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Magic Johnson expected to miss Michigan State alumni basketball game

Magic Johnson, who was supposed to serve as a coach in the Spartan alumni basketball game, will not be in attendance because he is going to the White House.

By Peter Berkes
Jim Rogash

Magic Johnson is not expected to attended the Michigan State Alumni basketball game on Friday. Johnson and former Spartans coach Jud Heathcote were supposed to serve as the coaches for the two teams, but neither will be able to attend. Heathcote is recovering from a fall, and Johnson previously committed to attending a holiday party at the White House.

Instead, broadcaster and former Spartans coach Gus Ganakas and football coach Mark D'Antonio will serve as the coaches for the two alumni teams. Ganakas' team will include Steve Smith, Kevin Willis, Mike Peplowski, Pig Miller, Travis Walton, Matt Steigenga, and current assistant coach Dwayne Stephens. D'Antonio's team will feature Mateen Cleaves, Charlie Bell, Morris Peterson, Andre Hutson, Andre Rison, and Kelvin Torbert.

The 19th-ranked Spartans have started the season at 8-2, and will play Tuskegee on Friday night at Jenison Fieldhouse. Tipoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET, and the game can be seen on ESPNU.