Remembering Michigan State's 2000 championship team

Michigan State's Mateen Cleaves drives to the hoop for a layup as Florida's Udonis Haslem tries to block the ball from behind in the 2000 NCAA national title game.

Mateen Cleaves celebrates as he comes off the floor near end of the game after Michigan State defeated Florida, 89-76, for the 2000 NCAA national championship.

Michigan State's Mateen Cleaves is congratulated by head coach Tom Izzo.

Michigan State's Mateen Cleaves is mobbed by his teammates after the Spartans defeated Florida to win the national title.

Mateen Cleaves embraces Morris Peterson, left, after winning the 2000 NCAA national championship game.

Mateen Cleaves holds the trophy after Michigan State won the 2000 NCAA national championship game.

Michigan State celebrates after defeating Florida for the 2000 NCAA title.

Charlie Bell, left, Tom Izzo, middle, and Mateen Cleaves, right, hold up the national champions trophy in 2000.

Mateen Cleaves not only was the point guard on Michigan State's national title team in 2000, he was the unquestioned leader, teammates say.

The Michigan State basketball team celebrates on risers while waiting to be awarded the championship trophy in 2000.

Coach Tom Izzo and Mateen Cleaves after Michigan State defeated Florida.

Michigan State's Mateen Cleaves celebrates with Morris Peterson, left, and teammates after defeating Iowa State, 75-64, in the Midwest Regional Final at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Spartans advanced to the Final Four in Indianapolis with the win.

Michigan State's Mateen Cleaves celebrates after the Spartans defeated Florida in the NCAA national final at the RCA dome in Indianapolis.

Morris Peterson holds a sign to his grandmother that passed away after Michigan State defeated Florida in the 2000 NCAA finals.

Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo poses with the NCAA national championship trophy and four Big Ten championship trophies in East Lansing back in 2000.

Michigan State's 2000 championship team members, from left, Steve Cherry, A. J. Granger, Aloyisus Anagonye and Morris Peterson were honored during a ceremony this past season at the Breslin Center.

Michigan State 2000 championship team member Mateen Cleaves is introduced during a halftime ceremony at the Breslin Center this past season.

Michigan State's 2000 championship team member Aloyisus Anagonye is introduced, standing next to Steve Cherry, A. J. Granger, Morris Peterson and Jason Richardson, during a halftime ceremony this past season.