Tom Izzo clear on praise for Hauser’s performance: ‘Joey had a hell of a day’

There really is no doubt about it: Joey Hauser had a monster performance on Sunday.

Entering the game against WMU, Hauser was already a key contributor for the Spartans, tied for second on the team with 11.5 points per game to start the season. He is also averaging a double-double with 10 rebounds per game.

Against the Broncos, Hauser took it to another level offensively. He found his shooting stroke early and often, setting the tone with 6-for-10 shooting from three-point range in the 79-61 victory for Michigan State.

In the end, Hauser finished with a new career-high 24 points and another double-double with 10 rebounds. He added four assists, two steals, and a block to his stat line.

After the game, head coach Tom Izzo didn’t beat around the bush when it came to discussing Hauser’s performance:

Izzo: “Joey had a hell of a day.”

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 7, 2020

Well, that’s one way to put it. To be fair, Izzo is not wrong.

Here are the rest of Izzo’s comments following the win:

Tom Izzo thought MSU “didn’t play very good with our inside guys.” Felt Watts played outstanding. Had a career high-tying six assists.

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 7, 2020

Izzo says Rocket Watts “is fun to coach right now, because he keeps getting better and better.” Said the sophomore couldn’t play at the end because his legs were dead.

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 7, 2020

Izzo said he told Henry, Loyer and Langford: “Captains gotta take care of this time right now.” With MSU at 5-0 and heading to UVA.

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 7, 2020

Common theme so far. "We got a lot of play out of a lot of guys."

— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) December 7, 2020

Izzo cutting his team a little slack with the three games this week. "Practice would really help."

— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) December 7, 2020

More praise for Rocket Watts from Tom Izzo. Liked how unselfish he was and got others involved, namely Joey Hauser

— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) December 7, 2020

Izzo making a closing statement where he thanks fans for filling up the arena with card board cut outs. The only thing he would change is make the cut outs more expensive so they can be motorized and yell at the officials.

— Jayna Bardahl (@Jaynabardahl) December 7, 2020

Now after a busy week, the Spartans will get a couple days off before facing Virginia. Michigan State will travel to face the No. 15 Cavaliers on the road.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.