On Saturday, Mateen Cleaves had his No. 12 MSU jersey retired at Breslin Center.
Less than a week later, the former MSU star has found a new home. Cleaves has agreed to join the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA Developmental League, The Bakersfield Californian reported Tuesday.
Cleaves was drafted by Bakersfield in the ninth round of the 2006 NBA Developmental League Draft, but the former three-time All-American opted to play in Russia. He is set to join the team now that his stint overseas is finished.
This isn't Cleaves' first go-around in the developmental league. Last season, he averaged almost 19 points a game with Fayetteville. He averaged 13.7 points per game while playing for Huntsville in the 2003-04 season.
Before his jersey retirement ceremony, Cleaves said he feels healthy and is ready to make a push for the NBA. The Bakersfield Jam is affiliated with the NBA's Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings.
The point guard left MSU in 2000 as one of the most successful players in Big Ten history. He twice was named Big Ten Player of the Year and led MSU to two Final Fours, including the 2000 National Championship. His 816 career assists rank first in Big Ten history.
Cleaves was drafted No. 14 overall by the Detroit Pistons in 2000 and then spent six seasons in the NBA with four different teams.
