Ranking Michigan State’s Most Impressive Final Fours Under Tom Izzo

Mar 4, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo reacts to a play during the 1st half of a game at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

3. 2000 Michigan State Spartans (32-7)

This one may be a surprising choice at just No. 3 on my list, but the 2000 national champs weren’t much of a surprise to win it all. Reaching their second-straight Final Four, Izzo’s Spartans were heavy favorites to make the title game and take home their first crown since Magic Johnson cut down the nets after defeating Larry Bird in 1979.

Yes, just No.3 because of the likelihood that they would win it all. Remember, this list is for the most impressive/improbable runs, not just the most successful. Izzo had a couple vets on this team that led them to this magical run: A.J. Granger, Andre Hutson, Mateen Cleaves and Morris Peterson.

The regular season and Big Ten Tournament champions headed into the NCAA Tournament ranked No. 2 in the nation and a heavy favorite to win six games.

The Spartans took down No. 16 seed Valparaiso easily in round one, as to be expected, before moving on to face No. 8 seed Utah in the round of 32. The Utes gave the Spartans a solid game before falling by 12 and Michigan State was just getting started at this point.

Syracuse was the next victim of MSU as the four-seeded Orange went down, and went down hard, 75-58. It seemed like no one had a chance against the Spartans, and no one really did. This team just wanted it more than anyone.

Iowa State was the Elite Eight matchup for Michigan State and the Spartans defeated the Cyclones impressively, 75-64. The Spartans would be heading to a second Final Four under Izzo.

Wisconsin and Florida rounded out the next two games as Michigan State put a cap on its first championship season since ’79. All Michigan State fans remember where they watched this one as it is a lifetime memory.

Next: 2010 MSU Spartans