NFL
By: Kevin Lucas
In 30 seasons at Michigan State University Tom Izzo has reached 8 Final Fours, won a National Championship back in 2000, and has secured 10 Big Ten Regular Season Conference Championships. On Saturday, February 15th, coach Izzo surpassed the late Bob Knight for most Big Ten Conference wins at 354 (and counting) after the Spartans went to Illinois and defeated the fighting Illini 79-65. This is yet another milestone for the Hall of Famer whose career goes far beyond wins and losses.
Coach Izzo has always done things his way with a clean record and is one of the most respected coaches in their fraternity. Even with the transfer portal being as prevalent as it is today, Izzo has mostly decided to stick to his guns by recruiting and developing his players in-house. The culture that has been constructed at MSU is one of the most significant in all of college athletics. Former players, coaches, and staff members are always welcomed and embraced when they make their way back to East Lansing.
Tom Izzo delivers a heartfelt message after win 354 💚 @MSU_Basketball pic.twitter.com/ZK6pUxQN1f
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) February 16, 2025
Players like Mateen Cleaves, Mo Pete, and Charlie Bell (aka the Flintstones) set the standard and the bar has only risen ever since. MSU basketball has had a plethora of legendary players and under coach Izzo, they have had 7 consensus All-Americans ranging from Jason Richardson all the way to Cassius Winston. When you think about Michigan State basketball you think about defending, rebounding, and running. Their style of play has helped them bring in recruits from all across the country, especially the Midwest region and of course the Mitten. In Izzo’s 30 seasons, the Spartans have had 24 20-plus win seasons.
That level of consistency always comes down to high-level coaching and discipline. For Tom Izzo wins are amazing but it’s impact that separates the great coaches from the rest. Very few have done it better than Coach Izzo this century. The best part about it is that retirement is nowhere in sight for the 70-year-old from Iron Mountain, Michigan.
