Comp on Hoops: Tom Izzo's Sparty senses were accurate last year, now he eyes a redux

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Last year, Tom Izzo told us that he wanted to spend extra time with players, getting to know them better, and fostering their bond with one another. He had a theory that relationships with players were becoming more important than ever in this transient age of the transfer portal, NIL deals and social media pressures. His Sparty senses were accurate.  Michigan State won the Big Ten by three games and advanced to the Elite Eight. Only six other times has an Izzo conference title team advanced that far in the NCAA Tournament. It was one of his better all-around seasons as a head coach in 30 years. He felt team bonding was a major key to their success. Now he’s more emboldened to build and rebuild relationships with his players as the No. 22-ranked Spartans look to emerge from the Big Ten pack for big things again in 2025-26. In order to spend more time with players, Izzo announced tat he was giving up all involvement with national basketball committees and associations. He put in time with those groups for the betterment of the game in the past. But in the end, the decision-making entities (namely the NCAA, the Big Ten and broadcast companies) didn’t listen to him or other coaches. So Izzo opted out of meetings with suits, and opted in with the guys wearing sweats.  “Coming off a great year last year, what last season taught me is chemistry and relationships still matter in sports,” Izzo said. (MORE inside SpartanMag. Join SpartanMag now - $1 for the first week - and enjoy a complimentary year of The Athletic included with your membership.)