Michigan State Basketball knew it had a coaching staff vacancy for the 2024-25 season after former head assistant Mark Montgomery took the Detroit Mercy job.
The Spartans were on the lookout and have now officially hired Saddi Washington as an assistant coach.
In a university statement, Tom Izzo praised Washington: “Saddi is not only a genuine person but also an incredible coach with a great career working for esteemed colleagues like Greg Kampe at Oakland and his last eight years at Michigan under John Beilein and Juwan Howard. He’s an outstanding teacher with a great basketball IQ and a recognized recruiter in and out of Michigan.”
Welcome to new Assistant Coach, @saddiwashington 🟢⚪️ pic.twitter.com/ndnTlyEpol
— Michigan State Men's Basketball (@MSU_Basketball) June 6, 2024
Washington, who spent the last eight seasons on Michigan’s coaching staff, was an ideal choice. Following the removal of Juwan Howard, Washington was out of a job, making a return to Michigan State, where his father Stan Washington was a legendary player, a natural fit.
Washington’s coaching strengths include developing wings and bigs, particularly in defense, showcased during his time with the Wolverines. His journey has included playing at Western Michigan, coaching at Oakland, and joining Michigan’s staff in 2016. Highlights of his career include helping Michigan reach the 2018 national title game, working with talents like Moritz Wagner, Jon Teske, Jordan Poole, Isaiah Livers, and Duncan Robinson.
MSU’s frontcourt has struggled in recent seasons, especially after losing coaches Dwayne Stephens and Dane Fife. Washington’s arrival is expected to improve the performance of players like Xavier Booker, Carson Cooper, Jaxson Kohler, and Szymon Zapala. His addition also strengthens MSU’s recruiting strategy.
Welcome home, Saddi. Your father is surely proud.
