
The Michigan State men's basketball team has been seen with a yellow patch on their pants, confusing some viewers who likened the emblem to a tennis ball. The patch features a green band with the words Michigan State around a ball that says Spartans. The team wore these throwback jerseys during the NCAA Tournament in 2019 to honour the 1979 NCAA National Championship team, which included Magic Johnson.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Color | Yellow |
| Shape | Round |
| Text | "Michigan", "State", "Spartans" |
| Purpose | Paying tribute to the men's and women's tennis programs |
| Year | 2019 |
Explore related products
$11.89 $24.99
What You'll Learn
- The yellow patch is a tribute to the 1979 NCAA National Championship team
- The patch features a ball that resembles a tennis ball
- The text on the patch reads: Michigan, State, and Spartans
- The 2022-23 team wore a 5–24 patch honouring Adreian Payne and Stan Washington
- The 5–24 patch was placed on the right breast of the jerseys

The yellow patch is a tribute to the 1979 NCAA National Championship team
The Michigan State men's basketball team wore a yellow patch on their pants during the 2019 NCAA Tournament game against Texas Tech. The patch was part of a throwback jersey honouring the 1979 NCAA National Championship team, which included Magic Johnson.
The yellow patch features a design that says "Michigan" on top of a ball, "State" inside the ball, and "Spartans" below the ball. The design is a throwback to the 1979 shorts, and the team chose to wear these jerseys as a tribute to the 1979 championship team.
The yellow patch caused some confusion among fans, with some wondering if it represented a tennis ball due to its colour. However, others quickly recognised its significance, associating it with the 1979 team's success.
The Michigan State men's basketball team has a history of honouring notable alumni and significant moments in the program's history through jersey patches. In the 2022-23 season, the team wore a patch with the numbers "5–24" to commemorate Adreian Payne and Stan Washington, who played for Michigan State from 1963 to 1966.
The yellow patch from the 2019 NCAA Tournament stands as a testament to the team's rich history and their willingness to celebrate past achievements while competing in the present. It serves as a reminder of the program's proud tradition and the impact of the 1979 championship team on Michigan State men's basketball.
High School Basketball Nationals: Do They Exist?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The patch features a ball that resembles a tennis ball
The Michigan State men's basketball team wore a special jersey for their NCAA Tournament game against Texas Tech on Saturday. The jerseys were a tribute to the 1979 NCAA National Championship team from Michigan State, which included Magic Johnson. The yellow patch on the right side of the shorts caught the attention of many. The patch features a ball that resembles a tennis ball, with "Michigan" written on top of the ball, "State" inside the ball, and "Spartans" written below it. The design is a throwback to the 1979 shorts, with the unique ball emblem.
The Michigan State men's basketball team has a rich history and a passionate fan base. The team's decision to honour the 1979 championship team with throwback jerseys showcases their pride and respect for the program's legacy. The yellow patch with the tennis ball-like emblem is a distinctive feature of the 1979 throwback uniforms.
The ball on the patch stands out due to its resemblance to a tennis ball rather than a basketball. This unique design element caught the eye of many fans, with some expressing their curiosity and confusion on social media platforms like Twitter. The patch's vibrant yellow colour and the text "Michigan," "State," and "Spartans" prominently displayed further enhance its visibility and team spirit.
The Michigan State Spartans have a long history of success in NCAA basketball, and the 1979 team holds a special place in the program's legacy. By donning the throwback jerseys, the current team not only pays tribute to the achievements of the past but also inspires a sense of unity and pride among the Michigan State community. The yellow patch with the tennis ball design serves as a symbol of the team's tradition and excellence.
The attention brought by the distinctive patch design showcases the impact of uniform choices in sports. While the primary focus remains on the players' performance, small details like the ball emblem can spark conversations and engage fans in new ways. The yellow patch is a powerful reminder that every element of a team's visual identity, from the jerseys to the shorts, contributes to the overall fan experience and team spirit.
Fantasy Basketball's Highest Scorers: The Record-Breaking Performances
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The text on the patch reads: Michigan, State, and Spartans
The Michigan State men's basketball team has had a few different patches on their jerseys over the years. In 2023, the team wore a patch with the numbers "5–24" and a small Spartan head separating the two numbers on the right breast of their jerseys. This patch commemorated the legacies of Adreian Payne and Stan Washington, the former a player and the latter a coach.
In 2019, the team wore a yellow patch on the right side of their shorts, which some compared to a tennis ball. The text on this patch reads: "Michigan" on top of a ball, "State" inside the ball, and "Spartans" below the ball. These shorts were throwbacks to the 1979 NCAA National Championship-winning team, which included Magic Johnson.
Two 3-Point Lines: International Basketball's Unique Challenge
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The 2022-23 team wore a 5–24 patch honouring Adreian Payne and Stan Washington
The 2022-23 Michigan State men's basketball team wore a special patch on their jerseys to honour two of the university's basketball icons: Adreian Payne and Stan Washington. The patch, which featured the numbers "5–24" separated by a small Spartan head, was placed on the right breast of the jerseys, above the Nike symbol.
Adreian Payne, who passed away, was a celebrated member of the Michigan State Spartans basketball team. Payne played collegiate basketball for the Spartans and was part of the 2013-14 team that won the Big Ten men's basketball tournament.
Stan Washington was a star player for Michigan State from 1963-66. His number, 24, was retired by the university in 1995. Washington's son, Saddi, also made his mark on the Michigan State basketball programme as a star player at Sexton High School and has been an assistant coach at the university since 2016.
The 2022-23 team's decision to wear the commemorative patch highlights the strong sense of community and respect for the programme's history within Michigan State basketball. It serves as a reminder of the impact that Payne and Washington had on the court and in the lives of those around them.
Flexibility Advantage: Basketball Performance Enhancer
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The 5–24 patch was placed on the right breast of the jerseys
The Michigan State men's basketball team wore a special patch on their jerseys during the 2022-23 season. The patch, which read "5–24", was placed on the right breast of the jerseys, with a small Spartan head separating the two numbers. The team decided to honour the legacy of Adreian Payne and Stan Washington with this commemorative patch. Payne and Washington had a significant impact on the team's history, with Payne being a pivotal player in the 2013-14 season, and Washington playing for Michigan State from 1963 to 1966 under head coach Forrest "Forddy" Anderson.
The patch, which was located on the right shoulder above the Nike symbol, initially sparked confusion among fans, who took to Twitter to discuss its meaning. Some described it as resembling a tennis ball, while others correctly identified the design as featuring the words "Michigan" and "State" with "Spartans" below. This design is a throwback to the 1979 NCAA National Championship team jerseys, which included Magic Johnson.
The Evolution of Basketballs: Materials Through Time
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The yellow patch on the Michigan State men's basketball team pants is part of their jerseys, which are a throwback to the 1979 NCAA National Championship team from Michigan State, which included Magic Johnson. The patch has a green band with the words "Michigan State" around a ball that has the word "Spartans" across the middle.
The Michigan State men's basketball team jerseys have a black patch with the numbers 5 and 24 in white, separated by a small Spartan logo. The numbers reflect the jerseys worn by two stars of MSU's past who died in 2022: Adreian Payne and Stan Washington.
The yellow patch on the right side of the Michigan State men's basketball team shorts is a tribute to the men's and women's tennis programs. The patch features a ball with the words "Michigan State" and "Spartans".








































