Tom Izzo was honored by his alma mater, Northern Michigan University, during an exhibition game on Sunday, marking a significant moment in his storied coaching career that began in 1995 at Michigan State University.
The 69-year-old coach returned to the campus of Northern Michigan, where his MSU team faced off against the Wildcats in front of a packed crowd at the Superior Dome.
While the Spartans secured a 70-53 victory, the highlight of the day came when Izzo’s No. 10 jersey was retired in a special ceremony held at center court, a fitting tribute to his legacy.
Izzo’s journey began at Northern Michigan, where he played from 1973 to 1977 and earned Division II All-American honors in his final year. Following his playing days, he contributed as an assistant coach at NMU from 1979 to 1983 before moving on to Michigan State, where he has now coached for nearly three decades.
With 707 wins, Izzo holds the record for the most victories in Michigan State history and has led the Spartans to an impressive 26 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, a record in men’s college basketball.
In the exhibition game, a notable 37 points came from freshmen and transfers, showcasing the future of the Spartans. Freshman Jase Richardson led the team with 11 points and four assists, while transfer center Szymon Zapala made his presence felt with nine rebounds.
Reflecting on the event, Izzo expressed his initial concerns about attendance, admitting to sleepless nights over the potential turnout. “I felt I was going to do this thing, and, you know, it could bomb,” he remarked. However, the overwhelming support from fans proved him wrong, as the arena buzzed with energy.
Adding a personal touch to the day, Izzo’s close friend and former classmate, Steve Mariucci, made a surprise call during the Big Ten Network broadcast to congratulate him, highlighting the strong bonds formed during their time at Northern Michigan.
For Izzo, this day was about more than just the game; it represented a culmination of his journey in basketball. “This wasn’t a one-dimensional trip,” he stated. “It was a three- or four-dimensional trip.”
Looking ahead, Izzo and the Spartans are poised to kick off the 2024-25 regular season on November 4 against Monmouth, ready to continue their legacy in college basketball.
