Tom Izzo’s No. 17 Michigan State is fresh off beating San Jose State 79-60 on Thursday night. His squad was coming off a 69-66 win over John Calipari’s Arkansas Razorbacks, improving to 3-0 on the season.
The Spartans are now preparing to face the Kentucky Wildcats in the Champions Classic in New York on Tuesday.
Fans Have Solid Responses to Tom Izzo’s Viral Comment on His Players
Izzo wasn’t fully satisfied with Michigan State’s win over San Jose State, saying that if his team plays at that level again, they are “gonna get killed.” His constant push for improvement continues to set the standard for his players.
After Thursday’s win, a reporter asked Izzo whether this year’s roster can handle his relentless expectations.
“What do you want me to do?” Izzo fired back. “Hug and kiss them? Want me to? Guys, you’re doing all right. No, it’s not my style. So when you say I’m being demanding of them, what the hell are you supposed to be doing? You know, we got guys that want to play at the next level.
“We got guys that want to win championships. We want guys that want to get better every day. Wanting to and doing it are two different things. So I think a couple guys, you know, we’re going to see. I promise you something, that free throw shooting thing is going to change.”
To some, Izzo’s tone may seem harsh, but anyone familiar with him knows he prioritizes fixing his team’s flaws rather than celebrating wins at face value.
Even in the win over San Jose State, Michigan State shot under 25% from three-point range and lost momentum in the second half. Izzo sounded cautious as these issues could become a serious problem with Kentucky up next.
That is why fans also showed support for Izzo following his viral “Hug and Kiss” comment.
“Candya** reporters who never played, telling a HOF coach how to coach. Embarrassing and good for Izzo being snarky,” one said.
“Listen…I get why our competition hates him, but at least admit, if he were yours, he’d be a national treasure,” one said.
“No better coach in the Big Ten,” one said.
“This is why I love Izzo. He doesn’t sugarcoat things,” a fan said.
“Awful question great answer,” a fan said.
Izzo has been part of the Spartans program for over 40 years, spending 12 seasons as an assistant before becoming head coach. He has guided Michigan State to 27 straight NCAA Tournament appearances. It is the longest active streak in college basketball, and he has earned more than 700 career wins, all of which have come with MSU.
Izzo is also a famous name in the recruiting world, as he continues to attract top talent and maintain a strong program culture at MSU.
