Michigan State Legend Mateen Cleaves Joins Phoenix Suns Coaching Staff

Suns Add Michigan State Great to Staff

The Phoenix Suns have hired a former teammate of owner Mat Ishbia.

Suns boost Michigan State ties, add Mateen Cleaves as player development coach

Mateen Cleaves, the newest addition to the Phoenix Suns' coaching staff, played six NBA seasons from 2000-06.

Michigan State legend Mateen Cleaves joins Phoenix Suns coaching staff

The 2000 NCAA champion joins the Suns as a player development coach, reuniting with former teammate and current Suns owner Matt Ishbia.

National Champion Point Guard Reunites With Teammate in the Desert

Once teammates at Michigan State during their victorious national title run in 2000, Mateen Cleaves and Mat Ishbia have found themselves on the same team once again, but in a different arena. Back then, Cleaves was the star point guard leading the charge, while Ishbia was the enthusiastic walk-on thrilled to be part of the journey. Fast forward to now, and the dynamics have shifted in intriguing ways. After being drafted in 2000, Cleaves experie…

Suns owner Mat Ishbia gets roasted over team's latest hire

Feb 8, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia speaks to the media at an introductory press conference at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Mat Ishbia continues to turn the Phoenix Suns into Michigan State West. The Suns announced on Friday that they have officially hired former NBA guard Mateen Cleaves. The 47-year-old Cleaves will be serving as a player development/leadership assistant. Cleaves …