Tom Izzo sets NCAA record with Michigan State's bid for 2023 NCAA Tournament
Tom Izzo has added another legendary accolade to his prolific coaching career at Michigan State.
On Selection Sunday, Michigan State received a bid to the 2023 NCAA Tournament as a 7-seed in the East Region. The Spartans will begin their March Madness path with a matchup against 10-seed USC.
With an appearance in this year’s tournament, the Spartans have now made it to 25 straight NCAA Tournaments dating back to 1998 (The 2020 tournament was canceled due to COVID). That is a new record for consecutive appearances in the tournament in NCAA history.
25.
The MOST consecutive Men’s Basketball NCAA Tournament appearances all-time for a head coach. pic.twitter.com/taY3jZnfo5
— Michigan State Men’s Basketball (@MSU_Basketball) March 12, 2023
Kentucky head coach John Calipari was among those to wish Izzo congratulations on social media:
When @MSU_Basketball basketball is placed into the NCAA Tournament today, my good friend Tom Izzo will have taken them to 25 straight NCAA Tournaments, which is a record. Think about that!
Congratulations, Tom!! pic.twitter.com/f3iEByruYf
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) March 12, 2023
Izzo originally replaced legendary coach Jud Heathcote for the 1995-96 season. After missing out on the field in 1996 and 1997, Izzo has had the Spartans competing for a national title every year since.
Impact on Izzo’s legacy
Izzo’s status as a Hall of Fame coach was already well-cemented with 685 career wins with the Spartans. That’s before mentioning his 8 Final Fours, 10 regular-season B1G titles, 6 Big Ten Tournament titles and 2000 national championship.
This latest record is simply another feather in Izzo’s cap, but it’s one well worth celebrating. We’ll see if he can dial up more March magic for the Spartans this year.
