Tom Izzo
Encyclopedia
Tom Izzo (ˈɪzoʊ; born January 30, 1955) is an American college basketball
coach. Since 1995, he has been the head coach for the Michigan State Spartans men's basketball
team, presiding over a prolonged period of success.
Under Izzo, the Michigan State program has been one of the most successful in the country. Izzo has led the Spartans to the 2000 NCAA Division I National Championship, the 2009 NCAA Division I National Championship Game, six Final Fours, and six Big Ten
Championships in his first 15 years at Michigan State. The winningest coach in school history, Izzo's teams have been invited to the past 14 consecutive NCAA tournaments
, in addition to setting the Big Ten record for the longest home winning streak. These accomplishments led analyst Andy Katz
at ESPN
to deem Michigan State the top college basketball
program for the decade from 1998 to 2007.
Currently the longest tenured coach in the Big Ten Conference
, Izzo, whose teams are often recognized for their rebounding prowess and defensive tenacity, has won four national coach of the year awards and maintains a considerable coaching tree
—several of his former assistants are currently head coaches at other Division I schools. He currently holds a record of 18–10 versus rival Michigan.
in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where he met best friend and former NFL head coach Steve Mariucci
. Both attended Iron Mountain High where they were teammates on the football, basketball and track teams. At Northern Michigan University
in Marquette
, where they were roommates, Izzo played guard for the men's basketball team from 1973 to 1977. In his senior season, he set a school record for minutes played and was named a Division II All-American. Izzo was inducted to the Northern Michigan University Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Upper Peninsula Hall of Fame in 1997.
from 1979 to 1983. Izzo was then named a part-time assistant at Michigan State in September 1983. After a short two month stay in 1986 as an assistant coach at University of Tulsa
, Izzo returned to Michigan State when assistant Mike Deane
left to become head coach at Siena College
. Prior to the 1990–91 season, then-current coach Jud Heathcote
elevated Izzo to associate head coach. After Heathcote's retirement following the 1994-95 season and upon both his and the Michigan State Athletic Director's recommendation, Izzo was named the new head coach of men's basketball for MSU.
. He is the winningest coach in school history winning his 341st game on November 29, 2009 to surpass Heathcote. In his first two seasons as head coach, Izzo went 9-9 finishing 6th and 7th in the conference and failed to make the tournament. In 1998, MSU's record in conference improved to 13-3 and Izzo won the first of his six regular-season Big Ten championships
and two Big Ten Tournament
titles. 1998 also saw Michigan State begin a streak of 14 straight NCAA tournament
appearances, which is the 3rd longest current streak among Division I teams. During that run only Roy Williams
(38 wins) and Mike Krzyzewski (39 wins) have more NCAA tournament wins than Tom Izzo (35). The following season the team made to the first of Izzo's three straight Final Four appearances, joining Krzyzewski and Ben Howland
as the only three coaches that have made three consecutive Final Fours since the NCAA tournament bracket expanded to 64 teams in 1985. Izzo's .729 winning percentage (35-13 record) in the NCAA tournament ranks third among all active coaches with 10 or more games coached.
In 2000, Izzo led MSU to its second NCAA national championship with a 89-76 win over the Florida Gators
. Since he became head coach, every player that he has recruited—and who completed their full four year eligibility—has gone to the Final Four. Eighty-two percent of his players who completed their eligibility left MSU with a degree
. Over the last ten years, Izzo has been pursued by the Atlanta Hawks
, Chicago Bulls
, Cleveland Cavaliers
, and New Jersey Nets
for head coaching jobs. Izzo fell short of obtaining his 2nd national championship on April 6, 2009, losing to North Carolina 89–72. His streak of three straight Final Four
appearances from 1999 to 2001 is the third-longest of all time, and his six Final Four appearances in the years 1999–2010 were matched by no other team in college basketball. On June 15, 2010, Izzo reported to the Michigan State University's Board of Trustees that he would remain head coach of Michigan State after considering the head coaching position for the Cleveland Cavaliers
.
NA = Naismith All-American
M = McDonald's All-Americans
P = Parade All-America Boys Basketball Team
N = Sporting News
E = EA Sports All-America
U = USA Today
Chris Hill
was named the 2005 ESPN The Magazine
Academic All-American of the Year and 2005 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar of the Year.
. Six of those players have been drafted in the first round. The former players under Tom Izzo who have made the NBA are:
Former Izzo assistants who were college head coaches:
Current Izzo assistants that were previously college head coaches:
men's team that took 4th place at the 2003 Pan American Games
. Prior to that he was assistant coach of the team that had a 5–0 record and won the gold medal at the 2001 Goodwill Games
. Izzo served on the Collegiate Committee of USA Basketball's 2005-2008 Quadrennium Committees.
military camps to coach basketball teams of American service members. Among the other coaches were Tubby Smith
, Gary Williams
, and Rick Barnes
. In 2005, Izzo's team won the tournament championship.
College basketball
College basketball most often refers to the USA basketball competitive governance structure established by the National Collegiate Athletic Association . Basketball in the NCAA is divided into three divisions: Division I, Division II and Division III....
coach. Since 1995, he has been the head coach for the Michigan State Spartans men's basketball
Michigan State Spartans men's basketball
The Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team represents Michigan State University and competes in the Big Ten Conference of NCAA Division I. The team currently plays at the Breslin Student Events Center...
team, presiding over a prolonged period of success.
Under Izzo, the Michigan State program has been one of the most successful in the country. Izzo has led the Spartans to the 2000 NCAA Division I National Championship, the 2009 NCAA Division I National Championship Game, six Final Fours, and six Big Ten
Big Ten Conference
The Big Ten Conference is the United States' oldest Division I college athletic conference. Its twelve member institutions are located primarily in the Midwestern United States, stretching from Nebraska in the west to Pennsylvania in the east...
Championships in his first 15 years at Michigan State. The winningest coach in school history, Izzo's teams have been invited to the past 14 consecutive NCAA tournaments
NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship
The NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship is a single-elimination tournament held each spring in the United States, featuring 68 college basketball teams, to determine the national championship in the top tier of college basketball...
, in addition to setting the Big Ten record for the longest home winning streak. These accomplishments led analyst Andy Katz
Andy Katz
Andy Katz is a senior college basketball journalist for ESPN.com. He is a regular sports analyst on College GameNight on ESPN. Katz earned a B.A. at the University of Wisconsin–Madison , and has worked for ESPN since January 5, 2000....
at ESPN
ESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
to deem Michigan State the top college basketball
College basketball
College basketball most often refers to the USA basketball competitive governance structure established by the National Collegiate Athletic Association . Basketball in the NCAA is divided into three divisions: Division I, Division II and Division III....
program for the decade from 1998 to 2007.
Currently the longest tenured coach in the Big Ten Conference
Big Ten Conference
The Big Ten Conference is the United States' oldest Division I college athletic conference. Its twelve member institutions are located primarily in the Midwestern United States, stretching from Nebraska in the west to Pennsylvania in the east...
, Izzo, whose teams are often recognized for their rebounding prowess and defensive tenacity, has won four national coach of the year awards and maintains a considerable coaching tree
Coaching tree
A coaching tree is similar to a family tree except it shows the relationships of coaches instead of family members. There are several different ways to define a relationship between two coaches...
—several of his former assistants are currently head coaches at other Division I schools. He currently holds a record of 18–10 versus rival Michigan.
Playing career
Izzo was born and raised in Iron MountainIron Mountain, Michigan
Iron Mountain is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 8,154. It is the county seat of Dickinson County, in the state's Upper Peninsula....
in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where he met best friend and former NFL head coach Steve Mariucci
Steve Mariucci
Stephen Ray "Steve" Mariucci is a former National Football League coach. He coached for the San Francisco 49ers and most recently for the Detroit Lions.-Early career:...
. Both attended Iron Mountain High where they were teammates on the football, basketball and track teams. At Northern Michigan University
Northern Michigan University
Northern Michigan University is a four-year college public university established in 1899 located in Marquette, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. With a population of nearly 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students, Northern Michigan University is the Upper Peninsula's largest...
in Marquette
Marquette, Michigan
Marquette is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan and the county seat of Marquette County. The population was 21,355 at the 2010 census, making it the most populated city of the Upper Peninsula. Marquette is a major port on Lake Superior, primarily for shipping iron ore and is the home of Northern...
, where they were roommates, Izzo played guard for the men's basketball team from 1973 to 1977. In his senior season, he set a school record for minutes played and was named a Division II All-American. Izzo was inducted to the Northern Michigan University Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Upper Peninsula Hall of Fame in 1997.
Early coaching career
After graduating from Northern Michigan, Izzo was head coach at Ishpeming High School for one season. He then took an assistant coaching job at Northern Michigan UniversityNorthern Michigan University
Northern Michigan University is a four-year college public university established in 1899 located in Marquette, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. With a population of nearly 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students, Northern Michigan University is the Upper Peninsula's largest...
from 1979 to 1983. Izzo was then named a part-time assistant at Michigan State in September 1983. After a short two month stay in 1986 as an assistant coach at University of Tulsa
University of Tulsa
The University of Tulsa is a private university awarding bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA. It is currently ranked 75th among doctoral degree granting universities in the nation by US News and World Report and is listed as one of the "Best 366 Colleges" by...
, Izzo returned to Michigan State when assistant Mike Deane
Mike Deane
Mike Deane was most recently head basketball coach at Wagner College. He was relieved of his duties on 3/1/2010. He previously held the same position at Siena College, Marquette University, and Lamar University. Michael Deane recorded his 400th career victory on December 15, 2007 against the...
left to become head coach at Siena College
Siena College
Siena College is an independent Roman Catholic liberal arts college in Loudonville, in the town of Colonie, New York, United States. Siena is a four-year, coeducational, independent college in the Franciscan tradition, founded by the Franciscan Friars in 1937. It has 3,000 full-time students and...
. Prior to the 1990–91 season, then-current coach Jud Heathcote
Jud Heathcote
George Melvin "Jud" Heathcote is a former college basketball coach. He was a head coach for 24 seasons at the collegiate level: five at Montana and 19 at Michigan State...
elevated Izzo to associate head coach. After Heathcote's retirement following the 1994-95 season and upon both his and the Michigan State Athletic Director's recommendation, Izzo was named the new head coach of men's basketball for MSU.
Head coach at Michigan State
Hired as head coach at Michigan State in 1995, Izzo is currently the longest-tenured basketball coach in the Big Ten ConferenceBig Ten Conference
The Big Ten Conference is the United States' oldest Division I college athletic conference. Its twelve member institutions are located primarily in the Midwestern United States, stretching from Nebraska in the west to Pennsylvania in the east...
. He is the winningest coach in school history winning his 341st game on November 29, 2009 to surpass Heathcote. In his first two seasons as head coach, Izzo went 9-9 finishing 6th and 7th in the conference and failed to make the tournament. In 1998, MSU's record in conference improved to 13-3 and Izzo won the first of his six regular-season Big Ten championships
Big Ten Conference Men's Basketball regular season champions
Big Ten Conference men's basketball regular season champions:-Championships by school:* Chicago withdrew from the conference in 1946.** Due to NCAA sanctions, Ohio State has vacated the records of 34 games in 1998-99, 16 games in ‘99-00 and the entire ‘00-01 and ‘01-02 seasons.-See also:* Big Ten...
and two Big Ten Tournament
Big Ten Conference Men's Basketball Tournament
The Big Ten Conference men's basketball tournament is held annually at the end of the men's college basketball regular season. The tournament has been played each year since 1998. The winner of the tournament is designated the Big Ten Tournament Champion, and receives the conference's automatic...
titles. 1998 also saw Michigan State begin a streak of 14 straight NCAA tournament
NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship
The NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship is a single-elimination tournament held each spring in the United States, featuring 68 college basketball teams, to determine the national championship in the top tier of college basketball...
appearances, which is the 3rd longest current streak among Division I teams. During that run only Roy Williams
Roy Williams (coach)
Roy Williams is head coach of the men's basketball team at the University of North Carolina. After averaging nearly an 80% win percentage in 15 seasons at the University of Kansas, he became the eighteenth head coach at North Carolina when he replaced Matt Doherty in 2003...
(38 wins) and Mike Krzyzewski (39 wins) have more NCAA tournament wins than Tom Izzo (35). The following season the team made to the first of Izzo's three straight Final Four appearances, joining Krzyzewski and Ben Howland
Ben Howland
Ben Howland is an American college head coach of men's basketball.He has been the head coach of the University of California, Los Angeles since 2003, and in 2008 signed an extension of his contract to run through 2015. Aggressive man-to-man defense is the trademark of Ben Howland-coached...
as the only three coaches that have made three consecutive Final Fours since the NCAA tournament bracket expanded to 64 teams in 1985. Izzo's .729 winning percentage (35-13 record) in the NCAA tournament ranks third among all active coaches with 10 or more games coached.
In 2000, Izzo led MSU to its second NCAA national championship with a 89-76 win over the Florida Gators
Florida Gators men's basketball
The Florida Gators men's basketball team represents the University of Florida in the sport of basketball. The Gators compete in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and the Southeastern Conference...
. Since he became head coach, every player that he has recruited—and who completed their full four year eligibility—has gone to the Final Four. Eighty-two percent of his players who completed their eligibility left MSU with a degree
Academic degree
An academic degree is a position and title within a college or university that is usually awarded in recognition of the recipient having either satisfactorily completed a prescribed course of study or having conducted a scholarly endeavour deemed worthy of his or her admission to the degree...
. Over the last ten years, Izzo has been pursued by the Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks are an American professional basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are part of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association .-The first years:...
, Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
, Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are a professional basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They began playing in the National Basketball Association in 1970 as an expansion team...
, and New Jersey Nets
New Jersey Nets
The New Jersey Nets are a professional basketball team based in Newark, New Jersey. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
for head coaching jobs. Izzo fell short of obtaining his 2nd national championship on April 6, 2009, losing to North Carolina 89–72. His streak of three straight Final Four
Final four
Final Four isa sports term that is commonly applied to the last four teams remaining in a playoff tournament, most notably NCAA Division I college basketball tournaments. The term usually refers to the four teams who compete in the two games of a single-elimination tournament's semi-final round...
appearances from 1999 to 2001 is the third-longest of all time, and his six Final Four appearances in the years 1999–2010 were matched by no other team in college basketball. On June 15, 2010, Izzo reported to the Michigan State University's Board of Trustees that he would remain head coach of Michigan State after considering the head coaching position for the Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are a professional basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They began playing in the National Basketball Association in 1970 as an expansion team...
.
Coaching philosophy
Izzo's teams are known for strong guard play, toughness and rebounding. Izzo is famed for his "war" rebounding drill, in which the players wear football helmets and shoulder pads. His motto is "Players Play – Tough Players Win". His other coaching philosophy is that "he doesn't determine playing time, players do." Izzo is also known for scheduling extremely tough non-conference schedules as preparation for the NCAA tournament. This way the players have already played the top teams in the country and won't be fazed come March Madness.High School All-Americans
Thirteen High School All-Americans have played for Tom Izzo at MSU:- 1995: Mateen CleavesMateen CleavesMateen Ahmad Cleaves is an American former professional basketball player who played in six NBA seasons. He is currently a music talent manager....
(M, P, U) - 1999: Jason RichardsonJason RichardsonJason Anthoney "J-Rich" Richardson is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association.A 6'6", 225 lb...
(M, P, U) - 2000: Marcus TaylorMarcus TaylorMarcus Taylor is an American professional basketball player.He was a Naismith All-American, McDonald's All-American, two-time Parade All-American and USA Today 1st-team All-American. He also went on to win Mr. Basketball of Michigan Award in 2000. He attended Michigan State University, where he...
(NA, M, 2-time P, N, U), Zach RandolphZach RandolphZachary Randolph , nicknamed Z-Bo, is an American professional basketball player currently with the Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA...
(M, P, U,) - 2001: Kelvin Torbert (M, P, U)
- 2002: Paul DavisPaul Davis (basketball)Paul Davis is an American professional basketball player. Davis started his career at Reuther Middle School where his number has been retired. Davis played for Rochester High School, earning Mr. Basketball of Michigan honors in 2002. As a center for the Michigan State Spartans, he finished the...
(M, P) - 2003: Shannon BrownShannon BrownShannon Brown is an American professional basketball player who plays at the shooting guard and point guard positions. He last played in the National Basketball Association for the Los Angeles Lakers. Brown attended Proviso East High School in Maywood, Illinois, was named Illinois Mr...
(M, P), Brandon Cotton (M, P) - 2004: Drew NeitzelDrew NeitzelDrew Neitzel is a former point guard for the Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team. Neitzel is currently playing for the German team BBC Bayreuth.-High school career:...
(P) - 2006: Raymar MorganRaymar MorganRaymar Morgan is an American basketball player for Pınar Karşıyaka in Turkey. Morgan attended Canton McKinley High School and Michigan State University.-High school:...
(P, E) - 2007: Delvon RoeDelvon RoeDelvon Roe is a retired basketball player who played at Michigan State University. He was listed as a forward. He ended his career in September 2011 after three years at Michigan State due to degenerative knee pain.-High school career:...
(P, E) - 2008: Draymond GreenDraymond GreenDraymond Green is an American college basketball player at Michigan State University. He plays the forward position.-High School:In high school, Green led the Saginaw Trojans to two state championships. During his high school career, he averaged 20 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 blocked shots a game...
(P), Delvon RoeDelvon RoeDelvon Roe is a retired basketball player who played at Michigan State University. He was listed as a forward. He ended his career in September 2011 after three years at Michigan State due to degenerative knee pain.-High school career:...
(N) - 2010: Keith ApplingKeith ApplingKeith Appling is a college basketball player for Michigan State University. He is listed as a 6'1" guard.-High school career:...
(M) - 2011: Branden Dawson (M)
NA = Naismith All-American
M = McDonald's All-Americans
P = Parade All-America Boys Basketball Team
N = Sporting News
E = EA Sports All-America
U = USA Today
Mr. Basketball of Michigan
- 1999: Jason RichardsonJason RichardsonJason Anthoney "J-Rich" Richardson is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association.A 6'6", 225 lb...
, Saginaw Arthur HillArthur Hill High SchoolArthur Hill High School is located at 3115 Mackinaw in Saginaw, Michigan. The student population is approximately 1300 students. Of the three high schools in the Saginaw Public School District, Arthur Hill's student population is the greatest.-Athletics:... - 2000: Marcus TaylorMarcus TaylorMarcus Taylor is an American professional basketball player.He was a Naismith All-American, McDonald's All-American, two-time Parade All-American and USA Today 1st-team All-American. He also went on to win Mr. Basketball of Michigan Award in 2000. He attended Michigan State University, where he...
, Lansing Waverly - 2001: Kelvin Torbert, Flint Northwestern High School
- 2002: Paul DavisPaul Davis (basketball)Paul Davis is an American professional basketball player. Davis started his career at Reuther Middle School where his number has been retired. Davis played for Rochester High School, earning Mr. Basketball of Michigan honors in 2002. As a center for the Michigan State Spartans, he finished the...
, Rochester High School - 2004: Drew NeitzelDrew NeitzelDrew Neitzel is a former point guard for the Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team. Neitzel is currently playing for the German team BBC Bayreuth.-High school career:...
, Wyoming Park High SchoolWyoming Park High SchoolWyoming Park High School is a comprehensive secondary public high school in the Wyoming Public Schools district in Wyoming, Michigan... - 2009: Derrick Nix, Detroit Pershing
- 2010: Keith ApplingKeith ApplingKeith Appling is a college basketball player for Michigan State University. He is listed as a 6'1" guard.-High school career:...
, Detroit Pershing - 2011: Dwaun Anderson, Suttons Bay
College All-America honors
Under Izzo, six Spartans have earned All-America honors- 1998: Mateen CleavesMateen CleavesMateen Ahmad Cleaves is an American former professional basketball player who played in six NBA seasons. He is currently a music talent manager....
- 1999: Mateen CleavesMateen CleavesMateen Ahmad Cleaves is an American former professional basketball player who played in six NBA seasons. He is currently a music talent manager....
- 2000: Mateen CleavesMateen CleavesMateen Ahmad Cleaves is an American former professional basketball player who played in six NBA seasons. He is currently a music talent manager....
, Morris PetersonMorris PetersonMorris Peterson, Jr. is an American professional basketball player who is currently a free agent.- College career :... - 2001: Charlie BellCharlie BellCharles Hamilton Bell AO was an Australian business executive. He served as president of the American-based fast-food chain McDonald's from December 2002, and additionally as chief executive officer from April to November 2004...
, Jason RichardsonJason RichardsonJason Anthoney "J-Rich" Richardson is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association.A 6'6", 225 lb... - 2003: Chris HillChris Hill (basketball)Chris Hill is an American expatriate professional basketball player who has played in the Ligue Nationale de Basketball, Turkish Basketball League and Basketball League Belgium...
(Academic) - 2004: Chris HillChris Hill (basketball)Chris Hill is an American expatriate professional basketball player who has played in the Ligue Nationale de Basketball, Turkish Basketball League and Basketball League Belgium...
(Academic) - 2005: Chris HillChris Hill (basketball)Chris Hill is an American expatriate professional basketball player who has played in the Ligue Nationale de Basketball, Turkish Basketball League and Basketball League Belgium...
(Academic) - 2007: Drew NeitzelDrew NeitzelDrew Neitzel is a former point guard for the Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team. Neitzel is currently playing for the German team BBC Bayreuth.-High school career:...
- 2008: Drew NeitzelDrew NeitzelDrew Neitzel is a former point guard for the Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team. Neitzel is currently playing for the German team BBC Bayreuth.-High school career:...
(Academic)
Chris Hill
Chris Hill (basketball)
Chris Hill is an American expatriate professional basketball player who has played in the Ligue Nationale de Basketball, Turkish Basketball League and Basketball League Belgium...
was named the 2005 ESPN The Magazine
ESPN The Magazine
ESPN The Magazine is a bi-weekly sports magazine published by the ESPN sports network in Bristol, Connecticut in the United States. The first issue was published on March 11, 1998....
Academic All-American of the Year and 2005 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar of the Year.
All-Big Ten
Under Izzo 15 different players have earned first or second team All-Big Ten conference recognition and three have been named Player of the Year.Big Ten Player of the Year
- 1998: Mateen CleavesMateen CleavesMateen Ahmad Cleaves is an American former professional basketball player who played in six NBA seasons. He is currently a music talent manager....
- 1999: Mateen CleavesMateen CleavesMateen Ahmad Cleaves is an American former professional basketball player who played in six NBA seasons. He is currently a music talent manager....
- 2000: Morris PetersonMorris PetersonMorris Peterson, Jr. is an American professional basketball player who is currently a free agent.- College career :...
- 2009: Kalin LucasKalin LucasKalin Lucas is an American professional basketball player with Olympiacos. He attended St. Mary's Preparatory in Orchard Lake, Michigan and played college basketball at Michigan State.-College career:...
First Team
- 1998: Mateen CleavesMateen CleavesMateen Ahmad Cleaves is an American former professional basketball player who played in six NBA seasons. He is currently a music talent manager....
- 1999: Mateen CleavesMateen CleavesMateen Ahmad Cleaves is an American former professional basketball player who played in six NBA seasons. He is currently a music talent manager....
, Morris PetersonMorris PetersonMorris Peterson, Jr. is an American professional basketball player who is currently a free agent.- College career :... - 2000: Mateen CleavesMateen CleavesMateen Ahmad Cleaves is an American former professional basketball player who played in six NBA seasons. He is currently a music talent manager....
, Morris PetersonMorris PetersonMorris Peterson, Jr. is an American professional basketball player who is currently a free agent.- College career :... - 2001: Charlie BellCharlie Bell (basketball)Charlie Will Bell III is an American professional basketball guard for the Golden State Warriors of the NBA.-Career:He began playing basketball at Flint Southwestern Academy High School, and had an excellent college career at Michigan State University, appearing in three NCAA Final Fours, and...
, Jason RichardsonJason RichardsonJason Anthoney "J-Rich" Richardson is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association.A 6'6", 225 lb... - 2002: Marcus TaylorMarcus TaylorMarcus Taylor is an American professional basketball player.He was a Naismith All-American, McDonald's All-American, two-time Parade All-American and USA Today 1st-team All-American. He also went on to win Mr. Basketball of Michigan Award in 2000. He attended Michigan State University, where he...
- 2004: Paul DavisPaul Davis (basketball)Paul Davis is an American professional basketball player. Davis started his career at Reuther Middle School where his number has been retired. Davis played for Rochester High School, earning Mr. Basketball of Michigan honors in 2002. As a center for the Michigan State Spartans, he finished the...
- 2007: Drew NeitzelDrew NeitzelDrew Neitzel is a former point guard for the Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team. Neitzel is currently playing for the German team BBC Bayreuth.-High school career:...
- 2009: Kalin LucasKalin LucasKalin Lucas is an American professional basketball player with Olympiacos. He attended St. Mary's Preparatory in Orchard Lake, Michigan and played college basketball at Michigan State.-College career:...
- 2010: Kalin LucasKalin LucasKalin Lucas is an American professional basketball player with Olympiacos. He attended St. Mary's Preparatory in Orchard Lake, Michigan and played college basketball at Michigan State.-College career:...
Second Team
- 2001: Charlie BellCharlie Bell (basketball)Charlie Will Bell III is an American professional basketball guard for the Golden State Warriors of the NBA.-Career:He began playing basketball at Flint Southwestern Academy High School, and had an excellent college career at Michigan State University, appearing in three NCAA Final Fours, and...
, Andre HutsonAndre HutsonAndre Davon Hutson is an American professional player who plays for Lottomatica Roma. He plays as a small forward and power forward and he is 2.02 m in height.-Career:... - 2003: Chris HillChris Hill (basketball)Chris Hill is an American expatriate professional basketball player who has played in the Ligue Nationale de Basketball, Turkish Basketball League and Basketball League Belgium...
- 2004: Chris HillChris Hill (basketball)Chris Hill is an American expatriate professional basketball player who has played in the Ligue Nationale de Basketball, Turkish Basketball League and Basketball League Belgium...
- 2005: Maurice AgerMaurice AgerMaurice Darnell Ager is an American professional basketball player. He played collegiately for the Michigan State Spartans from 2002 until 2006...
, Alan Anderson - 2006: Maurice AgerMaurice AgerMaurice Darnell Ager is an American professional basketball player. He played collegiately for the Michigan State Spartans from 2002 until 2006...
, Shannon BrownShannon BrownShannon Brown is an American professional basketball player who plays at the shooting guard and point guard positions. He last played in the National Basketball Association for the Los Angeles Lakers. Brown attended Proviso East High School in Maywood, Illinois, was named Illinois Mr...
, Paul DavisPaul Davis (basketball)Paul Davis is an American professional basketball player. Davis started his career at Reuther Middle School where his number has been retired. Davis played for Rochester High School, earning Mr. Basketball of Michigan honors in 2002. As a center for the Michigan State Spartans, he finished the... - 2008: Drew NeitzelDrew NeitzelDrew Neitzel is a former point guard for the Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team. Neitzel is currently playing for the German team BBC Bayreuth.-High school career:...
, Raymar MorganRaymar MorganRaymar Morgan is an American basketball player for Pınar Karşıyaka in Turkey. Morgan attended Canton McKinley High School and Michigan State University.-High school:... - 2009: Goran SutonGoran SutonGoran Suton is a Bosnian-born American basketball player who completed his college career with the Michigan State Spartans in 2009. He has played with the Russian Super League team Spartak St...
- 2011: Kalin LucasKalin LucasKalin Lucas is an American professional basketball player with Olympiacos. He attended St. Mary's Preparatory in Orchard Lake, Michigan and played college basketball at Michigan State.-College career:...
NBA Draft
Since he took over as head coach, twelve players have been selected in the NBA draftNBA Draft
The NBA Draft is an annual event in which the thirty teams from the National Basketball Association can draft players who are eligible and wish to join the league. These players are usually amateur U.S. college basketball players, but international players are also eligible to be drafted...
. Six of those players have been drafted in the first round. The former players under Tom Izzo who have made the NBA are:
- 1996: Jamie FeickJamie FeickJamie Feick is retired American professional basketball player who was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2nd round of the 1996 NBA Draft. A 6'9" center from Michigan State University, Feick played in five NBA seasons from 1996 to 2001...
(Philadelphia 76ersPhiladelphia 76ersThe Philadelphia 76ers are a professional basketball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . Originally known as the Syracuse Nationals, they are one of the oldest franchises in the NBA...
) - 2000: Mateen CleavesMateen CleavesMateen Ahmad Cleaves is an American former professional basketball player who played in six NBA seasons. He is currently a music talent manager....
(Detroit PistonsDetroit PistonsThe Detroit Pistons are a franchise of the National Basketball Association based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The team's home arena is The Palace of Auburn Hills. It was originally founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana as the Fort Wayne Pistons as a member of the National Basketball League in 1941, where...
) - 2000: Morris PetersonMorris PetersonMorris Peterson, Jr. is an American professional basketball player who is currently a free agent.- College career :...
(Toronto RaptorsToronto RaptorsThe Toronto Raptors are a professional basketball team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1995, along with the Vancouver Grizzlies, as part of the NBA's re-expansion...
) - 2001: Jason RichardsonJason RichardsonJason Anthoney "J-Rich" Richardson is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association.A 6'6", 225 lb...
(Golden State WarriorsGolden State WarriorsThe Golden State Warriors are an American professional basketball team based in Oakland, California. They are part of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
) - 2001: Zach RandolphZach RandolphZachary Randolph , nicknamed Z-Bo, is an American professional basketball player currently with the Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA...
(Portland Trail BlazersPortland Trail BlazersThe Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
) - 2001: Andre HutsonAndre HutsonAndre Davon Hutson is an American professional player who plays for Lottomatica Roma. He plays as a small forward and power forward and he is 2.02 m in height.-Career:...
(Milwaukee BucksMilwaukee BucksThe Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States. They are part of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1968 as an expansion team, and currently plays at the Bradley Center....
) - 2001: Charlie BellCharlie Bell (basketball)Charlie Will Bell III is an American professional basketball guard for the Golden State Warriors of the NBA.-Career:He began playing basketball at Flint Southwestern Academy High School, and had an excellent college career at Michigan State University, appearing in three NCAA Final Fours, and...
(Undrafted – Phoenix SunsPhoenix SunsThe Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association and the only team in their division not to be based in California. Their home arena since 1992 has been the US...
) - 2002: Marcus TaylorMarcus TaylorMarcus Taylor is an American professional basketball player.He was a Naismith All-American, McDonald's All-American, two-time Parade All-American and USA Today 1st-team All-American. He also went on to win Mr. Basketball of Michigan Award in 2000. He attended Michigan State University, where he...
(Minnesota TimberwolvesMinnesota TimberwolvesThe Minnesota Timberwolves are an American professional basketball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . Founded in 1989, the team is currently owned by Glen Taylor...
) - 2005: Erazem LorbekErazem LorbekErazem Lorbek is a Slovenian professional basketball player. He is a forward-center who currently plays with the Liga ACB club FC Barcelona.-Pro career:...
(Indiana PacersIndiana PacersThe Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are members of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association...
) - 2005: Alan Anderson (Undrafted – Charlotte BobcatsCharlotte BobcatsThe Charlotte Bobcats is a professional basketball team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association. The Bobcats were established in 2004 as an expansion team, two seasons after Charlotte's previous NBA...
) - 2006: Shannon BrownShannon BrownShannon Brown is an American professional basketball player who plays at the shooting guard and point guard positions. He last played in the National Basketball Association for the Los Angeles Lakers. Brown attended Proviso East High School in Maywood, Illinois, was named Illinois Mr...
(Cleveland CavaliersCleveland CavaliersThe Cleveland Cavaliers are a professional basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They began playing in the National Basketball Association in 1970 as an expansion team...
) - 2006: Maurice AgerMaurice AgerMaurice Darnell Ager is an American professional basketball player. He played collegiately for the Michigan State Spartans from 2002 until 2006...
(Dallas MavericksDallas MavericksThe Dallas Mavericks are a professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association , and the reigning NBA champions, having defeated the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals.According to a 2011...
) - 2006: Paul DavisPaul Davis (basketball)Paul Davis is an American professional basketball player. Davis started his career at Reuther Middle School where his number has been retired. Davis played for Rochester High School, earning Mr. Basketball of Michigan honors in 2002. As a center for the Michigan State Spartans, he finished the...
(Los Angeles ClippersLos Angeles ClippersThe Los Angeles Clippers are a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, United States. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
) - 2009: Goran SutonGoran SutonGoran Suton is a Bosnian-born American basketball player who completed his college career with the Michigan State Spartans in 2009. He has played with the Russian Super League team Spartak St...
(Utah JazzUtah JazzThe Utah Jazz is a professional basketball team based in Salt Lake City, Utah. They are currently a part of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
).
- In addition, former Spartan basketball player Matt TrannonMatt TrannonMatthew Horise Trannon is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2007...
signed a contract in 2007 with the Arizona CardinalsArizona CardinalsThe Arizona Cardinals are a professional American football team based in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
of the National Football LeagueNational Football LeagueThe National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
.
NBA championships
- On June 14, 2009, Shannon BrownShannon BrownShannon Brown is an American professional basketball player who plays at the shooting guard and point guard positions. He last played in the National Basketball Association for the Los Angeles Lakers. Brown attended Proviso East High School in Maywood, Illinois, was named Illinois Mr...
of the Los Angeles LakersLos Angeles LakersThe Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
became the first former player under head coach Tom Izzo to win an NBA Championship2009 NBA FinalsThe 2009 NBA Finals was the National Basketball Association championship series for the 2008-09 season. The best-of-seven playoff was contested between the Los Angeles Lakers, champions of the Western Conference and defending Western Conference champions, and the Orlando Magic, champions of the...
. Brown went on to win a second NBA championship in 20102010 NBA FinalsThe 2010 NBA Finals was the National Basketball Association championship series for the 2009–10 season. The best-of-seven playoff was contested between the Los Angeles Lakers, champions of the Western Conference and defending NBA champions, and the Boston Celtics, champions of the Eastern Conference...
.
Coaching tree
Several of Izzo's former assistants are currently head coaches at other schools:- Tom Crean, Indiana UniversityIndiana Hoosiers men's basketballThe Indiana Hoosiers men's basketball team is the intercollegiate men's basketball program representing Indiana University . The school competes in the Big Ten Conference in Division I of the NCAA. The Hoosiers play on Branch McCracken Court at the Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Indiana on the IU...
- Brian Gregory, Georgia Institute of TechnologyGeorgia Tech Yellow Jackets men's basketballThe Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets men's basketball team represents the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in NCAA Division I basketball. The team plays its home games in Alexander Memorial Coliseum. Under the tenure of Bobby Cremins, Georgia Tech established itself as a national force in basketball...
- Stan HeathStan HeathStanley Heath, III is the head men's basketball coach at the University of South Florida Bulls...
, University of South FloridaSouth Florida BullsThe South Florida Bulls are the athletic teams for the University of South Florida. The university competes in NCAA Division I, USF is a member of the Big East Conference, and has been since 2005... - Mark MontgomeryMark Montgomery (basketball)Mark Montgomery is an American college basketball coach and the current head men's basketball coach at Northern Illinois University. Montgomery replaced Ricardo Patton as head coach of the Huskies on March 24, 2011. Previously, Montgomery served as an assistant to head coach Tom Izzo at Michigan...
, Northern Illinois UniversityNorthern Illinois Huskies men's basketballThe Northern Illinois Huskies Basketball team is the basketball team that represent Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois. The school's team currently competes in the Mid-American Conference. The team last played in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament in 1996. The Huskies are... - Doug WojcikDoug Wojcik-References:...
, University of Tulsa
Former Izzo assistants who were college head coaches:
- Jim BoylenJim Boylen-References:...
, University of UtahUtah Utes men's basketballThe University of Utah Utes have consistently been one of the most successful basketball programs in the NCAA. They are currently an NCAA Division I program that plays in the Pacific-12 Conference. The school has made the NCAA Tournament 26 times, which ranks 16th in NCAA history and 3rd behind... - Stan JoplinStan JoplinStan Joplin is a former head men's basketball coach at the University of Toledo from 1996 to 2008.-Playing career:Joplin played guard at the University of Toledo from 1975–79. He was named to the second-team All-MAC for the 1977–78 and 1978–79 seasons...
, University of ToledoUniversity of ToledoThe University of Toledo is a public university in Toledo, Ohio, United States. The Carnegie Foundation classified the university as "Doctoral/Research Extensive."-National recognition:...
Current Izzo assistants that were previously college head coaches:
- Dane FifeDane FifeDane Fife is an American college basketball coach. He is a currently an assistant coach at Michigan State under head coach Tom Izzo.Fife is the former head coach of the Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne Mastodons men's basketball team and former college assistant coach at Indiana...
, Indiana University – Purdue University Fort Wayne - Mike GarlandMike GarlandMike Garland is a former head basketball coach at Cleveland State University. Before being named head coach at Cleveland State he was an assistant at Michigan State under current head coach Tom Izzo. He was named Cleveland State head coach on April 17, 2003. He was relieved of his coaching duties...
, Cleveland StateCleveland State Vikings men's basketballCleveland State Vikings men's basketball started in 1929. Before as Fenn College they were known as the Fenn College Foxes. Cleveland State has been in Division I since 1972. They are a member of the Horizon League Cleveland State was formerly in the Mid-Continent Conference...
USA basketball
Izzo was head coach of the USA BasketballUSA Basketball
USA Basketball is a non-profit organization and the governing body for basketball in the United States. The organization represents the United States in FIBA and the men's and women's national basketball teams in the United States Olympic Committee...
men's team that took 4th place at the 2003 Pan American Games
2003 Pan American Games
The 14th Pan American Games were held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, from 1 to 17 August 2003. The successful bid for the games was made in the mid-1990s, when this country had one of the highest growth rates in Latin America....
. Prior to that he was assistant coach of the team that had a 5–0 record and won the gold medal at the 2001 Goodwill Games
Goodwill Games
The Goodwill Games was an international sports competition, created by Ted Turner in reaction to the political troubles surrounding the Olympic Games of the 1980s...
. Izzo served on the Collegiate Committee of USA Basketball's 2005-2008 Quadrennium Committees.
Operation Hardwood
In 2005 and 2006, Izzo participated in Operation Hardwood, in which college coaches went to KuwaitKuwait
The State of Kuwait is a sovereign Arab state situated in the north-east of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south at Khafji, and Iraq to the north at Basra. It lies on the north-western shore of the Persian Gulf. The name Kuwait is derived from the...
military camps to coach basketball teams of American service members. Among the other coaches were Tubby Smith
Tubby Smith
Orlando "Tubby" Smith is an American college basketball coach. He is currently the men's basketball head coach at the University of Minnesota...
, Gary Williams
Gary Williams
Gary B. Williams is an American university administrator and former college basketball coach. He served as the head coach at the University of Maryland, Ohio State University, Boston College, and American University. In 2002, he led Maryland to the NCAA Tournament Championship...
, and Rick Barnes
Rick Barnes
Richard Dale Barnes is the current head coach of the University of Texas Longhorns men's basketball team. He has coached Texas for the last twelve seasons, taking the team to the NCAA Tournament each year, including a Final Four appearance led by T. J. Ford in 2003...
. In 2005, Izzo's team won the tournament championship.
Head coaching record
Quotations
- "I'm pleased to say I am here for life at Michigan State."
- “We’ll play anybody, anyplace, anytime. It doesn’t matter, morning, noon or night, and it doesn’t matter who it is.”
- "Players Play – Tough Players Win."
- "I'm so sick of people saying, 'He's a defensive coach, he's a rebounding coach.' I want to be a great defensive coach, a great rebounding coach, a great running-game coach, a great offensive-execution coach, a great special-teams-sidelines-out-of-bounds coach. I want utopia. I want my players to want utopia."
See also
- List of NCAA Men's Division I Final Four appearances by coach
- List of NCAA Men's Division I Elite Eight appearances by coach
- NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament consecutive appearancesNCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament consecutive appearancesThis is a list of the most consecutive appearances in the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament by schools.-Consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances by programs:-See also:* NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament all-time team records...
External links
- Official site
- Brief biography on MSU's web site