Crisler Center has been the subject of some harsh criticism over the years. Rival fans have bashed Michigan’s home-court “advantage” for years now because it feels like Wolverine fans just don’t show up to support their team during the regular season like they should.
Even this year, there have been some games in which the stands have been fairly bare which is unacceptable for a team that has been in the top five for basically the entire season.
Tom Izzo is well aware of Crisler’s atmosphere and he’s seen both the great (Sunday) and poor (during the 8-24 season) crowds. He’s also used to coaching in front of the Breslin Center crowd which is always sold out, no matter the opponent.
Izzo’s hate for Michigan was on display following the loss to the Wolverines on Sunday, taking a subtle jab at the Crisler Center atmosphere.
Tom Izzo's lifelong loathing of the University of Michigan is clear in his presser, right down to this little dig:
— Graham Couch (@Graham_Couch) March 8, 2026
"Pretty good environment, for here."
”Pretty good environment, for here.”
That’s such a backhanded compliment that you almost have to respect how deep his hate for the Wolverines runs. He could have left it at “good environment” but he made sure to add the “for here” for a parting shot on his way out.
Crisler has often been known as a somewhat quiet, poorly-lit arena, but that wasn’t the case on Sunday afternoon with the crowd chomping at the bit for a Wolverine sweep.
The crowd played a role in Sunday’s game, whether Izzo wants to admit it or not.
Tom Izzo didn’t hold back in his post-Michigan presser
The parting shot about Crisler was just one of a handful of things that Izzo was blunt about in his post-game presser. He talked about Jeremy Fears’ controversial foul, the handling of these “dirty” plays, the fact that he’s no one’s little brother, and the fact that Michigan shot a lot of free throws.
This was one of the best post-game pressers that Izzo has had in a while. He avoided coachspeak and focused on speaking his mind.
Izzo said that he didn’t think Fears’ foul was purposeful, he said that he hopes Dusty May holds his own guys to the same standard, he shot down any little brother talk, and he wasn’t thrilled with how many free throws Michigan shot.
The Hall of Famer has spoken.