Tom Izzo has always been the guy who backs his players, no matter what. Win ugly? Doesn’t matter. Struggle through a game? He’ll still be proud of them. His teams are known for their grit, fight, and ability to overcome adversity. That’s what’s made Michigan State a powerhouse under his leadership. But this year’s team? Something feels different.
After Michigan State barely survived against Ole Miss in the Sweet 16, Izzo didn’t just point out the mistakes—he straight-up called them “ridiculous.” And now, heading into a huge Elite Eight matchup against Auburn, his words are coming back to bite.
“They were kind of ridiculous turnovers,” Izzo said. “Would you guys agree?” That wasn’t just frustration. That was a coach flat-out saying his team’s mistakes weren’t acceptable. “We were not guarding. We were not doing a very good job offensively. They hit slips, but the real killer was the turnovers. We had turnovers, and they were kind of ridiculous turnovers.”
That’s classic Izzo. But the problem is that this team doesn’t look anywhere close to a Final Four squad. They’re making mistakes that should’ve been cleaned up months ago. They only have one real NBA prospect in Jase Richardson, and while they’ve found ways to win, it hasn’t been convincing. Michigan State made it this far, but let’s be real—they’ve been hanging on by a thread. The first half against Ole Miss was a disaster.
The Rebels had a double-digit lead, Sean Pedulla was making tough shots, and the Spartans were struggling in the paint. This is Michigan State basketball—we’re used to seeing them tough it out, play smart, and take care of the ball. Instead, they played sloppy and careless, and if Ole Miss hadn’t collapsed late, the Spartans would be packing their bags.
Izzo has been around forever, and he’s not one to sugarcoat things. After a wild win over Maryland earlier this season, he defended his guys no matter what. “That was a lucky shot, but nobody can say we didn’t deserve to win,” he said. This time, though? He’s letting the flaws be known. Izzo has always been about high standards. That’s why he didn’t celebrate just making the Elite Eight. “The [Elite Eights] are great too, but go back to my statement from the beginning: We don’t put up any banners for Elite Eights,” he said after their 73-70 win. “We put up banners for Big Ten championships and Final Fours and national championships.”
Feb 2, 2021; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo reacts during the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
“We’re still growing. We’re still learning,” Izzo admitted. “And that’s what we’re excited about, too. I feel like we can still get better and I think they know that we need to get better.”
That’s the thing—at this stage, you don’t want to still be “growing” and “learning.” You want to be ready. And Michigan State? They just don’t look ready. They’ve relied on effort, toughness, and Izzo’s experience, but when you’re facing a team like Auburn that actually has its act together, those ridiculous mistakes aren’t going to cut it.
Still, despite everything, Izzo’s love for this team is obvious. “I love these guys because they kept grinding,” he said. “I’m proud and happy for them. They’ve earned it. They deserved it.” But by calling them out like this from the Ole Miss game, he’s also making it clear—they’re not playing like the Michigan State teams of the past. And if they don’t clean it up fast, this Auburn game could get ugly.
Tom Izzo: The reason Michigan State thrives in March
Tom Izzo is called “Mr. March” for a reason. When the NCAA Tournament rolls around, his teams don’t just show up—they fight, they grind, and more often than not, they find a way to win. Year after year, Izzo has built Michigan State into a program that thrives in March, no matter the roster, the opponent, or the odds.
Since taking over in 1995, Izzo has led the Spartans to 27 straight tournament appearances—the longest active streak in college basketball. He’s been to eight Final Fours and won a national title in 2000. His teams don’t always dominate the regular season, but once the tournament starts, something clicks. They play tough, disciplined basketball, and they never back down from a challenge.
Izzo’s success comes from his core philosophy: “Defend, Rebound, and Run.” His teams hustle on defense, crash the boards, and push the tempo. It’s been his blueprint since his first season when Michigan State grabbed 24 offensive rebounds against defending champion Arkansas. That gritty mindset hasn’t changed, even as the game has evolved.
Even when his team makes mistakes, Izzo holds them accountable while standing by them. That’s what makes Izzo special in March. His teams aren’t always the most talented, but they are always tough, prepared, and ready to battle. He knows how to get the best out of his players when it matters most. Whether it’s a star freshman like Jase Richardson or a veteran leader like Tre Holloman, they all buy into his system.
That’s why every March, no matter where Michigan State is seeded, nobody wants to face Tom Izzo. Because when the pressure’s on, “Mr. March” delivers.
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