Tom Izzo on Tyson Walker: ‘Gets better every day’

Tyson Walker has become a vital part of what Michigan State does. The senior guard that came in last season from Northeastern has grown into his role with the Spartans and, considering all things, Tom Izzo couldn’t be any prouder of him.

Izzo praised Walker following a key victory for Michigan State with a 63-58 win over Maryland on Tuesday. He complimented the way he continues to get better at this point in his career, especially within the Spartan program, and said you can see it based on how many responsibilities he has taken on.

“I’ll tell you what. Tyson Walker gets better every day. He really does,” said Izzo. “There’s a kid that, since he came here and struggled in the first half of the year, he didn’t know the system, didn’t know the arena, didn’t know anything? I give him a lot of credit.”

“We’re now putting him on the best player…He’s done a hell of a job,” Izzo added. “He’s guarding, he’s rebounding, he’s getting mad at me because I told him something was a dumb foul. I really like those things. I like those kinds of arguments.”

Walker is averaging 13.9 points, 2.6 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.2 steals over his 24 games this season. He’s also shooting well as he’s sitting at 44% from the field and 41.4% from distance. However, his greatest attribute might be his leadership as the experienced, lead guard of Izzo’s team.

It’s no secret that Izzo is a difficult coach to play for. Even so, Walker has embraced that challenge and, because of it, has become an even better player. Now, after he applauded him, Izzo will expect Walker to keep up his high level of play this weekend when Michigan State heads to Columbus to face off with Ohio State.