Tom Izzo bullish on defensive potential of this year's Spartans
Michigan State is coming off an impressive defensive showing in the road victory over No. 6 Duke, and Tom Izzo believes this unit could be one of the best he’s ever had defensively.
In that win over the Blue Devils, the Spartans held Duke to 5-for-23 shooting from three-point range. For a program that consistently shoots the ball well, it was a huge performance that was made even more impressive by the fact it came at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
During his media availability Thursday, Izzo praised his current group of Spartans, claiming their defensive ceiling could be among the best he’s ever coached:
Izzo says this team's defensive ceiling "could reach some of my best here"
— Kyle Austin (@kylebaustin) December 3, 2020
Izzo has a solid group of long and versatile big men in Joey Hauser, Julius Marble II, Malik Hall, Marcus Bingham Jr., and Thomas Kithier to go with a solid group of guards and wing players led by Aaron Henry and Joshua Langford. There’s still a long way to go this season, but early returns on the defensive end are positive.
Coming off the win over Duke, Izzo also made a point that he is not sleeping on the ability of Detroit, having lost to the program previously during his tenure. He also indicated that the game against Detroit and Western Michigan are still on, but it is obviously a fluid situation:
Izzo asked about losses to Detroit, against whom he’s 1-3 and hasn’t played since 2001: “I never forget a loss. Especially an in-state loss.” Says he knows the feeling to win at Duke & also to lose to UDM. “This would be an upset, if there has been bigger upsets than this.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 3, 2020
Izzo says as far as he knows, MSU will play UDM tomorrow and WMU on Sunday. He does say he doesn’t know for sure because of how everything is fluid. “This is a day by day by day deal.” Says “it’s not easy for us, it’s not easy for them, but it’s the same for everybody.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 3, 2020
Izzo also went on to touch on Joshua Langford’s health after the first stretch of the early season and discussed his versatile plans for Aaron Henry:
Izzo says Joshua Langford is dealing with a little soreness with his knee after playing 29 mins at Duke and got some rest yesterday. But no problems with Langford’s left foot, as Izzo knocks on the wooden podium.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 3, 2020
Izzo said he told Henry this summer he would play him some at PG. A coach decision. “It’s taxing.” Wants to also play him at the 4 some.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 3, 2020
The Spartans are set to resume action Friday against Detroit. Tip-off is set for 5 PM EST on BTN.
