Heathcote to make trip to Indy

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DETROIT -- Jud Heathcote says he's going to the Final Four.

The 82-year-old Heathcote told The Associated Press on Sunday night that he's getting too old to travel, but he plans to fly from Spokane, Wash., to Indianapolis to root for Michigan State and his protege, coach Tom Izzo.

Heathcote coached the Spartans when Earvin "Magic" Johnson led the school to its first national championship in 1979. Heathcote was 339-221 over 19 years and retired after the 1994-95 season.

Izzo, his top assistant, took over the program and won the 2000 national title. Izzo has earned six trips to the Final Four in the last 12 years.

Heathcote watched the Spartans play their first two NCAA tournament games this month only because they were in his hometown of Spokane.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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