Tom Izzo has earned the nickname “Mr. March” because of his incredible success when the calendar turns to March.
For years, Izzo has built his teams by putting them in uncomfortable situations early in the season. The goal is simple: when the pressure of the NCAA Tournament arrives, his players have already faced adversity, dealt with difficult moments and learned how to overcome them.
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Because of that approach, the Michigan State teams that peak in March are often much different from the groups Izzo sees during the summer and early portions of the season. They are usually rough-and-tumble teams that need to be molded, tested and pushed before becoming the best version of themselves.
That is also why Izzo is rarely completely satisfied with his team early on.
He does not hand out many moral victories, and perfection is expected early and often. That demanding mentality is a major reason why Izzo has become one of the most respected coaches in college basketball history. But it also means Spartan fans are accustomed to hearing him point out what his team still needs to improve.
So, when journalist Brad Galli recently asked Izzo how he felt about this year’s team, his answer may have caught some Michigan State fans by surprise.
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Izzo began by discussing what he has returning and what the Spartans added during the offseason.
“Well, you know, I got a lot of guys back. And I had a really good freshman class. So, I felt like I kept my team together, which, as you know, is not easy this day and age.”
That alone is a significant offseason victory.
In an era where players can quickly enter the transfer portal in search of more playing time or a seemingly better opportunity, keeping a talented roster together is becoming increasingly difficult. Michigan State was able to retain an experienced core while also bringing in a highly regarded freshman class.
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That continuity could prove to be one of the Spartans’ biggest strengths this season.
Izzo then made a statement that is particularly rare for someone with his coaching style.
“For the first time in a long time, I like my team in July and August. Usually I never like my team until February and March. Hopefully that’s a good sign.”
That is a rare statement from Izzo.
A coach known for demanding more from his players and constantly searching for areas to improve is entering the season with genuine optimism about his roster. For a program led by someone who has historically needed months to see his team fully develop, liking the group before the season has even begun could be an encouraging sign.
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Michigan State returns a core highlighted by Jeremy Fears Jr., one of the top players in college basketball, along with athletic standout Coen Carr. The Spartans also bring back valuable experience while adding a talented freshman class capable of making an immediate impact.
Those pieces have created significant expectations around the program.
Izzo did not shy away from his belief that the team has the ingredients necessary to accomplish something special.
“I think we have a good team, we have good players back, we got experience. We got two great leaders in Jeremy [Fears] and Coen Carr, and hopefully it’ll lead to some big things for Spartan fans.”
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Michigan State has its leaders ready to make an impact, along with an experienced group and a young core ready to contribute.
The expectations are big, but pressure is nothing new for an Izzo-coached team. His entire philosophy is built around preparing players to handle difficult moments and grow through adversity before the games matter most.
There is still plenty of basketball to be played before Michigan State can begin thinking about March. But if there is one thing that should stand out to Spartan fans, it is this:
Izzo already likes what he sees in July and August.
For a coach who admits he normally does not fully like his teams until February or March, that may be one of the strongest early signs that this Michigan State group could have something special.
