Juwan Howard praises Tom Izzo for reaching 700 wins, building culture

Tuesday night was a historic one in East Lansing, as Michigan State defeated Michigan handily in an 81-62 victory that represented the 700th career win for legendary Spartans’ head coach Tom Izzo.

There’s no question that press conferences are less enjoyable for coaches and players after being on the losing end of a tough loss, especially to an in-state rival. But Michigan head coach Juwan Howard had no problem speaking on Izzo’s historic win and legacy, sending high praise his way following the Wolverines’ loss.

“That’s not a tough question, that’s an easy question to answer,” Howard said. “He is a Hall of Fame coach, he’s an example of what a lot of us coaches are striving to become, and with the success he’s had in college basketball, the work is right there just glaring at you.”

Izzo is in the midst of his 29th season with the Spartans, making him the third-longest tenured head coach currently in college basketball behind Oakland‘s Greg Kampe and Houston Baptist‘s Ron Cottrell. But Howard shed light on the origins of Izzo’s career and the hard work he’s put in to elevate the Michigan State’s program in an extraordinary way.

“But the man grinded and he learned from one of the greatest coaches in college basketball in coach Jud Heathcote. With that he’s created his own staple and identity to his program and the program’s had success,” Howard explained. “I really admire Coach in a lot of ways.”

Izzo was an assistant coach on Michigan State’s staff under Heathcote for over a decade before taking over as head coach ahead of the 1995-1996 season following Heathcote’s retirement. The rest is history, leading Sparty to a 2000 National Championship win, eight Final Four appearances, 10 Big Ten regular season titles, and six conference tournament titles. Along with 25 consecutive appearances in the NCAA Tournament.

“Yes, it’s a rivalry. It’s always going to be a rivalry,” Howard said. “But at the same time, you just gotta give respect where respect is due and with Coach being able to reach that many wins. It’s an example of where I’m trying to get to that level. It takes time, it takes a lot of years. I don’t know if I’m gonna have that many years of coaching left as he, but we’ll see.”

There’s no question that Izzo deserves his flowers, becoming just the 38th head coach in Division I college basketball history to reach the 700-win mark. Even if that bouquet is coming from a bitter, in-state rival.