


EAST LANSING >> A shove by Tre Holloman made a Michigan State tradition famous earlier this month. Now, collectors can own it as a bobblehead.
The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum released a limited-edition bobblehead Wednesday morning depicting Michigan State’s Sparty mascot taking part in the senior day tradition of kissing the Breslin Center court. The bobbleheads sell for $40 plus shipping, with 2,025 units made.
“We’re excited to unveil the first bobblehead featuring Sparty kissing center court at the Breslin Center — a well-honored Michigan State tradition,” Phil Sklar, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum cofounder and CEO, said in a statement. “The 30-year tradition is one of the best in college sports and is special for the seniors who have worn the green and white. This bobblehead will be a must-have for all fans of Michigan State.”
In 1995, Michigan State’s all-time leading scorer Shawn Respert subbed out of his final home game of his All-American career and kissed the “S” at halfcourt. In 2000, Mateen Cleaves brought the act of gratitude back, and it’s been a staple of Breslin Center senior days ever since. Women’s basketball and hockey follow the tradition, too.
This year’s senior day proceedings made headlines after Holloman shoved Michigan freshmen L.J. Cason and Phat Phat Brooks off of the Spartan logo to allow Michigan State’s seniors to kiss the logo following Michigan State’s 79-62 victory. The drama surrounding the incident brought the tradition into the national spotlight.
After the game, Holloman earned the praise of his coach, teammates and other Michigan State alumni for his actions. Spartans coach Tom Izzo even invited the junior Holloman to kiss the logo himself a year early.
Michigan State’s season continues this weekend in the NCAA Tournament, where the No. 2 seed Spartans take on No. 15 seed Bryant in a first-round game Friday at Cleveland’s Rocket Arena. It is the 27th straight season Michigan State has made the NCAA Tournament, the longest active streak. The Spartans are a favorite to make a deep run in March Madness, with a deep roster thriving off Izzo’s tenets of “defend, rebound and run.”
The bobbleheads are expected to ship in September.