Tom Izzo reveals Tyson Walker's excitement to return to New York

When Michigan State travels to New York to play in Madison Square Garden, it’ll be a homecoming of sorts for senior guard Tyson Walker.

Walker hails from nearby Westbury, New York.

“I just told him, no old girlfriends better show up around me, that’s all I told him,” joked coach Tom Izzo.

Izzo has certainly done his part to help the reunion happen, as Michigan State waltzed through the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament with relative ease, scoring wins over tenth-seeded USC and second-seeded Marquette.

Walker was itching to get a chance to play in New York, and Izzo struck a deal of sorts with his players.

“You know, he was excited,” Izzo said. “The joke about the pizza and the cab, I always tell my players, you help us win the first game and I’ll get you through to the second and the weekend because we’ve had some success in that over the years.”

Izzo’s squad is indeed a routine fixture in the Sweet 16, seemingly, having made it seven times since 2010. Walker and his teammates will get an exceedingly special opportunity this weekend.

Tom Izzo lays out the honor of playing in Madison Square Garden

Before Michigan State hits the ground in New York, Izzo had already had some conversations with his players about just how much it would mean to reach Madison Square Garden.

For a local like Walker, it’s an honor that hits home a bit more.

“In between games last weekend, that’s when I talked to them, this is a privilege and an honor, and it’s something you should dream about when you’re out shooting baskets outside,” Izzo said. “A chance to play in Madison Square Garden, which growing up in New York, it’s probably even bigger than it is growing up in the Midwest because you know what the Garden is. I just like walking through the Garden and seeing the pictures of all the great performers, the great boxers like Muhammad Ali and things that have gone on here are incredible.”

Walker will get the chance to soak it all in this weekend. Survive and advance.

“He was excited. He’s kind of a reserved kid,” Izzo said. “He gets excited. He gets angry sometimes, but he’s a pretty reserved guy. I just know it meant a lot to him. I know it meant a lot to his family. What a great experience, to play Duke in Mike’s last game, and then play against Kansas State in his home ground in arguably the greatest arena in the world. Pretty cool. Pretty cool for him.”

Michigan State and Kansas State will tip off at 6:30 p.m. ET on Thursday with the game televised nationally on TBS.