The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum has released a ‘Michigan State Sparty Kissing the Court Bobblehead,’ which captures the unique tradition of senior basketball players kissing the Spartan logo at center court of the Breslin Center.
Positioned on a rectangular, hardwood-textured base bearing his name, the Sparty bobblehead, wearing his trademark outfit, is kissing the Spartan logo at center court of the Breslin Center. The front and back of the base read “Michigan State” and “Spartans.”
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Each bobblehead will be individually numbered to 2,025. The bobbleheads are $40 each plus an $8 flat-rate shipping charge per order.
The bobbleheads, which are expected to ship in September, are now on the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum’s website.
The tradition began when All-American senior guard Shawn Respert kissed the Spartan logo at center court before exiting the game. Respert scored 31 points in a convincing 97-72 victory over Wisconsin in his final home game in a Michigan State uniform on March 11th, 1995.
Ever since the showing of respect by Michigan State’s all-time leading scorer, outgoing seniors kiss the logo at center court during their final home games.
Along the way, the Spartan “S” was changed to the Spartan head at center court, but the kiss remained. It is a way of saying goodbye and is a gesture of gratitude from the athletes.
It has become a yearly staple at MSU and has expanded to both women’s basketball and hockey. The tradition normally involves prolonged applause, numerous bearhugs, and watery eyes from longtime coach Tom Izzo.
“We’re excited to unveil the first bobblehead featuring Sparty kissing center court at the Breslin Center – a well-honored Michigan State tradition,” National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum co-founder and CEO Phil Sklar said. “The 30-year tradition is one of the best in college sports and is special for the seniors who have worn the green and white. This bobblehead will be a must-have for all fans of Michigan State!”
Earlier this season, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled a Coach Izzo Win Counter Bobblehead and Top 25 Ranking Tracker Bobbleheads for both Michigan State and Michigan.
The officially licensed, limited edition bobblehead is being released in conjunction with the start of the 2025 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament and March Madness.
Seeded #2 in the South Region, Michigan State will be facing Bryant in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 21st at 10pm Eastern Time in Cleveland.
The winner will move on to face Marquette or New Mexico on Sunday. The Spartans, who won the Big Ten Conference regular season title, are making their 27th consecutive appearance in “The Big Dance”. It is the third-longest streak ever and the longest active streak in college basketball.