It’s hard to imagine that nearly 15 years have passed since Michigan State—led by childhood friends Mateen Cleaves and Morris Peterson—hoisted the NCAA championship trophy.
The Spartans capped-off an impressive run of Big Ten titles and Final Four appearances by finally winning the National Championship in 2000. And that was just the beginning for Peterson.
The six-foot-seven forward was drafted 21st overall by the Toronto Raptors that summer. Cleaves went 14th to Detroit, and fellow Spartan Jason Richardson was selected fifth by the Golden State Warriors. But for Peterson, the NBA dream was one that he wasn’t always certain he’d attain.
Just a few short years earlier, he wasn’t even starting for Michigan State and he was criticized by head coach Tom Izzo for being out of shape or not prepared at times. However, the Flint, Mich., native took Izzo’s challenges to heart and re-invented himself into one of the most decorated and revered players in MSU history.
Peterson’s college number—42—was retired by Michigan State in 2009 and he was enshrined into the school’s Hall of Fame six weeks ago.
“I’m still trying to pinch myself,” Peterson says as he recalls the ceremony in September. “The love and the support (and) looking back at my career at Michigan State—seeing all of the things we accomplished as a team—it just brings me back to those times.”
But memorable moments aren’t exclusive to his college days, either. Peterson may not have won and NBA championship or attained personal glory via scoring titles or All-Star appearances, but he did play 11 years in the Association; seven of those as one of the most beloved Raptors in franchise history.
“Every time I come back to Toronto, it’s so special for me,” says Peterson. “Seeing all of the familiar faces, people I grew up with. Even the parking lady is (still here). I gave her a hug. And that’s what it’s all about. It’s all about these relationships that you have. I go all around the world but one thing I never worry about is my family in Toronto.
Peterson was back in town this week to take in the Raptors’ home and season opener against Boston. He was there to support his old team—his old home. And he spent much of the pre-game and a ton of his post-game time posing for pictures and signing autographs for the many fans who wanted another chance to show their appreciation for “Mo-Pete.”
“People don’t understand how loyal this organization has been to this city, and the city has been to this organization,” says Peterson. “When I come back, everyone acts the same… and that’s why I want this city to get a championship. They deserve it. They’ve been very supportive and in the bunker since day one.”
This year, there seems to be a divide in the fan base in Raptorland; half want Dwane Casey and company to tank the season and make a run at Andrew Wiggins and the stacked 2014 NBA draft, while the other half are aching to see the post-season again for the first time in five years.
For Peterson, who was a big part of the brief window in time when Toronto was a playoff team, it’s all about winning and experiencing the playoffs—relishing the opportunities when they come because they could be over in the blink of an eye.
“We had some great basketball here,” he says. “The Vince (Carter) Era. T-Mac (Tracy McGrady)… and myself. I remember seeing this arena rockin’ in the playoffs (and) the battle and support that the fans gave us.
“Everything went by so fast. I remember the veterans telling me after my first game, ‘It’s going to go by fast so remember these moments.’ And here we are, 13 or 14 years later.”
Peterson is now living in Michigan and he’s kept very busy with two sets of twins and a transportation business based in Miami. He’s also launching a clothing line some time this month as well. But basketball is still his top passion and he said he’ll be keeping a close eye on what’s happening north of the border.
“As I look at this team here, they’ve got a great group of young guys—core guys—who have been around for a little bit. They’re starting to grow together. They have a bunch of different things in place and I think this team can be good once they put everything together.”
