On March 17, 2025, Tom Izzo, head coach of Michigan State basketball, took to the airwaves of The Herd to discuss the Spartans' upcoming NCAA Tournament path, the impacts of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, and the challenges of coaching former players’ sons, including Jase Richardson, the son of former Spartan star Jason Richardson.
This season, Michigan State has positioned itself for potential success, being considered one of the top ten contenders for the national title. The Spartans are currently the #1 seed heading to the Big Ten Tournament, which adds excitement as they prepare for their quarterfinal match against #9 Oregon on March 14, 2025. At the Breslin Center, Richardson celebrated the season with a memorable dunk against Michigan on March 9, showcasing his skill on the court.
Currently ranked No. 8 in the AP Top 25, Michigan State ended the regular season with another glaring achievement: Izzo captured his 11th Big Ten title, tying the all-time record set by Purdue greats and showcasing his remarkable coaching longevity. Notably, Izzo also surpassed Bob Knight’s record for most Big Ten victories with his 354th conference win earlier this season.
Nevertheless, what remains at the forefront of the discussion as March Madness approaches is the pressure on Michigan State to advance beyond the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2019. Izzo shared insights on his experiences with past tournaments during his time at the 2019 Big Ten Tourney, stating, “I’m kind of universal. I’ve been here to the Big Dance as a 1 seed and got beat the first game. And I’ve been to the Big Dance as a 7 seed and gone to a Final Four.” His flexibility and experience have led die-hard fans and analysts alike to speculate on how well this year’s squad will perform.
Izzo's astute leadership has contributed predominantly to the program’s legacy. Michigan State has only had two head coaches since 1976, both of whom won national titles, aligning the program alongside institutions like Kentucky and North Carolina. With Jud Heathcote winning the championship back in 1979 and Izzo claiming his title two decades later, their combined success places Michigan State among college basketball’s elite.
Reflecting on his coaching career, Izzo acknowledged the efforts of Heathcote, stating, “That means the world to me because I don’t think Jud got the credit he deserved.” This respect for his predecessor indicates the strong lineage and culture of Michigan State basketball, filled with mentoring and tradition. Under Izzo’s guidance, the program has witnessed players like Draymond Green returning to campus to inspire current Spartans during events like “Grind Week.”
Looking toward the NCAA tournament with cautious optimism, Jase Richardson commented on the mental game required to tackle formidable opponents. “For us, it’s just poise. When they go on runs and they (the opponent) start to get the crowd going, we know we got to come down, calm, cool, collected and make a play,” Richardson detailed.
Despite these optimistic tones, there’s still pressure looming over the Spartans to match the high expectations associated with being the #1 seed. After securing the top position for the upcoming NCAA Tournament, Izzo was aware of the challenges at hand. “We’ve won this thing and — as a No. 1 seed. We’ve lost the opening game. I think it’s always harder on the highest seeds,” Izzo candidly remarked, illustrating the unpredictability inherent to this annual event.
The stakes are elevated this time around for Izzo considering his impressive record. He has made the NCAA Tournament 27 consecutive times, placing him second only to Kansas’ former coach, who remains the record holder. Such accomplishments do not go unnoticed among young talents, who look up to Izzo and his legacy.
His dedication to Michigan State’s program has also led Izzo to turn down lucrative offers to coach NBA teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers. His loyalty is emblematic of the rich traditions ingrained within the Spartan community, which continues to welcome back alumni eager to contribute.
With the tournament just around the corner, the team anticipates carrying the weight of history on its shoulders—each player hoping to etch their name alongside greats like Mateen Cleaves, the star of Izzo's championship winning team. Their aspirations are high, yet they must remain grounded to maneuver through potential challenges against tough tournament adversaries.
Brace yourselves college basketball fans, as the excitement around Michigan State and its storied program approaches its latest chapter. Will Tom Izzo and his squad finally break through to the Final Four for the first time since 2019, or will another gut-wrenching upset lead them away from their goal? The clock counts down as the Spartans prep for what they hope will be their momentous return to glory amid the chaos of March Madness.
