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Michigan State’s Tom Izzo revealed he was close to accepting a head coaching role with the Phoenix Suns last year. With over 30 years of experience as the Spartans’ coach, Izzo is one of the longest-serving coaches in college basketball.
Izzo made the revelation on Wednesday during a discussion on the Dan Patrick Show. The 71-year-old commented on the courting of UConn’s Dan Hurley by NBA sides like the LA Lakers some years ago. Izzo said he preferred Hurley remaining in college basketball rather than leaving to join the NBA.
“I didn’t want to lose him in college basketball, because I think he’s so good for it,” Izzo said.
Izzo’s Michigan State crashed out of the NCAA Tournament, losing 67-63 to Hurley’s UConn in the Sweet 16.
He went on to share his recent experience of receiving an offer from the NBA, particularly a reunion opportunity with his former player, Mat Ishbia. Ishbia now owns the majority stake in the Suns. He was a part of the Michigan State team that won the national championship under Izzo in 2000.
“I’ve had more than a couple job offers in the NBA,” said the Spartans’ coach. “And looked at one last year with Phoenix, you know. My former player, Mat Ishbia. That was hard; that was a hard thing to turn down, because No. 1, I kind of wanted to go with him.”
Tom Izzo criticizes modern trends in college sports
Tom Izzo expressed his reservation about the state of college sports amid the transformation occasioned by NIL and revenue sharing. The trend has changed the recruiting landscape in college, with talent now going to the highest bidders.
“I don’t like what’s going on in college athletics,” said Izzo. “But by the way, neither do 99.8% of the football and basketball coaches in America. And I think the kids are going to still find out before it’s done; it’s not best for them either.
But in the meantime, you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do, and I’ll let guys like you call me old school. But that means you’re old school too. But I think we’re both right school, so we’ll see what happens.”
Tom Izzo has been the Spartans’ head coach since the 1995-96 season, leading the program to 28 straight trips to the NCAA Tournament. The Hall of Famer is the all-time winningest coach in the Big Ten.
Edited by Kayode Akinwumi
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