Michigan State Basketball: 3 buildings that should bear Tom Izzo's name

Michigan State Basketball: 3 more buildings that should bear Tom Izzo’s name

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 25: Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia and Michigan State University head basketball coach Tom Izzo talk prior to game five of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs between the LA Clippers and the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on April 25, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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Scientist in a lab. (Photo by Neal Wilson/Construction Photography/Avalon/Getty Images) /

2. The chemistry building

While Izzo’s recruiting has been on fire lately, he does have a reputation for missing out on the elite one-and-done players. From Jabari Parker to Emoni Bates, Izzo has had as many “just missed out” as anyone, which means he relies on coaching and team chemistry.

Izzo has a quote from 2012, “Championships and great seasons are won in locker rooms.”

Michigan State hoops has had its share of low-talent teams go far, and high-talent teams that fell flat. We all know that the 2017-18 team was loaded with talent with both Jaren Jackson Jr. and Miles Bridges both being lottery picks in the NBA draft, but those that watched many of the games knew something was off with that team, and a lot of people think that they just could gel correctly.

On the flip side, the 2014-15 squad had no All-Big Ten first-team selections, no major early non-conference wins, and, at times, couldn’t find a true No. 1 scorer. But those in-season struggles galvanized the team at the right time, getting production from a different player in different ways each NCAA tournament game.

Travis Trice and Denzel Valentine could take turns being “the man”, Branden Dawson’s athleticism shone through in a lot of those games, especially vs. Louisville. You could argue that no coach has done more with less than Tom Izzo, master of team chemistry.

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