The Michigan State jersey is hanging in his locker. During practice, he wears a white headband with the word "Flint" written on it. He wears No. 8 in honor of fellow Spartan Steve Smith.
  You can take Mateen Cleaves out of Michigan, but ...
  "You know, it's still the same old me," he said, accompanied by the familiar smile and deep chuckle.
  Both were unexpected, given that Cleaves has been anchored to the Kings' bench since being traded by the Pistons before this season. He didn't play in the Kings' 102-98 victory Tuesday.
  "Nah, I like it here," he said. "It's nice, there are good people here. It's just a different situation from me as far as playing. But everything else is good."
  Cleaves, essentially, has no role with the Kings. He is the third or fourth point guard on the team, depending on the day. He is averaging 1.7 points and 0.7 assists in a little more than four minutes a game.
  His agent, Charles Tucker, is busy trying to find an NBA team that will offer a trade for him.
  Yet, he remains upbeat, ever confident in his abilities and future.
  "I stopped trying to figure it out," Cleaves said. "I just stay ready and whenever I go in I try to be productive. I know in my heart that everything will work out. Once my chance comes, I will be successful."