Dan Hurley’s UConn Huskies will face Tom Izzo’s Michigan State Spartans in the Sweet 16 tomorrow at Capital One Arena in Washington. A day before the matchup, Hurley spoke in Izzo’s defense during the press conference.
The Michigan State coach has received a lot of criticism recently because of his coaching style. Izzo believes in the old-school, “tough love” approach in his coaching and has been following the same for decades.
For Izzo, the idea is to make his players tough as well as skilled so that when they face bigger challenges ahead, they’re always prepared for them. As a foundation for a great player, this is a great strategy.
However, Izzo’s style of coaching doesn’t sit well with everyone. During the press conference, Hurley was asked what he thinks about the criticism that Izzo has been dealing with.
“That’s just society. We’ve got soft in a lot of ways with trying to develop young people,” Hurley said. “The teachers and coaches that impact their lives the most are not the teachers and coaches that gave them a grade they didn’t deserve.”
Hurley said that the teachers and coaches who push their students to always do better and make them work for good results are the ones who make a real impact on youngsters’ lives.
“I coach 18-19-20 year old men, there’s a lot that I gotta instill in them,” Hurley said. “There’s a lot of commitment that I’ve gotta instill in them to prepare them for the real world. The real world is tough, it’s cruel, you’ve gotta be equipped.”
While Hurley also believes in pushing his players, he does it with nothing but love for them. He said that his players know he loves them, and if he’s pushing them to do something, they know he has their best interests in his heart.
Tom Izzo Defended His Coaching Style
Izzo has been coaching since 1977. He has had a lot of success in his career and has won numerous individual accolades, including AP College Coach of the Year. He has produced over 20 NBA players, including the Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green.
There’s no denying that his method works, and he recently defended his coaching style amid a wave of criticism.
“You know what, do your job right. Go to class, and you won’t hear about not going to class. Cut out, you won’t hear about not cutting out,” he said.
Izzo said that he doesn’t care what people have to say about his coaching style. He admitted that he has mellowed over the years to adapt to the changing times, but he is not going to follow other people’s coaching advice, especially those who aren’t even coaches.
Read More:
Who Is Pryce Sandfort’s Brother? A Look Into the Nebraska Star’s Family
Is Joshua Jefferson Playing in the Sweet 16? Iowa State Star’s Status Revealed for Tennessee Game
Is Tommy Lloyd Leaving Arizona? Wildcats AD Addresses Future Amid Contract Talks
Will Wade’s Roster Budget at LSU Reportedly Revealed as Matt McMahon Learns Fate
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in baseball, tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
