Mike Krzyzewski heaps praise on Tom Izzo for becoming winningest coach in Big Ten history

Mike Krzyzewski was very complimentary of Tom Izzo after the Michigan State coach passed Bob Knight for the most conference wins in Big Ten history.

Izzo earned his 354th Big Ten win with Michigan State last weekend, passing Knight in the process. The Spartans beat Illinois 79-65 and followed it up with two more wins against Purdue and Michigan this past week.

Krzyzewski put Izzo at the top of the mountain in terms of how he reps the Spartans and college basketball.

“There was something very historical that happened this week too in college basketball, my good friend Tom Izzo passed coach Bob Knight, who was my coach, for most wins in Big Ten Conference games,” Krzyzewski said on Sirius XM Show Basketball and Beyond. “And he’s built such an amazing culture. They also had an amazing succession plan, because he was Jud Heathcote’s assistant, and then took over, so he understood Michigan State. 

“I know Michigan State is a great school and that, but no one has represented their school in any aspect better than better than Tom. He’s not just a great coach but he’s a genuine human being, and has been so good for our sport.”

There’s no question Izzo embraces Michigan State and Big Ten basketball. It was clear after the Spartans beat Michigan leading into the weekend, a classic conference rivalry.

“There’s nothing better than getting your rival on their home floor,” Izzo stated, following the dub. “You know, that’s just the way it is, and they’re going to get a chance to do that to us now coming up. But you know, I think our guys prepared very well. I was really concerned, two day prep with those big guys, and the way they run that pick and roll for each other. They’re very good at it. I thought we did a decent job.”

Aside from being a wonderful win for the vibes, Michigan State’s victory over Michigan also gave them sole possession of first place in the Big Ten. Not to mention the fact that it was the Wolverines’ first home loss of the entire season, adding insult to injury. 

Nevertheless, Izzo has reminded the college basketball world why he’s one of the top minds in all of the sport throughout the 2024-25 season, and Michigan State seems primed for a run. With a win over rival Michigan on their resume now, the Spartans will hope to continue adding to their impressive list of accomplishments in the next few weeks, as the NCAA Tournament looms large.