Tom Izzo reveals emotions behind coaching son Steven at Michigan State: 'There's nothing better'
Michigan State defeated Northwestern 53-49 during Senior Night on Wednesday to improve to 18-12 on the season
It’s the final time head coach Tom Izzo will have the opportunity to coach his son, fifth-year senior guard Steven Izzo inside the Breslin Center. After the game, Izzo embraced his son and reflected on the journey the two have been on together following the feel-good win.
“I tell everyone out there that coaches a men’s or women’s sport, if you’re gonna have your son or daughter with you — there’s nothing better. Nothing better man,” Izzo told Andy Katz postgame. “We’ve all sacrificed a lot. A lot of coaches sacrifice a lot more than I do. Getting some of that back means the world to me.”
Izzo has been honest in the past about how he was forced to miss moments early on in his son’s life due to the nature of his job as Michigan State head coach. Growing up and watching his father coach the Spartans — something Steven waited his entire life to become — his raw emotions are enough to make any father get a lump in his throat.
“I’m so thankful that he allowed me to walk on five years ago,” Steven said through tears. “It’s been the greatest decision that I’ve ever made. No matter how hard the lifts are or how long the meetings go, it’s all worth it at the end of the day. I’m so thankful that I’m able to do it with [my father].”
Steven ultimately played five seasons for his father in East Lansing, seeing play in 44 games over that span. He recently scored the first point of his career on Jan. 14 against Rutgers, which a fancy and-one layup.
Just because Steven has kissed the Spartan and received his senior day praise doesn’t mean his career is over just yet. Michigan State still has to close its regular season out on the road against Indiana on Sunday afternoon. That game is set to tip off at 4:30 p.m. ET and will air on CBS.
A win on Sunday coupled with at least one win during the ensuing Big Ten Conference Tournament would give the Spartans 20 wins on the year. As of Wednesday, the Spartans were sitting in and around the bubble when it comes to the NCAA Tournament. Two more wins to bolster their record will only help their case come selection Sunday.
In turn, it would extend Steven Izzo’s career and he’ll get to keep living his dream with his father for at least one more game.