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Tom Izzo has earned the nickname “Mr. March” because of his incredible success when the calendar turns to March.
For years, Izzo has built his teams by putting them in uncomfortable situations early in the season. The goal is simple: when the pressure of the NCAA Tournament arrives, his players have already faced adversity, dealt with difficult moments and learned how to overcome them.
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Because of that approach, the Michigan State teams that peak in March are often much different from the groups Izzo sees during the summer and early portions of the season. They are usually rough-and-tumble teams that need to be molded, tested and pushed before becoming the best version of themselves.
That is also why Izzo is rarely completely satisfied with his team early on.
He does not hand out many moral victories, and perfection is expected early and often. That demanding mentality is a major reason why Izzo has become one of the most respected coaches in college basketball history. But it also means Spartan fans are accustomed to hearing him point out what his team still needs to improve.
So, when journalist Brad Galli recently asked Izzo how he felt about this year’s team, his answer may have caught some Michigan State fans by surprise.
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Izzo began by discussing what he has returning and what the Spartans added during the offseason.
“Well, you know, I got a lot of guys back. And I had a really good freshman class. So, I felt like I kept my team together, which, as you know, is not easy this day and age.”
That alone is a significant offseason victory.
In an era where players can quickly enter the transfer portal in search of more playing time or a seemingly better opportunity, keeping a talented roster together is becoming increasingly difficult. Michigan State was able to retain an experienced core while also bringing in a highly regarded freshman class.
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That continuity could prove to be one of the Spartans’ biggest strengths this season.
Izzo then made a…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/tom-izzo-likes-team-summer-184648984.html
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Publish date : 2026-08-25 18:46:00
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