Izzo ‘proud,’ not pleased after newest Elite 8 run

• Myron MedcalfMar 28, 2025, 11:41 PM ET Close Covers college basketball

• Joined ESPN.com in 2011
• Graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato

ATLANTA– In the instant aftermath of a gritty, come-from-behind victory over Ole Miss in the Sweet 16 on Friday, Michigan State coach Tom Izzo rebuked any concept of a grand celebration.

“The [Elite 8s] are terrific too, however go back to my declaration from the beginning: We do not put up any banners for Elite Eights,” Izzo said after the Spartans’ 73-70 win. “We set up banners for Huge 10 championships and Last Fours and national championships.”

But later, as he spoke with press reporters during the postgame scrum, he acknowledged that his 11th journey to the Elite 8, 26 years after his very first appearance in 1999, is significant. As he looked down briefly, Izzo seemed caught up in the moment as he thought about some of the fantastic coaches who never reached the very same heights he has in his career.Editor’s Picks

1 Related”In some cases, it’s surreal,” Izzo stated. “I mean, I think of some of the guys that I’ve idolized in coaching that have never been to one [Elite Eight] I’m just so pleased. But I’m so humbled by it because there were so many good players. And my personnel did a hell of a job. They all should have [praise] today due to the fact that they did a hell of a task, too.”

At 70 years of ages, Izzo has actually stayed in a game that’s in the middle of its most transformational chapter. Call, image and likeness guidelines and the transfer website have actually triggered lots of coaches in his age group to leave college basketball. Others weren’t given an option. But Izzo stayed and declined retirement talk in pursuit of a 2nd national championship.With one more game standing in between his objective and a journey to San Antonio, however, Izzo appeared to grapple with his desire to assist his team stay focused while also trying to bask in an unusual achievement.

“Think it or not, we’ve got to play much better, however I’m so happy with them,” he stated. “I suggest, we’re not a group that can simply go out and play and win and boy, we did a hell of a job.”

Absolutely nothing about Friday’s victory over Ole Miss was TV-friendly. The Rebels had a double-digit lead in the first half as Sean Pedulla hit huge shots over the outstretched arms of Spartans protectors. Izzo’s team likewise committed reckless turnovers. And the Spartans were likewise dominated in the paint early in the game, which is a sin for any Michigan State team.But then,

the Spartans showed the heart that turned a typical offending group into a Huge 10 champ and now, an Elite Eight squad after a second-half surge and a series of clutch pails down the stretch turned the tide. Izzo repeated Friday that this isn’t the most talented team he has actually coached in East Lansing. He also stopped short of comparing this group with a few of the most unified teams he has actually had in his tenure. However the “togetherness” of a blue-collar squad that has become one of America’s top defensive groups and likewise found ways to make the right plays in key games, as the Spartans did versus Ole Miss, has actually developed a charming relationship between Izzo and this team.

“Male, we just like [Izzo]” Tre Holloman stated. “We enjoy his competitiveness. He’s a winner, so we’re simply backing him. We are blessed to be here, however we belong here for sure.”

Though this group has plainly satisfied him, Friday’s battle was evidence of this group’s ongoing obstacles and defects, he stated. The Spartans continue to develop.

“We’re still growing. We’re still learning,” Izzo stated. “And that’s what we’re excited about, too. I seem like we can still get better and I believe they understand that we require to improve.”

But Izzo neglected one other note, one that has been noticeable in the method he has spoken about this group that has just one true NBA possibility (Jase Richardson). Izzo, it seems, is having more enjoyable than he has had in years.

“We have actually had the most strength in numbers as we have actually ever had here,” he said. “And to get to an Elite Eight with a team that all of us know isn’t quite as skilled as I’ve had, it reveals you how essential connection is. It shows you how important togetherness is. It shows you how essential pulling from one another is, and that’s what makes this so cool.”