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Tom Izzo talks Final Four appearance, previews matchup with Texas Tech
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Michigan State is about to make its eighth Final Four appearance under Tom Izzo, but this year feels different. This year’s team feels like one that has overachieved.
The Spartans overcame several injuries throughout the season to win a B1G regular season title, a conference tournament championship and now will appear in the Final Four. Izzo understands that this year has been special.
“To say we’re excited would be an understatement,” Izzo said in a press conference. “The team has had success because it doesn’t get too far ahead of itself.”
Izzo also referred to this year’s team as one of the toughest mentally that he’s had in his 24 years in East Lansing. Overcoming injuries to Joshua Langford, Kyle Ahrens and Nick Ward have certainly proved that this Michigan State team could handle adversity.
Now, the Spartans set their sights on winning a national championship, which would be the second under Izzo. Michigan State last won a title in 2000. In order to claim another championship, MSU will have to get by Texas Tech in the Final Four.
The Red Raiders are 30-6 this season and have one of the best defenses in college basketball.
“It’s a veteran team in different ways,” Izzo said of Texas Tech. He also said they have “Bobby Knight characteristics” in the way they play.
Michigan State and Texas Tech go head to head on Saturday night.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB