Tom Izzo wasn’t afraid to admit that this year’s Michigan State team wasn’t one of the toughest in terms of physicality. There’s no doubt, though, that the Spartans are one of the toughest teams he’s coach from a mentality standpoint.

Michigan State has had to overcome the injury bug this season — losing Joshua Langford for the season, Nick Ward for a few weeks and other role players throughout the year — and still it found a way to win. And the Spartans didn’t do just enough to earn a bid in the NCAA Tournament. The Spartans were B1G regular season and tournament champions.

It had to overcome a lot to accomplish those goals this season.

“I  don’t think this team is as physically tough as some of the teams I’ve had, but I think it may be mentally tougher than some of the teams I’ve had,” Izzo said, according to Chris Solari of the Detroit Free Press. “The respect for each other and the trust for each other has been off the charts. And I think that’s what’s gotten us through.”

After a 28-6 season and a pair of B1G titles, Michigan State enters the NCAA Tournament as a two seed. It’ll take on 15th-seeded Bradley in the Round of 64 on Thursday. The Spartans have a shot to get back to the Final Four and push for a national title.

Izzo says it’s because of Michigan State’s lack of selfishness that has been key for the team this year.

“[We] are selfless, sometimes almost to a fault. And that comes from our best player (Cassius Winston,” Izzo said. He also said that Matt McQuaid and Kenny Goins were “double-selfless.”

To push for a title, Michigan State will need that same approach, as well as great play from Winston and guys like Ward, McQuaid, Goins and others. So far, it’s earned them a regular season and conference tournament title.

Perhaps the Spartans can add some more hardware to the trophy case.