Michigan State’s Tom Izzo is on the verge of breaking a significant milestone in college basketball, as he approaches Bob Knight’s all-time record of 353 Big Ten victories. Reflecting on this achievement, he remarked, “It supersedes all my dreams.” This statement underscores the magnitude of the accomplishment for a coach who has dedicated his life to the sport and his players.
When asked about his team’s remarkable performance since the college basketball season began on November 4, Izzo was candid. “You must be on something,” he quipped, highlighting the unexpected success of a Spartans squad that was picked to finish fifth in the Big Ten preseason poll and lost its top three scorers from the previous year.
Under Izzo’s guidance, the team has excelled, currently boasting a 16-2 record and riding an impressive 11-game winning streak. The Hall of Fame coach, now in his 30th year at the helm, attributes this success to the depth and cohesion of his roster. “It’s hard to know every single year what your team is and what they’re going to be, but it’s really hard to know about other teams,” he explained. His team recently edged out No. 17 Illinois with an 80-78 victory, marking their first 7-0 start in the Big Ten since the 2018-19 season.
Izzo emphasized the collective strength of his players, stating, “We may not be as talented with a top 3-4 guys that just overwhelm you, but it’s been a talented group of 10 guys that have come together.” This unity has not only worn down opponents but also fostered a fun and engaging coaching environment.
With their only losses to Kansas and Memphis on neutral courts, the Spartans are projected as a 3-seed by FOX Sports bracket expert Mike DeCourcy. Key contributions come from various players: Jaden Akins has stepped into a leadership role, Jase Richardson shows promise as a freshman, and others like Tre Holloman, Jeremy Fears, and Coen Carr have made significant impacts. This balanced approach reflects the saying attributed to Aristotle: “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
As Izzo approaches a historic moment in his career, he remains focused on the present. “We definitely have not shot the ball as well as I think we can,” he noted, acknowledging the potential for improvement in their three-point shooting. His emphasis on defense, rebounding, and free-throw shooting has kept the team grounded amid their success.
The Spartans’ ability to adapt and grow is evident, with multiple players stepping up to lead in scoring throughout the season. Izzo appreciates this unselfishness, especially in a landscape where many teams rely heavily on one or two star players. “It’s been really fun to watch them grow together,” he stated, highlighting the importance of teamwork.
As the season progresses, Izzo is aware of the challenges that lie ahead. “I think everybody is going to go through some ups and downs,” he remarked, stressing the need for resilience in the face of adversity. With 13 games remaining in the league, maintaining focus will be crucial for the Spartans.
Tom Izzo’s journey has been marked by relationships with players like Mateen Cleaves and Draymond Green, which he cherishes deeply. As he contemplates the future, he acknowledges the importance of staying true to his values. “The day that we are a transactional program at Michigan State, I won’t be here,” he affirmed, emphasizing the significance of connection over transactions.
Though retirement is a topic on many minds, Izzo remains committed to his team and the sport. “I feel good about where I’m at, and I feel this team has helped excite me,” he concluded, demonstrating his passion for coaching and the players he mentors.
If you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead, who would you take out to dinner?
