MSU's Green is 'the best leader'

PHOENIX (WOOD) - If there is one thing Michigan State coach Tom Izzo loves to have on his team, it's a leader -- a player with the courage and cache to put the team on his back or speak up when needed.

Somebody like Draymond Green.

"It's a 24/7 365 job. You have to be on your Ps and Qs at all times, and make sure you're leading in the right way, Green told 24 Hour News 8. "When you've got guys watching you, you want to set the right example. I think that's the most important thing -- being consistent. Anybody can lead one day and take three off. Only the great leaders do it every day."

Green has been a captain at MSU since his sophomore year.

"I don't think enough can be made of about what he does for this team. He's the best leader I've ever been a part of on a team," said teammate Brandon Wood.

"One thing coach always talk about is a player-coached team is better than a coach-coached team," Green said. "So if that's his theory and it works for him, then let's make it happen."

Green certainly has made it happen this season, averaging double digits in points and rebounds. He leads the Spartans in scoring, rebounding, minutes played, steals and three-point field goals.

He was named Big Ten Player of the Year, and earlier this week a finalist for the Naismith Award as college basketball's National Player of the Year.

"I'm not sure what his position is. If they need a pick 'n roll, he'll run that. If they need a post up, he'll post up…pop out and hit the shot. He's about the most complete player in college basketball," said Louisville coach Rick Pitino.

"He may be the best player in college basketball because of what he does. I mean, I know Kentucky, Kansas the players they've got, but if you talk about a guy that does more things, and we don't even get to the leadership stuff," said Izzo.

What makes him great, though, is his competitiveness.

Don't the let his smile fool you. Just like Magic Johnson, another former Spartan legend, he'll do whatever it takes to get a win.

"The most important thing about me as a competitor is I hate losing more than I love winning," Green said. "Losing just doesn't sit well with me. And that's why with Magic, as I've gotten to know him more and more, my respect level continues to grow."