Michigan State men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo has officially surpassed Bob Knight’s Big Ten record for wins, guiding the 11th-ranked Spartans to a commanding 79-65 victory over the Illinois Fighting Illini on Saturday evening. This milestone not only highlights Izzo’s exceptional coaching career but also marks a significant moment in the history of college basketball.
In a twist of fate, Izzo’s inaugural Big Ten victory occurred back in January 1996 against Knight’s Indiana Hoosiers, creating a poignant connection between the two legendary coaches.
With this latest achievement, the three-time Big Ten Coach of the Year now holds the record for the most wins in Big Ten Conference history, totaling 354. He ranks eighth among active coaches nationwide with an impressive 727 career victories, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s greats.
[Related: FOX Sports’ Bill Raftery pens congratulatory letter to Tom Izzo]
In his 30th season at the helm of Michigan State, Izzo’s accolades include 10 Big Ten regular-season titles, six Big Ten Tournament championships, eight Final Four appearances, and one NCAA championship. His induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 further cements his legacy in the sport.
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