Winning a national title in 2000 was both a blessing and a curse for Tom Izzo.
On one hand, he won a title so early in his career that he never really had to worry about that monkey being on his back. On the other hand, he won it so early and hasn't won it again, so he's been heavily criticized for peaking in the early 2000s and being a regional power since. His eight Final Fours kind of put the "regional power" argument to rest, however.
Still, Izzo has gone now 25 years without winning No. 2, and he's been forced to watch coaches like Dan Hurley, Bill Self, Billy Donovan, Roy Williams, and Coach K win multiple national titles in that span.
That has to kill him, but he's not done chasing. Heck, that chase is what keeps him around.
Adam Zagoria recently caught up with Izzo about life during the transfer portal era and also that pursuit of national title No. 2. He said that he's done (expletive)ing about the dangers of the portal, and he also stated that he's still around because he wants that second title.
"It’s not like we haven’t been there. That’s why I’m here. That’s why I’m here. (Winning a second title) would mean the world."Tom Izzo on the chase for No. 2
Clearly Izzo has No. 2 on the mind, and most Michigan State fans believe that's what keeps him going every day -- and he basically confirmed that to Zagoria.
Winning a second national title would mean the world to him, but he knows it's going to take a perfect effort to get it done. It feels like he's closer to No. 2 now than he was a few years ago, especially after getting some youthfulness back this past season with a Big Ten title.
Izzo is still here, and I don't think he's planning on retiring any time soon.