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) August 29, 2017
Miles Bridges
R.I.P to the legendary Coach Heathcote ?
— Miles Bridges (@MilesBridges) August 29, 2017
Michigan State Basketball Associate Head Coach Dwayne Stephens
Yesterday we lost a legend. Coach Heathcote had a tremendous impact on my life and many others. We all will miss you. Thanks coach love you
— Dwayne Stephens (@DjStephens31) August 29, 2017
Gregory Kelser
We are all very saddened over the loss of Coach Jud Heathcote. His impact on so many lives is completely immeasurable. #totallythankful
— Gregory Kelser (@gkelser32) August 29, 2017
ESPN's Jay Bilas
Jud Heathcote will be greatly missed. A true great. Very funny, big heart, great mind, and no regrets (except this recruiting misjudgment). pic.twitter.com/fD7aEeWpqO
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) August 29, 2017
ESPN's Jemele Hill
Very sad to hear about Jud Heathcote's passing. A great coach and a tremendous Spartan. Anybody who knew Jud has a Jud story.
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) August 29, 2017
ESPN's Darren Rovell
The only two basketball coaches Michigan State has had over last 42 years. Jud Heathcote and a kid he gave a $7K salary to in 1983. pic.twitter.com/P6rG935Abi
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) August 29, 2017