Tom Izzo claims to be 'the most fortunate human being in America' with Michigan State alumni base

In recent years, Purdue has had a run of success against Michigan State, winning five in a row over the Spartans and nine of the last 10 meetings. However, head coach Tom Izzo and the Spartans put an end to the run on Tuesday with a key win.

At the game, supporting Michigan State, were several alumni, including Tyson Walker, Malik Hall, and Joey Hauser. It was having them there that became the most special part of the win for Tom Izzo, highlighting how fortunate he feels.

“It goes back to what I said all along,” Tom Izzo said. “Tyson’s parents flew in from New York for this game, and I keep saying it, I’ll challenge anybody that we have some of the neatest things. And I had those guys in the locker room after, and I said, ‘Some of you guys will be gone this year, some next year, some the year after. Remember not to forget where you came from.’ They were happier behind the bench. They were happier in the locker room, some of my players.”

Tom Izzo has led the program at Michigan State since 1995. During that time, he’s had plenty of success, winning a national championship, while also coaching players like Walker, Hall, and Hauser. It’s those players and the culture around other alumni like them that Izzo revels in today. This comes after Izzo recently became the winningest coach in Big Ten history.

“And Tyson’s mom and dad said, hey, we might come back for the last one. I am the most fortunate human being in America that I have that kind of culture in that kind of situation,” Izzo said. “And so what did it mean? It meant a lot. Tyson and Joey were at practice. Malik came in late, came in the locker room after the game. It meant a lot. Meant a lot to the players.”

With the win over Purdue, Michigan State moved to 12-3 in Big Ten play, which is good for second in the conference for a tight race down the stretch. It also gave the Spartans some separation from the Boilermakers in the standings, who fell to fourth place at 11-5.

“You’re right. Those numbers that you just threw out,” Izzo said. “He’s [Matt Painter] had our number and has done a hell of a job.”

The schedule won’t get easier from here. On Friday, Tom Izzo and Michigan State are set to take on the Michigan Wolverines in a battle for first place in the Big Ten.