Tom Izzo’s Michigan State Spartans lost to the UConn Huskies in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Tournament. The Spartans had a slow start, trailing 27-35 at halftime. Even their second-half scoring spree couldn’t help them avoid the 67-63 loss.
Izzo, who turned 71 in January, has been coaching since 1977, and he joined Michigan State in 1995 as their head coach. Following the March Madness exit, rumors about his possible retirement went through the roof.
At the post-game press conference, Izzo was asked about his retirement. The Spartans’ head coach made it clear that this loss doesn’t change anything, and he is willing to continue coaching the Michigan State program.
Izzo said that his only goal is to win a national title, and retirement isn’t even a part of the picture right now. The last time Izzo won a title with the Spartans was back in 2000. He has been waiting to add another one to his resume.
“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.”
Izzo said that he has a few more things to accomplish before he starts thinking about bidding farewell to the game.
Tom Izzo on Transfer Portal
At the end of every season, we see players leave their teams through the transfer portal, looking for better opportunities. Izzo predicts that seven or eight players from the Michigan State Spartans will return next season.
In addition to the talent that’ll continue, Michigan State will have a new batch of youngsters ready to put on the jersey.
“The only difference is the portal at Michigan State is different than the portal at most places,” he said. “I’m going right to my frickin’ locker room, and I’m going to talk to each and every player right there. I’m going to make some decisions about what we’re going to do that I feel very comfortable with.”
Despite losing in the Sweet 16 round, Izzo said that he isn’t disappointed and that he’s the “luckiest guy in the world.” Even though he won’t be coaching a team this Sunday, he believes the Spartans will be back next season to make a deeper run.
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