Today in Performance Sneaker History: Mateen Cleaves Leads Michigan State to Title in Reebok Question

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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On April 3, 2000, Michigan State and Florida faced off in the NCAA National Championship game. With a decisive 89-76 final score, the Spartans marched to their second title. Perhaps even more impressive than the win was the individual performance by Mateen Cleaves. As Florida rallied back from a first half deficit early in the second half, the senior guard sprained his ankle and left the game. Just four minutes later, Cleaves returned and pushed Michigan State to a 16-6 run. After that, Florida never came close and the Spartans went home with the title.

Cleaves finished the game with 18 points and his resilience earned him the 2000 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player recognition. For this career-defining game, the former pro wore Allen Iverson's signature Reebok Question. With plenty of Hexalite cushioning and a classic design, this '90s model is a guaranteed hit each time Reebok pulls it from the vaults.

Mateen Cleaves would go on to play six seasons in the NBA and is currently a college basketball analyst on CBS Sports Network.

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