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Michigan State Basketball: Tom Izzo delivers strong promise post-Syracuse loss

By Connor Muldowney

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 18: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans walks off the court after being defeated by the Syracuse Orange 55-53 in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 18, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 18: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans walks off the court after being defeated by the Syracuse Orange 55-53 in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 18, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Following one of the toughest losses of his career, Tom Izzo delivered a strong promise for the future of Michigan State basketball.

As the final buzzer sounded and Cassius Winston’s half-court heave clanked off the backboard and into a sea of celebrating Syracuse players, Tom Izzo realized he missed an opportunity.

Must Read: MSU Basketball: Who is to blame for Syracuse loss?

This was supposed to be the year the Spartans contended for a national title and arguably his best shot at No. 2 since 2014 or even since 2009. His most talented team in recent memory fell flat in a second-round game for the second straight season, this time losing to an average Syracuse squad.

While the loss was heartbreaking — Miles Bridges said it was the “saddest I’ve ever been” — it also gives this team, and its coach, time to reflect on what needs to be fixed.

For the third straight season, the Spartans fell short of a Sweet 16 berth and couldn’t make it out of the first weekend. That’s something Izzo made a name for himself by but he’s now looking for answers.

Izzo is partially to blame for the loss — not that it matters at this point — but his players weren’t making open shots. Sure, the game plan could have been better, but if Michigan State made even a third of its 3-pointers, we wouldn’t be talking about a terrible game plan, but rather a matchup with Duke in the Sweet 16.

“I never ever planned on going anywhere,” echoed in the halls of LCA. “We’ll be back knocking on the door of a championship. I’ll make (expletive) sure of that.”

That’s the type of promise that fans should feel good about. It doesn’t seem like one, but Izzo is the type of coach who won’t rest until he reaches his goals — and even then he won’t be content.

Next: Constructing ideal Tom Izzo era all-NCAA tourney team

There were some emotional “fire Izzo” tweets following the Syracuse loss, but since fans have been given a couple of days to digest what happened, they have since cooled on that talk. Luckily, they have a Hall of Fame coach leading their program with national title aspirations.

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