Izzo’s Spartans Eye UConn in Sweet 16 Showdown

Tom Izzo Preps Spartans for UConn Battle

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo is no stranger to the NCAA Tournament. He’s led the Spartans to an incredible 28 straight appearances in March Madness, a record that speaks volumes about his consistent success. Now, he’s gearing up for his 17th trip to the Sweet 16, facing a tough opponent in UConn. Izzo joined The Rich Eisen Show to discuss the upcoming game and his team’s journey.

Big Ten Dominance on Display

The tournament has seen a strong showing from the Big Ten conference. With six teams making it to the Sweet 16, Izzo believes it’s a sign of the conference’s growing strength. “You better move back into Big Ten country,” he told Eisen, referencing the show’s host’s new location. The Big Ten has also seen recent national championships in football, further cementing its status as a powerhouse in college sports.

Spartans’ Preparation and Mindset

Izzo detailed his team’s rigorous preparation for UConn. “We’re up to here with film,” he stated, describing the hours spent studying their opponent. The Spartans even held a late-night practice to adjust to their game’s late tip-off time. Izzo, who says he’s not superstitious, believes in preparing his team thoroughly. He also touched on his team’s identity this year, noting they might not be as talented as in past seasons but are more connected and tough.

Key Matchup: Turnovers and Rebounds

When asked about keys to tournament success, Izzo stressed the importance of “defense and rebound.” However, he also expressed concern about his team’s recent turnover issues. “Lately, we’ve turned the ball over too much and that’s my one worry,” he admitted. He knows UConn, coached by Dan Hurley, plays a physical style and will likely pressure the Spartans into mistakes. “Turnovers are going to be a big key,” Izzo emphasized, hoping his team can clean that up before the game.

Assessing the Point Guard Talent

The conversation also turned to Izzo’s history of coaching great point guards. He discussed his current point guard, whom he ranks among the best he’s coached. “He’s moving right up there,” Izzo said, comparing him to past stars like Magic Johnson, Cassius Winston, and Denzel Valentine. However, Izzo believes point guards, like quarterbacks in football, are ultimately judged by wins and championships. He stressed the importance of his current guard making his teammates better and reducing turnovers, areas he’s working on with him.

Navigating Adversity

Izzo also opened up about how he handles player adversity, referencing a past incident involving a player’s on-court behavior. He mentioned connecting with other coaches and individuals who had gone through similar situations. “I think he’s grown from that a lot,” Izzo said of the player, noting that sometimes adversity can bring a team closer together. He believes his player is a “terrific player” and a “really good kid” who is learning to control his emotions.

Looking Ahead to UConn and Beyond

The matchup against UConn is expected to be a tough one. Izzo highlighted UConn’s standout players, including a former Michigan player who has been playing exceptionally well. He described the game as a potential “war” between two physical teams. Looking further down the bracket, Izzo acknowledged the possibility of facing other seasoned coaches like Rick Pitino and John Calipari in Indianapolis, a testament to the unpredictable nature of March Madness.

“We’re not as talented a team as you’ve seen us over the years, but we’ve been maybe a more together team. Very connected, pretty tough.” – Tom Izzo

“Turnovers are going to be a big key. So hopefully we can straighten that out in these three, four days here.” – Tom Izzo

The Michigan Factor

The interview also included some lighthearted banter about Izzo’s relationship with Michigan, the rival school. While he’s a proud Spartan, he acknowledged that host Rich Eisen has a Michigan alum friend who has been with him for 30 years. Izzo humorously stated he just wants to be in Eisen’s “top five,” a request Eisen happily granted. The friendly rivalry and the shared love for college basketball clearly define the spirit of the show.

Source: Tom Izzo’s thoughts on Michigan State vs. UConn: Should be a hell of a game! | The Rich Eisen Show (YouTube)