Michigan State freshman honors his HOFer dad

Barry Sanders. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan State freshman Nick Sanders honors his HOFer dad

By Sara Tidwell | Last updated 11/3/22

The Michigan State men's basketball team is stacked with talented freshmen, including Nick Sanders, the third son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Barry Sanders.

In an exhibition against Grand Valley State earlier this week, Nick entered the game in the final minute wearing No. 20, the same number his dad wore with the Lions when he racked up 15,269 rushing yards over a 10-year NFL career.

Barry reacted with pride over his son's debut in the green and white:.

This was a really cool moment - to see one of my sons wearing #20 playing hoops for @michiganstateu https://t.co/snKDFbcgJ4
— Barry Sanders (@BarrySanders) November 2, 2022

Nick isn't the only son of a superstar under Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo. He is joined by his own flesh and blood, senior guard Steven Izzo, a walk-on, as well as junior guard Davis Smith. He is the son of former Michigan State star Steve Smith, who played 16 seasons in the NBA.

In 2023, Barry Sanders will be honored again in his adopted state. The Lions plan to put up a statue of the running back at Ford Field, the Lions' home.

Unranked Michigan State will open the regular season on Monday against Northern Arizona.

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