Tom Izzo
He’s not just a coach — he’s an ambassador for MSU
ichigan State Coach Tom Izzo’s popularity can be summed up by a bumper sticker that surfaced during the presidential campaign: The names of Bush and Gore were crossed out and replaced by Izzo.
Since last spring’s national championship, the storybook rise of the unassuming Upper Peninsula native into a star basketball coach has been fast and furious.
He’s not ready for the White House, but he probably could challenge for governor of Michigan these days. Especially after taking MSU to the Final Four for a third-straight year this past March.
“It’s almost embarrassing,” Izzo, who grew up in Iron Mountain, says of his ever-growing popularity. “It’s so far-fetched. We’ve had a couple good years. We haven’t accomplished the world yet.”
In six years since replacing his mentor, Jud Heathcote, Izzo has won a national championship, four Big Ten regular-season championships and two conference tournament championships.
Izzo’s impact on the university started on the court, but now extends much further. His gregarious personality and relentless work ethic have turned him into an ambassador for MSU.
“He’s been outstanding for the university in so many ways,” MSU trustee Bob Weiss says. “We’ve got the best, not only for what he does on the floor, but what he does off the floor.
“He’s one of the most respected people in the state. He’s a genuine guy who is just terrific with people. He doesn’t forget where he came from. People appreciate that. We’re lucky to have him.”
ESPN analyst Jay Bilas says Izzo, 46, has entered the elite class of coaches in the country with Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski.
ESPN’s Dick Vitale also raves about Izzo, a former walk-on at Northern Michigan who developed into a Division II third-team All-America guard in 1977.
“His communication ability separates him,” Vitale says. “He communicates well with players, with fans, with media, with alumni, with everyone. That’s a special art to have. That’s what makes him stand out.”
Kate Henry, 43, is a big MSU fan who has also become friends with the Izzo family, including wife, Lupe, 6-year-old daughter, Raquel, and infant son, Steven.
“Tom brings heart and fire to the program,” Henry says. “He cares about his players as individuals. Lupe invites the players to their house, and she cooks for them. They honored Mateen Cleaves by naming their son Steven Mateen Izzo. When I watch MSU basketball, I see a family.
“The games are emotional. I’ve wept at each of the last home games for the seniors. Last year, when Cleaves, (A.J.) Granger and (Morris) Peterson came off the floor, one by one, and Tom embraced them with tears in his eyes ... well, I should have brought a bigger box of tissue.
“Tom and Lupe are two of the nicest, most decent people I’ve ever met. They haven’t changed because of their success.”
Izzo, an assistant under Heathcote from 1983-95, knows this level of widespread popularity can turn with one bad season. For now, he’s trying to keep the ride going as long as possible, without forgetting where and how it started.
— Dave Dye
