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Tom Izzo jokingly takes credit for comeback, praises players

20200517_134556by:Justin Rudolph•02/06/24
on3.com/tom-izzo-jokingly-takes-credit-for-comeback-praises-players/
Feb 3, 2024; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo protests a call during the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports

The Michigan State Spartans picked up their second win in a row on Saturday as they knocked off the Maryland Terrapins at home 63-54. It was a big-time win for the Spartans and head coach Tom Izzo, who are trying to remain one of the top teams in the Big Ten this season. Michigan State is currently sporting a 14-8 overall record and is 6-5 in conference play.

Following the game, Izzo had a little fun in the postgame press conference with the reporters. When asked whether or not it was a player or coach-led victory, here’s what the Michigan State headman had to say.

“Oh, definitely coach-led; I mean, 100 percent. Hell no, it wasn’t a coach-led, you know. And that’s the beauty of having a game like this. A.J. Hoggard, Tyson Walker, in the huddle, they had that back door play for him; that was his call,” said Izzo.

“There has been more and more communication in the huddles. A couple of guys got on, a couple of guys in the huddles; it’s good. I think there’s a lot of respect among the guys now. They know we’re not where we need to be and where I think we could be. Do I think we got a lot of ceiling left? I do. Are we gonna get there? We’ll find out.”

There’s still a lot of college basketball left to be played. And while Izzo and his Spartans find themselves in a good position currently, that could change if the chemistry starts to fade. However, the Michigan State headman does not see an event like that on the horizon, thanks to how his team has been communicating and coming together on the court. That communication and chemistry led to an impressive win over another talented Big Ten squad. And Izzo couldn’t be more prouder of his team because of it.

“But games like this actually help us because of the way halftime was the way, the huddles were the way, the team took ownership of some things in some situations. I was really proud of them.”

On Tuesday, Michigan State will be back in action on the road as they take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Minnesota sits just a half-game behind Michigan State in the standings with a 14-7 overall record and is 5-5 in the Bug Ten. If Izzo’s Spartans can continue to display a high level of camaraderie and communication on the court, fans could be in store for another deep tournament run courtesy of their legendary head coach and company.