All articles tagged with #tom izzo
After Michigan State's 67-63 Sweet 16 loss to UConn, Tom Izzo said retirement is not on his radar and he plans to chase a second NCAA title, leveraging returning players, a top-recruiting class, and portal moves to reload for next season.
In an era defined by NIL chaos and the transfer portal, college basketball legends Tom Izzo, Rick Barnes, and Rick Pitino say the game is broken but their love for it keeps them coaching—and still winning—showing that pride, tradition, and tough leadership remain on the sidelines.
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, now in his 31st season, decries the chaotic shifts in college basketball yet his program thrives by sticking to a traditional, development-first approach, highlighting a Sweet 16 run and a looming regional clash with UConn.
A profile of Jeremy Fears Jr., Michigan State's point guard who has matured into a premier playmaker under Tom Izzo, overcoming the 2023 shooting trauma to embrace a leadership role while leading in assists and helping power the Spartans toward another NCAA Tournament run.
Skull Session recalls Team USA’s gold-medal celebration honoring Johnny Gaudreau, praises Bruce Thornton after Michigan State’s 66-60 win over Ohio State, and features Jaxon Smith-Njigba asserting he deserves to be the NFL’s highest-paid wide receiver based on his 2025 production; the piece also includes Ohio State promos and related notes.
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo publicly blamed Dusty May for shaping Jeremy Fears’ on-court baiting, as Fears again drew a technical for kicking a Minnesota player between the legs and was seen attempting trips, sparking a broader debate about discipline and a potential benching ahead of MSU’s next game against Michigan.
Michigan State guard Jeremy Fears, having a breakout season, drew a technical for kicking Minnesota’s Langston Reynolds in the groin, prompting coach Tom Izzo to urge him to mature; Fears was benched briefly but still produced 10 points and 11 assists as the Spartans lost 76-73 to Minnesota and sit fourth in the Big Ten, a game and a half back of first place Michigan.
Michigan State fell 83-71 to Michigan at Breslin Center as Izzo criticized his team’s effort and the officiating, pointing to a hook-and-hold on Yaxel Lendeborg that he says erased a foul and shifted momentum. He said the Spartans didn’t rebound, move the ball, or compete at the level required, and noted Jeremy Fears’ 31 points came with a poor response to opponent chatter. Michigan’s defense and size helped seal the win as they closed strong.
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said Indiana is formidable in basketball and even joked that it's a good thing MSU won't face Indiana’s football team; he noted IU’s 16-point lead over Nebraska before the rally, and previewed the Spartans' home game against the Hoosiers.
Nebraska's victory over Michigan State led to court storming, which Spartans coach Tom Izzo supported, viewing it as a sign of passion and a milestone for Nebraska's basketball program, despite the controversy surrounding such celebrations.
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo criticized the NCAA for allowing G League players to be eligible for college basketball, calling the decision 'ridiculous' and highlighting concerns about the impact on high school recruits and the integrity of the sport. He expressed frustration over the lack of communication from NCAA decision-makers and warned of potential negative consequences for young athletes.
Michigan State's men's basketball team has moved into the top 15 of the CBS Sports Top 25 And 1 rankings following a 94-91 overtime victory against North Carolina in the Maui Invitational. Tre Holloman, starting for only the third time in his college career, played a crucial role with 19 points and seven assists. Despite coach Tom Izzo's frustration over needing overtime after leading by 14 points, he encouraged his team to stay positive. Michigan State now holds a 6-2 record, with notable wins over North Carolina and Colorado, and losses to Kansas and Memphis.
Michigan State overcame a 13-point deficit to defeat Samford 83-75, led by Jaden Akins' career-high 25 points. Despite early struggles with shooting and turnovers, the Spartans rallied with a strong end to the first half and maintained their lead in the second. Samford's press and zone defense posed challenges, but Michigan State's adjustments and key plays from Akins secured the win. The Spartans now prepare for the Maui Invitational, starting with a game against Colorado.
After Michigan State's early exit from the NCAA Tournament, coach Tom Izzo vowed to return the team to deeper tournament runs, stating, "I'm gonna get back to a deeper run in this tournament, or I'm going to die trying." The 69-year-old coach, who has faced retirement rumors, is determined to lead the Spartans to success despite recent disappointments, signaling his unwavering commitment to winning.
North Carolina extends its NCAA tournament mastery over Michigan State with an 85-69 win, advancing to the Sweet 16. Guard RJ Davis led the Tar Heels with 20 points, while four players scored in double figures. Despite a strong effort from Michigan State's Tyson Walker and Malik Hall, the Spartans were unable to mount a comeback. North Carolina's balanced offense and pesky defense proved too much for the Spartans, dropping Tom Izzo's NCAA tournament record against North Carolina to 0-5.