LAS VEGAS – The Phoenix Suns will continue the Michigan State connection with the addition of Mateen Cleaves as a player-development coach. Cleaves was at Phoenix’s practice on July 10 in Las Vegas, prior to the Suns opening NBA Summer League action on July 11 against the Washington Wizards at Thomas & Mack Center.

Mat Ishbia continues to turn the Phoenix Suns into Michigan State West. The Suns announced on Friday that they have officially hired former NBA guard Mateen Cleaves.

The bond of the Michigan State Spartan family is once again well represented as former college basketball legend Mateen Cleaves was recently hired as a player d

The Phoenix Suns have hired former Michigan State national champion basketball player Mateen Cleaves as a player development coach, according to John Gambadoro, a radio host for 98.7 FM in Phoenix. It marks Cleaves’ first NBA experience since his retirement from the league in 2006.

Mat Ishbia is President and CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage, one of the nation's leading advocates for wholesale lending.

The Suns have been at the end of several jokes because of all the ties to Michigan State within the organization. In addition to Ishbia and Gregory, new head coach Jordan Ott received his master's degree from Michigan State and was on Tom Izzo's staff as a video coordinator from 2008-13.

According to John Gambadoro, a longtime radio host from the state of Arizona, is reporting that former Michigan State point guard and national champion Mateen Cleaves will be joining the Suns in a player development role.

The billionaire business exec, sports team owner and MSU alum shared his keys to success in a commencement address at the school May 2.

With the No. 10 pick, the Suns used it to bolster their frontcourt and selected Duke center Khaman Maluach. After being drafted by the Suns, Maluach shared an exchange he had with star guard Devin Booker the year before at the Olympics.