John Calipari and Tom Izzo’s respective teams had a good run this season. The Arkansas Razorbacks and the Michigan State Spartans made the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Tournament and lost to the teams that are now in the Final Four.
Calipari’s team was third in the Southeastern Conference with a 28-9 overall record, including 13-5 in the conference. Izzo’s Spartans were third in the Big Ten Conference with a 27-8 overall record, including 15-5 in the conference.
Both coaches will now focus on the next season and possibly making another run at the NCAA title. With strong teams, good incoming players, and capable coaching staffs, there’s no doubt that we will see them in March Madness again.
Calipari recently posted a major update about facing the Spartans next season. He stated that it’s a real possibility that we will have a Razorbacks vs Spartans matchup next season.
“It looks like we are going to have an opportunity to play Michigan State in a neutral site game on Thanksgiving day on CBS next season. We have been one of the most watched college basketball teams and want to build on that!” he wrote.
“Michigan State WILL return the home game to Bud Walton Arena, and we are working on a date. Stay tuned!!” he added.
The game will be played at the Little Caesars Arena in Michigan. Although it will be a neutral venue, the Spartans will have an advantage.
While the Spartans vs Razorbacks game is nearly guaranteed, a number of things could have kept Izzo from being a part of it, including his being hired by the Phoenix Suns. Amid their recent head coaching shuffle, the NBA franchise had listed Izzo as one of the frontrunners for the job.
Tom Izzo Spoke on His Retirement
Izzo has been with the Spartans since 1995. Although he is still chasing another NCAA title after winning one in 2000, rumors about Izzo’s retirement started floating around after the Spartans lost in the NCAA Tournament.
At the post-game press conference, Izzo made it clear that he has no plans of retiring anytime soon.
“We all talk about retirement,” he said. “Why? What the hell am I going to do? The minute I don’t feel good, the minute I don’t feel like I’m giving my AD or president or school every ounce of energy I have every day, or that energy drops, you don’t have to worry about it. I don’t steal money. I won’t steal anybody’s time. But it’s sure as hell not going to be now.”
After the loss, Izzo said that he will talk to each player individually and get a clear idea of the upcoming transfer portal.
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