Former Michigan State basketball great “Jumpin’ Johnny” Green has passed away at the age of 89 according to multiple reports. Green was a charter member of the MSU Athletics Hall of Fame, his #24 jersey is hung in the rafters of the Breslin Center.
Green served in the United States Marines Corp during the Korean War and after completing his military commitment enrolled at MSU in 1955. From 1956-1959 the 6-foot-5 high flying Green starred for the Spartans. Led by the explosive Green, MSU (actually MSC at the time) reached its first Final Four in 1957. He averaged 16.9 points and an eye-popping 16.4 rebounds during his career. During his time with the Spartans he was named All-B1G and a consensus All-American.
Green was drafted 5th overall in the 1959 NBA Draft and played from 1959-1973. He achieved NBA All-Star status four times during his career, three times with the New York Knicks who drafted him.
I encourage you to read this detailed writing on Green, his life story is truly remarkable. https://msuspartans.com/news/2009/2/24/johnny_green_the_ultimate_walk_on.aspx
