By MATT WHITFIELD
COLORADO SPRINGS, Col. — Mateen Cleaves is one of the most accomplished and decorated Michigan State players over the past 30 years. His son Mateen Jr,, the No. 5-rated point guard in the Class of 2028 per 247 Sports, is following in his footsteps.
“[Mateen Sr. teaches me] reads, how to be calm, cool and collected in tough moments,” the son said at USA Basketball Junior National Team Mini-Camp. “And that everything is not always going to be perfect. Having a dad that did what you want to do is great.”
Mateen Jr attends Dream City Christian in Arizona. Michigan State is one of the programs recruiting him the hardest, but he is looking for the best opportunity rather than the best story line.
“It’s definitely a school that reaches out a lot and they want me a lot,” he said. “But I got to see about all the other schools as well because that might or might not be the best opportunity. That would be a great school to go to. And it’s a great opportunity for me. Obviously, my dad played there so that would be a great storyline, but I have to look at the other schools that are also great fits.”
Mateen Jr has known Tom Izzo since he was a baby and calls the experience surreal to be recruited by him.
“I have a great relationship besides the recruiting and it’s honestly crazy that he’s recruiting me now. It’s kind of surreal,” he said.
He has taken two unofficial visits to Michigan State and has also visited Arizona, Arizona State, and Grand Canyon.
Five schools stand out in his recruitment.
“Michigan State, Arizona has reached out a lot,” he said. “Michigan, Houston’s Coach [Kelvin] Sampson has reached out a lot. And Mississippi State has also started reached out a lot.”
Mateen Jr describes himself as a true point guard on the court.
“I’m very unselfish,” he said. “I’m a willing passer. I’m a great shooter. I like to pass. I have a high [basketball] IQ and I’m a true point guard at heart.”
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