Tom Izzo has to be thrilled with his team for how they responded to last week’s horrendous second-half performance against No. 12 Kentucky.
Michigan State came out motivated against yet another top-15 opponent, beating the Wildcats 83-66 while leading the entire time. The Spartans made a statement, jumping out to a comfortable first-half lead, and then coasting to a double-digit lead and finish in the second half.
It just felt like Michigan State was far more connected than Kentucky, and that’s what led to the convincing win while the Wildcats looked outmatched.
Izzo spoke after the game about the win, and he was asked about his roster and how he felt about not living in the portal like programs like Kentucky and other blue bloods, and he explained why this year’s Spartan team has had so much early success. His response made complete sense.
Izzo: "Their loyalty to me has gotta be my loyalty to them. And loyalty still frickin' matters."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 19, 2025
Basically, Izzo gives what he gets. The reason the culture is so great in East Lansing is because he shows loyalty to his players because they’ve shown it to him. That’s why he’s not quick to hit the portal when the season ends. He trusts the guys he recruits to take care of business.
In an era of NIL, broken promises, and the transfer portal, loyalty feels like it’s a lost art. Izzo has never turned his back on loyalty, and it’s why his program has seen so much success.
How many teams do you see as connected as Michigan State? Over the past two seasons, there haven’t been many teams that have felt so close and always on the same page. That means something to Izzo, and it’s probably why he’s still coaching today.