Tom Izzo is one of the most respected figures in college basketball. In his 48-year career as a coach, Izzo has amassed an impressive record of 737-302. The 70-year-old has been at Michigan State for over 40 years now, and more than 30 of those years have been as a head coach.
With one national championship in 2000, eight Final Four appearances, six Big Ten tournaments, and multiple Coach of the Year awards, Izzo has built his legacy at Michigan State. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016. He has a net worth of $13 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
In his long and successful career, Tom Izzo has seen a lot of changes in college basketball, from the early 2000s to NIL and now the transfer portal. Izzo is someone who wears his opinion on his sleeve. He recently voiced discontent about the latest addition to NCAA rules.
The NCAA has now allowed schools to sign pros from the NBA G-League. Louisville recently signed London Johnson, a former 4-star recruit who has played over three seasons in the G-League. Izzo was visibly displeased while talking about this signing.
“I think we are really hurting the seniors in high school, giving them a chance. What’s the age limit now? Is it 30? You know, if you have 3 beards and 2 moustaches, are you illegal? You are not allowed to play? I mean, what is it gonna be?” Tom Izzo voiced his concern (via SportsCenter NEXT’s Instagram).
“A guy can be in the G-League for 2 or 3 years and all of a sudden, he is eligible. Most of my people knew nothing about it. I am not real excited about the NCAA or whoever is making these decisions without talking to us, just let them go because they are afraid they are gonna get sued. So this really bothers your coach, your Michigan State fans. But if you want a silver lining in a cloud, I am going to call Magic [Johnson] tonight. I am going to call Jaren Jackson [Jr.],” Izzo added.
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Izzo also blamed “adults” who are responsible for decision-making. He believes the NCAA needs to regroup and stop “ridiculous” things from happening.
Fans React to Tom Izzo’s Discontent
Fans online were confused and shocked, as they agreed with Tom Izzo and demanded answers.
“How’s a professional basketball player eligible for college basketball?!?!?” one fan expressed shock.
“Tom is 100% right,” another fan agreed.
“Stand on business Tom,” another fan showed support.
“They didn’t let Lamelo play in college and now we bend the rules,” another complained.
“Gotta be some regulation here I agree,” one fan commented.
“I’m for player empowerment but there definitely needs to be some guardrails in place. If I’m spending money on an open market I need certain assurances and protections. That’s capitalism,” another claimed.
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