Tuesday marked a poignant moment in Michigan State basketball history as Spartans Head Coach Tom Izzo reflected on three decades of growth and success. Back in the 1995-96 season, Izzo won his first Big Ten game as the Spartans’ head coach when his team defeated a Bob Knight-led Indiana team.
Now, 30 years later, Izzo had a full-circle moment involving the Hoosiers.
Tom Izzo’s Full-Circle Moment at Breslin Center
While the Spartans dropped a tough 71-67 loss to a struggling Indiana team, Izzo notched his 353rd Big Ten victory against the Oregon Ducks just days prior. This tied the record of the same man he coached against 30 years ago.
“The best players don’t win games, the best teams do”
– Tom Izzo pic.twitter.com/baRxfXPkHz
— Coach Mac 🏀 (@BballCoachMac) February 7, 2025
As Coach Mac, an X account focused on coaching basketball, posted, in the wise words of Izzo, “The best players don’t win games; the best teams do.”
While celebrating Saturday’s monumental win, Izzo reflected on his relationship with Knight, who passed away in 2023. Izzo, whom Knight mentored during his early years at Michigan State, acknowledged that Knight did things that Izzo had yet to achieve.
“He was good to me, and he was a great coach who did many things I haven’t done,” Izzo said. “I’m proud of it because I get to be talked about with a guy who I thought really highly as a coach, and I get to appreciate how many players won games for me.”
For Izzo, this win was more than just reaching a milestone. It was a reminder of how far Michigan State basketball has come, with the victory representing not just his success but the program’s growth. The comeback against Oregon added to the drama, as Michigan State trailed by 14 points at halftime before storming back for a decisive win.
What Saturday’s Comeback Against Oregon Meant to Izzo
The victory over Oregon was significant for several reasons, including its emotional impact on Izzo. After the game, with fans roaring from the stands, Izzo became tearful while reflecting on the 2000 national championship team’s presence in the arena. Many key figures from that team, such as Mateen Cleaves and Morris Peterson, were in attendance to celebrate the milestone with their former coach.
“When I looked behind the bench, and those guys were all sitting there, it was a memory-making moment,” Izzo said of the reunion of the 2000 championship team. “They made Tom Izzo, and they did a lot to make Michigan State basketball, winning four Big Ten championships, going to three Final Fours, and winning a national championship.”
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Izzo’s emotional response highlighted his deep connection with his players and the program he built over the years. Michigan State’s return to prominence, including four Big Ten championships and three Final Four appearances, is largely due to Izzo’s leadership.
As of now, Izzo’s career record stands at 352-172 in Big Ten play and 725-299 overall, a testament to his longevity and success in the sport.
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