30 years later, Tom Izzo ‘excited as hell’ for another Michigan State basketball season

EAST LANSING — Somewhere inside Breslin Center, Tom Izzo delivered his assessment of Michigan State basketball’s second and final exhibition game. And it had nothing to do with his team’s play.

“I learned a little about their character,” he said. “They’re starting to make some progress.”

That was Nov. 14, 1995. Before the Final Fours. Before the national championship. Before the Basketball Hall of Fame induction and all of the plaudits that have come Izzo’s way since.

Before he coached a single game that counted with the Spartans, Izzo laid the groundwork for what he wanted most in the program he was about to build.

Physical toughness. Mental fortitude. Elite talent.

Most of all, a passion and will to succeed. And win.

Tom Izzo addresses the crowd during the Izzone campout on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, at Munn Field in East Lansing.

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Just like MSU did that night almost 30 years ago. A hard-fought 77-72 grind of a victory. Over Marathon Oil, a team made up of former college stars.

Anyone, anywhere, anytime isn’t just about getting your car serviced.

Izzo went in for some routine maintenance himself in the offseason, undergoing a hip replacement surgery and emerging feeling refreshed and ready for his 30th season as the Spartans’ head coach. Finally, after a late summer trip to Spain for three international games and two exhibition games against Division II opponents, it is time for the games to matter again.

A revamped MSU roster opens its season Monday night with a visit from Monmouth. Tipoff is 7 p.m. at Breslin, with no television broadcast but available online via BTN+.

“Year 1, I was nervous as hell. Year 30, I’m as excited as hell, and I just feel like I’m in a good place,” Izzo said Friday. “For me, my team’s getting better. I think we got some things solidified in some of those exhibition games. I’m looking forward to whether we can put them to…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/30-years-later-tom-izzo-123416722.html

Author : Lansing State Journal

Publish date : 2024-11-04 12:34:00

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