Here's what Tom Izzo said at Michigan State basketball media day
Believe it or not, we’re just a few weeks away from college basketball starting back up.
A lot of the B1G schools have been having their media days this week and on Wednesday, it was Michigan State’s turn.
The Spartans enter this season not ranked in the preseason AP Top-25 and while Izzo is upset about that, he understands why.
That said, here’s what Izzo had to say about his squad to the media.
Izzo says Mike Garland has been moved to a special assistant to the head coach. Allows his longtime friend to get off the road recruiting and work with Izzo in the film room, focus on developing of players on a day to day basis.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 20, 2021
Mark Montgomery, hired as recruiting director, moves into the assistant coaching position. Was a player under Jud Heathcote and assistant under Izzo before becoming a head coach himself. "I think we're a well-oiled machine right now," Izzo said of his staff.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 20, 2021
Izzo on football success: "I hope our Walker (Tyson) is as good as their Walker (Kenneth)."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 20, 2021
Izzo on being out of AP top 25: "It does tick me off. but I understand it."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 20, 2021
Izzo says Gabe Brown is emulating Morris Peterson's ascent during his time at MSU. "He's one of the best shooters on this team." Needs to improve defense/rebound "to go from good to great."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 20, 2021
Izzo said all the coaches were in the weight room this summer with players at 7:15 a.m., and the energy during lifts was provided by Marcus Bingham Jr. "He is in better shape. But maybe the best thing, his focus this summer/spring/fall have been phenomenal."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 20, 2021
Izzo on Hauser: "Let's face it, it was a disappointing year for Joey last year." Feels the COVID year was bad for the forward, also missed having a strong PG. "He might be the smartest player on my team, and he may be one of the best passers." Adds he is one of the best shooters.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 20, 2021
Izzo: "I think you're gonna see a much improved Joey."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 20, 2021
Izzo: Malik Hall "is ready for a breakout season." Worked on shooting and ball-handling, could play both 3 and 4 on offense while guarding 1 through 5. "He's adapted to the game really well." Called him a "quiet assassin" as one of the captains with "energizer bunny" Gabe Brown.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 20, 2021
Izzo: Julius Marble "kind of plays with an edge." Can defend like Xavier Tillman, got stronger and added weight. Feels he and Bingham could split starts, with Bingham ahead right now.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 20, 2021
Izzo: "We've had the best summer I've had here in 10 years."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 20, 2021
Izzo on Tyson Walker: "He's got phenomenal athleticism." Calls him "a true point guard – he can pass it, he can shoot it. He has phenomenal hands" on defense who is "crafty" on offense. "If somebody's open, they're getting the ball at the right time in the right place."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 20, 2021
Izzo on AJ Hoggard: "He is running our break as well as anyone since Mateen. He gets the ball from point A to B quickly." That has been one thing Walker has struggled with so far in his transition from Northeastern, Izzo added.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 20, 2021
Izzo on Mady Sissoko: "He's gotten a lot stronger, but a lot better with his jump hook." Adds that the sophomore forward "is still a work in progress" who Izzo expects "to work his way in."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 20, 2021
Izzo word of the day: "plethergy." Translation: "Lots."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 20, 2021
Izzo says all three freshmen "have been good or better than the billing, and that doesn't happen." Says Max Christie "has done everything asked of him and more" who "has got the whole package and deep, deep range. He can shoot it."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 20, 2021
Izzo on "grind week" with former players in the pros, put together by Austin Thornton. Had a roundtable with them and current players along with workout sessions. "They had fun, they enjoyed it. They went three-a-day sometimes."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 20, 2021
