Monday was a big day for Michigan State basketball fans as the Spartans opened the 2025-26 season with their first practice.
It was a time for the team to get out and shake off some rust while building chemistry. Tom Izzo, too, was happy to be back, and he spoke to the media after practice, giving some interesting updates.
Izzo said that Kaleb Glenn is recovering "faster than any human being" that he's ever seen, and he hinted at the idea that he is more motivated than ever. He looked and sounded much younger, and Izzo said it's because he has that motivation to get back and he's lost a few pounds this offseason.
The Hall of Famer also hinted that a second national title wouldn't force him into retirement.
Izzo joking that "everybody that beats me quits or resigns." Jack Ebling says win the last one and you can.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 22, 2025
Izzo's response? "If I win the last one, it'll be a cold day in hell before I quit then."
Obviously the news of Bruce Pearl's sudden retirement came up, and Izzo talked about how every coach that beats him quits or resigns, and it's happened a couple of times now.
MSU reporter Jack Ebling joked that he can retire if he wins the last game.
Izzo's response was perfect: "If I win the last one, it'll be a cold day in hell before I quit then."
Many fans were worried that seeing Pearl retire would have at least cracking the door open to retirement. That does not seem to be the case as the legendary head coach said that he would probably only be hungrier if he won a second national title.
We talk a lot about Izzo being one of the best coaches in college basketball history, but he might be one of the most fiery competitors as well.
Not many coaches past the age of 70 have this kind of fire.