Photo: Nick King ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
EAST LANSING ~ Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo met with the media this week and delivered a blend of honesty, reflection and challenge for his team. A central theme was leadership, specifically, how much more powerful it is when it comes from within the locker room. “Players take ownership and the players coach each other because so much time we’re not with them,” Izzo said. He acknowledged that vocal leadership doesn’t come naturally to everyone, adding, “Junior forward Coen Carr is trying. Redshirt sophomore Jeremy Fears Jr. has had a couple really good practices. Senior center Carson Cooper is trying. We’re growing in that area.” For Izzo, internal accountability isn’t optional; it’s the key to unlocking the consistency he’s been searching for.
Izzo also addressed Michigan State’s recent 3-point shooting surge, but he refused to let anyone think the Spartans will suddenly live on the perimeter. “Never rely on 3-point shooting,” he said. “I’m relying on what I’ve relied on for 30 years.” That means defending, rebounding, limiting turnovers and running, hallmarks of every Izzo-coached team. He mentioned the grind of Big Ten scheduling as well, noting how difficult one-time scouting preps can be. “It’s one of the more difficult things about these schedules,” he said. “People would not understand how hard that is. My staff deserves a lot of credit. My scout team deserves a lot of credit. They’re the ones who have to learn our offense and theirs.”
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(CONTINUED) When the conversation shifted toward March, Izzo was candid about both the NCAA Tournament and the current push to expand the field. “They’ve got a lot of other things to take care of before worrying about that,” he said, though he did express a desire for more coaches and former players to be part of the selection committee. As for MSU’s own postseason preparation, he outlined the traits that matter most: “Number one: don’t take it for granted. It’s really hard to do.” He added that teams must be sharp, not just improved, heading into March. Izzo even allowed himself to praise his group, saying, “I have loved our last two practices, Fears has been good, Cooper has been good.”
The press conference also shed light on Izzo’s respect for opposing talent, particularly Ohio State senior guard Bruce Thornton. Izzo praised Thornton’s experience and impact, noting, “He’s been four years. He can score, he can pass, he can defend it.” He highlighted the constant pressure Thornton applies on both ends of the floor. That respect extended to the Buckeyes as a whole, with Izzo adding, “They’ve got enough talent to be really good. We’ll have our hands full.” As MSU prepares for another critical Big Ten matchup, Izzo’s tone made clear that his team’s margin for error is slim, but the foundation for a strong finish is starting to form.
