Tom Izzo discusses Zachary Winston's impact on MSU team, Cassius' decision to play Sunday

It has been a brutal weekend for Cassius Winston and his family, but the star point guard still suited up for Michigan State on Sunday.

The bad news came on Saturday evening with the report that his brother, Zachary, was struck and killed by a train in Albion, Michigan. Zachary and Khy Winston, Cassius’ brothers, were both teammates on Albion’s basketball team and recently played Michigan State in an exhibition game.

Despite that heartbreaking news, there was a report Sunday afternoon that Cassius was still going to play against Binghamton. After a moment of silence for Zachary prior to the game, Cassius did start and played well, posting a double-double with 17 points and 11 assists in a blowout win.

After the win, Tom Izzo addressed the loss of Zachary, as well as Cassius’ decision to play. He mentioned that Zachary had spent a lot of time with this Spartan team and almost felt like a part of the team itself. He told the team to play tonight with a broken heart.

Izzo also mentioned that he was surprised Cassius wanted to play but also understands every person grieves in different ways. He said there wasn’t much discussion with Winston about his decision as he was wanting to give him his space. Fortunately, Winston was able to have his dad and brother in the stands for the game.

Chris Solari with the Detroit Free Press shared Izzo’s post-game comments:

Izzo takes a deep breath before he starts. Says it has been "hell and high water" for MSU, which closed its locker room to give Winston and his privacy family. "My message to my team tonight was to play with a broken heart. … These guys' hearts were broken." Most difficult day.

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 11, 2019

Izzo says he expected Cassius Winston not to play, "but everyone grieves in different ways."

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 11, 2019

Izzo says Zachary Winston "was kind of like a member of our team." Says the three Winston brothers had "a bond that was closer than close." Knows his other players were grieving because of the time they spent with Zachary Winston as well but also were being strong for Cassius.

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 11, 2019

Izzo said he really did not talk much to Cassius Winston about why he wanted to play. "I had to give him his space. He just needed his time." Said it was important for his dad, Reg, and brother Khy, to be at the game. Adds he was "shocked" Cassius came in to team's shoot-around.

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 11, 2019

Izzo: "There was a lot of love in that locker room. And a lot of love in that arena. But it's going to have to double" as time passes for the Winston family.

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 11, 2019

Izzo says his staff expects to spend a lot of time with Cassius Winston in the future because they expect a lot of "whys" with processing his grief for the loss of his brother.

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 11, 2019

Tears in his eyes, Izzo says he told every player he loved them in the locker room. Very powerful message on the fragility of life. Wants everyone to say I love you to people they love today.

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 11, 2019