When it comes to March Madness, everybody needs to step up their game. While some teams may need to lean on their best player in every single contest, Michigan State has shown it can beat the opposition in multiple ways. Although Jeremy Fears Jr. is the Michigan State Spartans' shining star in the backcourt, they got massive contributions from Carson Cooper down low vs. North Dakota State.
After the game, Izzo touched on the growth he has seen out of Cooper since coming to East Lansing.
"The greatest growth I think has come each year and they kind of alluded to, you know. You stay in a program and you get better each year, but I think he went from liking the game to loving the game. Now he's spending more and more time... You should get what you deserve. You get what you earn. You get what you work for. It's an amazing concept."
From where he started, to where he is going, Izzo could not be prouder of his team's starting center.
"And Coop has gotten better. At one time, he couldn't make a free throw. Then, it was the jump hooks. Now he's got a variety of shots. That baseline one, the lobs him and Jeremy. Remember when he used to not be able to catch the ball? He's just a really good athlete for a kid that size. It's been fun to watch him grow. Now when he's getting his best, he's only 21 years old. I still think his best basketball is ahead of him."
Cooper had a game-high 20 points and 10 rebounds on 7-of-9 shooting in the 92-67 blowout victory.
“The way you can do it now, maybe I can petition or get a judge or something and get him back—who knows… just kidding.” 😂
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) March 19, 2026
Michigan State HC Tom Izzo discusses the growth he’s seen from Carson Cooper and believes his best basketball is still ahead of him. pic.twitter.com/laYAoRUP2E
No. 3 Michigan State will be taking on No. 6 Louisville on Saturday in their big Round of 32 matchup.
Tom Izzo recognizes how Carson Cooper can come through in the clutch
This is the time of year where Izzo solidified his reputation. Few coaches are as good in March as him. While he probably wishes he could have done better in April, Izzo has helped set a certain standard when it comes to Michigan State basketball. It is a place where players will want to come, grow, and get better. This may be a traditional power, but it is not built like the rest who cherrypick their players.
While there was not much that North Dakota State was honestly going to be able to do vs. juggernaut Michigan State, this Round of 64 game served as a perfect palate cleanser for the Spartans. This is a team that normally takes care of business vs. lesser teams, but does not always show up in critical moments vs. worth adversaries. They have to do that when taking on the Louisville Cardinals up next.
Ultimately, these are the type of developmental stories that have made Izzo a living legend in the coaching profession. Cooper was a tremendous athlete coming in, but needed to work on his motor skills with that big body of his to become a great player in the Big Ten. As the season goes along, Michigan State may need to lean on him more and more. What an incredible performance out of him!
For now, Michigan State will need to build off the North Dakota State win and get ready for Louisville.