Kalin Lucas Ready to be Difference-Maker

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Last season, it startled everyone when the Michigan State Spartans made a run to the Final Four without their point guard Kalin Lucas. Lucas was injured during the Spartans second-round game against the Maryland Terrapins, that was won at the buzzer.

He was later diagnosed with a torn achilles tendon, and sidelined for the rest of the tournament. With that said, Lucas had to watch his Spartans lose to Butler in the Final Four. 

Lucas watched desperately from the sideline as Korie Lucious attempted to purposely miss a free-throw that was rebounded by Butler's Gordon Hayward that sealed the victory for the Bulldogs.

As for Michigan State, what if Lucas had been playing? Do you think he would of allowed Durrell Summers to turn it over with under three minutes to play? Or allow Michigan State to not take the lead with under ten seconds left after a 30-second timeout?

Those are situations, in which, Lucas is favorable. With Lucas, it's almost a guarantee that the Spartans do not turn the ball over 16-times, and Michigan State could have won with him on the court.

This upcoming season, Lucas will be looked on to be the difference-maker. "Kalin has such a greater appreciation for playing now than he ever had," Head Coach Tom Izzo said. "Just because it was taken away from him."

"He's rehabbed better than any player I've known since I've been here." Lucas continues to rehab his achilles while continuing to get better.

"He's been a better passer in a few practices we've had," said Izzo. "He's really shot the ball well. Now, part of that is I think, you know, again, focus and concentration."

Coach Izzo also stated that Lucas is doing virtually everything to be a better teammate. Coach Izzo may play Lucas in both guard positions due to his increased range on his jump shot.

The Spartans returned every key player from their Final Four run, and acquired key freshman to help along the way.

However, with Lucas back the Spartans have the veteran leadership that was lacked during crunch-time a season ago. With Lucas still rehabbing, he will share duties with Lucious, and Keith Appling in the backcourt.

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Robbie Hummel Re-tears ACL, Purdue Out of the National Championship Talks?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Last season, the Purdue Boilermakers were having a successful February and were looking to continue their success through March. JaJuan Johnson, E'Twaun Moore, and Robbie Hummel collectively had Purdue looking forward to a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

However, on February 24th, 2010 during a game played against Minnesota Purdue's star Hummel tore his ACL. He would soon know that he would be sidelined for the remainder of the season.

The No.1 seed was out of sight, but the Boilermakers were granted a No. 4 seed in the tournament.

Purdue advanced two games beating Siena, and Texas A&M before losing to the eventual National Champion Duke Blue Devils 70-57.

Purdue had a lot to look forward to with Johnson, Moore and Hummel all returning for the 2010-11 season.

During the first practice following Midnight Madness Purdue's forward Hummel was diagnosed with a torn ACL, the same ACL he tore this February, and will be sidelined for the 2010-11' season.

Purdue was selected by many to possibly make a run at the national championship with three star players returning. However, with Hummel, and Chris Kramer absent this upcoming season Purdue will have a lot of soul searching to do.

Without Hummel last year, the Boilermakers didn't look in-sync. Purdue stars Johnson, and Moore had to do it all and did not get much help down the stretch. The Boilermakers were 5-3 over the eight game stretch Hummel was sidelined.

However, if you mix in the loss of Hummel this season Purdue has lost two key contributors from last years squad. Kramer was known for his toughness, and was considered the defensive leader for the Boilermakers.

However, he graduated last summer. Hummel was diagnosed with an ACL injury. Keaton Miles also graduated. Leaving Moore, and Johnson as the only significant players on the Boilermakers roster.

Without Hummel the Boilermakers do not have their leader, a playmaker, and star.

A day before this happened, Michigan State Head Coach Tom Izzo selected Purdue to win the National Championship. However, without Hummel that almost seems out of the picture.

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Korie Lucious Out Due to Knee Surgery

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Last year, junior Korie Lucious is one of the reasons why the Michigan State Spartans went to the Final Four. If it wasn't for his last second shot against Maryland the Spartans would have been sent home earlier than expected.

However, thanks to the composure of Lucious the Spartans were able to ride him all the way to the Final Four.

Next season, for two to six weeks the Spartans will be without their back-up guard. Lucious had arthroscopic surgery for a meniscus tear in his left knee.

With such a talented recruiting class the Spartans will rely on Keith Appling to pick up the slack while Lucious is recovering.

However, if you ask Spartans Head Coach Tom Izzo he'll be back quicker than expected.

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Goodbye Chris Allen and Hello Keith Appling

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Spartans always seem to have talent and depth under Head Coach Tom Izzo. It's a fact; every player that stays all four years with Izzo will have the opportunity to play in the Final Four.

That is one beneficial recruiting approach that athletes dream of to be a part of. In addition, he has also raised a banner and improved his players tremendously.

Last season, the Spartans had to deal with Lucas being injured for sometime through Big Ten play. Then they had to play without him throughout the rest of the NCAA tournament.

However, Lucious and the rest of the Spartans stepped up and reached the Final Four without their lead guard Lucas.

Everything about last season was good for the Spartans, well except one thing.

During last season, Chris Allen was whispered to perhaps transfer schools. That rubbed Michigan State Head Coach Tom Izzo the wrong way. Remember, Allen was suspended for the Big Ten tournament opener. Izzo stated, "It's about being a better teammate." "Believe me, I'm not saying much more about it."

During the past months, it has grown into more than whispers that would result in him actually transferring or dismissed from the team.

Both Tom Izzo and Allen made statements that would silence all the rumors. Allen would be dismissed from the team and according to Fox Sports he is the first player in the Izzo era to be dismissed.

That’s definitely not a good thing to hold on to—especially a player of Allen's caliber.

I really hope his career didn't end here with the Spartans. He does have a final year of eligibility left and could transfer somewhere else.

However, saying goodbye to Allen isn't that hard when Izzo lured in a player like Keith Appling.

Keith Appling will step right in and fill the void. He is a bit undersized for the shooting guard position but his scoring ability off the wing is beneficial.

He also has the ability to transform into an elite point guard with the assistance of Tom Izzo.

Allen's contributions meant a lot when he was on the court, but Appling will help Spartan fans get over the loss of him really quick.

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Michigan State Stands In the Way of a Duke Repeat

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Last season, the Duke Blue Devils surprised everybody and made their way to the National Championship game before defeating Butler.

I say "surprised" because coming in only a select few thought they would win the tournament. The consensus favorite was the Kansas Jayhawks. Even though Duke had one of the "easiest" roads, very few thought they would actually win the championship.

Next season, the Blue Devils will be favored to repeat. They returned most of their roster from last year’s Championship team, and brought-in one of the best recruiting classes in the nation.

The Blue Devils are loaded with talent. Seth Curry, Andre Dawkins, Kyrie Irving, Nolan Smith and Tyler Thornton stand in the backcourt.

That is the best backcourt in the nation. They have experience mixed in with extraordinary talent.

Joshua Hairston, Kyle Singler, Ryan Kelly, and brothers Miles and Mason Plumlee stand in the frontcourt.

That will be the questionable subject heading into next season. The frontcourt is definitely not their strong suit. The Blue Devils need someone that will have a physical presence like Brian Zoubek.

But overall, Duke deserves to be picked as the favorite. They have one of the deepest rosters in college basketball. Not to mention the best coach to help them win the title again.

If anyone has a chance to keep Duke from repeating, it's Michigan State.

The Spartans were on the brink of losing their Hall-of-Fame coach Tom Izzo. However, since they were able to retain him the Spartans are now my favorite to take down Duke.

The Spartans made it to the Final Four this year without their floor general Kalin Lucas.

Now this season, the Spartans return every key player except Raymar Morgan, and brought in a great recruiting class.

Kalin Lucas, Korie Lucious, Durrell Summers, Chris Allen, Keith Appling, and Russell Byrd stand in the backcourt.

With Lucas as the leader of this backcourt, I believe the Spartans will have a chance to be in the National Championship game.

Adreian Payne, Delvon Roe, Derrick Nix, Draymond Green, and Garrick Sherman star in the frontcourt.

Their frontcourt is solid. With great wing players that can score at will. Inside they have a few big bodies that will effect the rebounds on both ends of the court.

If any team out there has a chance at beating Duke, it's definitely Michigan State. Head Coach Tom Izzo will run a deep rotation and their backcourt and wing players will effect the outcome.

There may be other teams out there that can knock Duke off on their run to a National Championship, but no one has a better chance than the Michigan State Spartans.

According to Yahoo Rivals! the Spartans odds of winning a National Championship is (10:1), while Duke stands at the top with odds of (6:1)

Michigan State: Why They Should be Thankful Tom Izzo Stayed

For the last 15 years, head coach Tom Izzo has been the face of Michigan State basketball—and for the right reasons.

Since being hired in 1995, Izzo has led the Spartans to six Final Fours, including the last two seasons.

While they have come short in the past two chances, he did come away with a ring in 2000.

So, when the rumors popped up that he had been offered a $6 million contract, he seemed all but gone.

And let me tell you State fans, it's a good thing he stayed.

It's obvious that he can get the players that he needs to win and can come through with the big wins come March.

His .745 winning percentage in the NCAA Tournament is third best between active coaches behind Duke's Coach K and Roy Williams of North Carolina.

Perhaps though, the most important reason that Michigan State needed him to stay is the upcoming season.

With the core coming back such as Kalin Lucas, Durrell Summers, Delvon Roe, Derrick Nix, Korie Lucious, and Draymond Green, the only really big loss from the Final Four team is Raymar Morgan.

However, with Izzo back, this team should be ready to make another run to the Final Four.

Written by Collin O'Connor

Collegiate Hoops: Some Things We Learned About The Tom Izzo Saga

A few weeks back, Tom Izzo affirmed that he would not pursue a coaching career in the NBA until his Spartans were at the top of the pedestal one more time.

That made Spartan fans happy and a reason to believe.

Just a few weeks removed from that, he displayed serious interest in the Cavaliers' coaching vacancy.

However, after today's announcement, we are all assured that Izzo will be returning to Michigan State to coach the Spartans.

This was officially revealed at a news conference in East Lansing. Dan Gilbert was told the deal was five-years and 30 million dollars.

So with that said, let's ask ourselves. What did we really digest?

The Price Doesn't Matter

Izzo will go down as one of the most legendary coaches in college basketball.

If money was the main factor in the coaching switch, he would have taken the 30-million, five-year deal and went on to the Cavaliers; regardless if LeBron James returned.

But more than money played a part. He wanted to continue his success, and not only be a good coach, but a great one.

Let alone he noticed that he couldn't deliver that with the current Cavaliers situation so he returned home to the Spartans.

Tom Izzo is Full of Surprises


If you're a Spartans fan, you had to be scared about the possible outcome of this coaching saga.

Even after he stated that he was going to win another championship with the Spartans before pursuing a pro career; he entertained the Cavaliers offer and could have departed depending on the status of LeBron James.

Winning Means a Lot, but Success Means More

The only possible reason for Izzo to take the job with the Cavaliers is to be successful. He has reached the highest points of the college game, and has been nabbed as a hall-of-fame coach.

If winning meant more than success, the Spartans wouldn't have held their hearts for about a week.

Izzo wants to take the next step and be successful. Winning at Michigan State means a lot, but taking the next step and becoming even more successful means more.

The Cavaliers' Take Another Loss

The Cavaliers eye was so set on Izzo. He was assumed to assist the recruitment of LeBron James—possibly—and bring him back to the Cleveland.

That theory backfired and Izzo is right back in Michigan with his Spartans.

It's possible that the Cavaliers knew this was coming if they understood the background of Izzo. He is a very good coach that loves to win and be successful. Without LeBron James in Cleveland, how can you be successful?

You Can't Please Everybody

Izzo has always been a fan favorite, and a coach that anybody would want on their sideline.

However, he wasn't still winning some fans over with the possible coaching allegations on the rise. Izzo did show interest in the coaching vacancy in Cleveland. Then he flew out to meet with Cavalier officials. After that, Izzo was given time for his decision and rejected the offer.

You can't be mad at him for going for the job many dreams of having.

Written by DeAnte Mitchell

Collegiate Hoops: If Izzo Leaves, Is Mark Montgomery Poised to be the Next Coach at Michigan State

The current Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo is facing one of the biggest decision of his coaching career.


Not too long ago, baring a situation like this, Izzo expressed his loyalty to Michigan State by saying that he would not leave Michigan State until he has brought another title to the Spartans.


A few weeks removed from the statement, Izzo has shown tremendous interest in the Cleveland Cavaliers.


He has even went so far as flying out to meet with Cavaliers officials. In my opinion, he will be in a sticky situation if he decides to bail and go to the NBA.


Either he can go the NBA and gamble with the return of Lebron James. Or he can return to a National Championship favorite in Michigan State.


As much as I would like to see Izzo return to Michigan State, both the players and I know the chances are slim.


This leaves the coaching vacancy up for speculation.


Many may think, Michigan State should go after a superior coach like Bill Self, or I even heard Bob Knight's name thrown in the mix a couple of times. 


Michigan State is one of the top programs in the country. You can make an argument for them to go after big name coaches with smaller coaching gigs. Coaches like Brad Stevens, Mark Few, or Travis Ford.


Each one of these coaches would be instantly upgraded to one of the finest college basketball programs in the nation. Joining Michigan State, gives any coach an edge in recruiting, which is beneficial when coaching college basketball.


However, Mark Montgomery should be the front-runner if Izzo does decide to leave. 


Montgomery has been around Michigan State for some time now. He played there at Michigan State back in his college days where he was a Big Ten All-Academic Honoree. Not to mention, he was a four-year letter winner for the Spartans.


There are a few players with the mindset of leaving if Izzo decides to leave. However, throw Montgomery in the mix and he could help the players stay together.


He has been around the coaching staff of Michigan State basketball for nine years now. He was promoted to assistant coach in May of 2007.


Under Izzo he was able to benefit from the coaching expertise. Montgomery has three Final Fours and a National Championship to bolster on his resume.


If Izzo was to take Montgomery with him—if he decides to bail—don't be surprised if they reach out to Missouri's Mike Anderson. He did entertain Oregon staff for their coaching vacancy, and Michigan State is a total upgrade from both of the programs.

Collegiate Hoops: Top Ten Active College Basketball Coaches

The college game displays some of the best teams in the nation. But there are a lot of people that overlook how much the coaches mean to the success.

Just ask Michigan State right now. They're on the brink of losing Tom Izzo to the Cleveland Cavaliers. That could show just how much the guys on the sideline play a huge part.

These ten coaches are conceived as the most influential, smartest, toughest, and successful people on the sideline.

Ten isn't really enough but here are the top ten
coaches in the NCAA right now. (Hint: heading into next season.)

10. Jim Calhoun

Last year the Huskies' weren't horrible, but they were far from good.

When Calhoun left for health reasons; UConn's season left right with him.

Calhoun has won titles in the past before. He is known to play in the big games and just a few years back his Huskies' were on the brink of National Championship.

You can't tell me that he isn't still a good coach. He develops his players really well, and I can prove that by looking at the NBA talent he produces. Not to mention, his Huskies' always find a way to bounce back after poor seasons.

Calhoun has acquired a decent recruiting class that highlights one ESPNU top 100 recruit and the rest are all solid but graded above 90.

9. Bruce Pearl

I don't believe there is a more optimistic coach on this list than Bruce Pearl. He is a mastermind when you think of basketball.

Dating back to mid-season, the Volunteers lost four-of-five starters and had to play walk-ons against heavily favorite KU. However, with those walk-ons, Pearl was able to lead his team to victory.

Showing you he can out-coach the other coaches in this league.

He also established a new trend at Tennessee. It seems like every year, Pearl has been able to guide his Volunteers to the Elite Eight. Despite the loss to Tom Izzo's Spartans, Pearl is a great coach and no doubt his team will get back after it next season.

8. Roy Williams

After losing so much talent to the NBA, Roy Williams logged one of the worst seasons in his coaching career. Since this list is based on the top ten coaches heading into next season, Williams is here. However, if it was to rank the top coaches from last year, I don't think he would be mentioned.

However, Williams and newly acquired recruit Harrison Barnes are going to do whatever it takes to erase that memory.

Williams is still a great coach and now that he surrounded himself with elite talent, he'll be able to once again show how powerful his coaching skills are.

Something is telling me that Williams is going to have this team at the top of the ACC and competing with the title favorite Duke.

7. Jim Boeheim

Hanging on the theorem, "team-defense," Jim Boeheim has been nabbed as one of the better coaches in all of college basketball. He was able to turn an average roster with one superstar talent, into competitors and the Coach of the Year award was well deserved.

After being placed so far in the top 25 in the pre-season poll last year and still being able to reach the No. 1 ranking in the same season, says a lot about the coach.

He is much respected around the college basketball community and has his Syracuse Orange thinking potential next season.

Throughout his career as a coach, Boeheim has put the pieces together for a legendary resume. As a result, he may be in the basketball Hall of Fame one day. He is one of the coaches with the best winning percentage, out of all the other experienced coaches in the league.

6. Billy Donavan

Billy Donavan has always been a great coach. He has had the ability to cut down the nets twice with the same nucleus of players. He has a substantial say over most of his players, and that is a good thing for Florida fans.

This off-season, Donavan, made some moves to bolster his roster and now Florida is looking like a contender after the returnees, and recruits they landed.

He acquired two ESPNU top 100 players, one in which is a McDonalds All-American. Two other forwards and a point guard.

You can't tell me the Gators aren't restoring their image as a powerhouse in basketball.

With Donavan at the helm, I can envision a much better season on the way for the Gators.


5. John Calipari

I've met a lot of anti-John Calipari fans in my life. Most people hate the fact that he gets away with infractions, but I simply believe that everybody is jealous of his recruiting ability.

I don't care what you have to say, Calipari is the best recruiting coach in the NCAA. He has strung together some impressive freshman classes, and look at last season's team. That is arguably the best freshman class college basketball has ever seen.

Calipari has the ability to get to the tournament consistently and it isn't really a problem considering the talent he acquires in the off-season. One thing that is notable; John Calipari produces some of the finest guards. John Wall, Derrick Rose, and Tyreke Evans are all going to or already have impact the NBA.


4. Bill Self

After a terrible loss to the Northern Iowa Panthers, the Kansas Jayhawks have to come into next season and prove themselves. Bill Self has too as well.

Let's not forget Northern Iowa Head Coach Ben Jacobson, out-coached him in a cake-walk type game.

However, Bill Self is not known to hoist two back-to-back seasons where he let the fans down. The Jayhawks landed the No. 1 overall recruit in Josh Selby to possibly fill the shoes of Sherron Collins and the Morris twins has the job to fill Cole Aldrich's shoes in the post.

Bill Self has no problem with curbing players into aggressive and great players. In the 2008 season, the team that one that was filled with juniors and seniors that all wanted to win a championship. Put another coach at KU and I don't believe those players progress the way they do.

He always has powerful recruiting classes and great basketball players. That's always a plus when you're coaching.


3. Frank Martin

I don't care what many have to say about my Wildcats. Frank Martin was not there to keep Michael Beasley and Bill Walker around. He is not there now for recruiting reasons, but he is there to coach the Kansas State Wildcats.

Frank Martin has done a magnificent job with the Wildcats. Ensuing a season that his team came away with the most wins in school history, has a chance to once again break that record.

Look at the picture; now does that look like a coach to be messed with? Martin is live on the sideline, one of the more vocal coaches in the league, and he gets into his players. I remember he stated, "It's all about scoring one more point then your opponent." That helped and leaded the Cats' on to some milestones that haven't been achieved for decades.

Frank Martin has raised the Cats' from laughing stock to serious contenders. With the roster they have and Frank Martin on the sideline, Kansas State can be major players in this upcoming season.

2. Tom Izzo

Tom Izzo may just as well be a Cleveland Cavalier before this list has even lasted a few days. However, since he has made no commitment to the NBA, he is the second-best coach in college basketball.

Izzo is the best coach on this list when it comes to developing players. A stat you probably already know if you've read my other articles on Tom Izzo is that every player that has stayed all four-years under him has had the chance to compete in the Final Four.

That says a lot. Even considering the fact that, their best player Kalin Lucas went down during their second round game in the tournament, and they were still able to pull off an Elite Eight berth.

If Izzo decides to stay, he solidifies Michigan State as title contenders. Without Izzo? Not so much.


1. Mike Krzyzewski

Coming off a National Championship with a roster that could repeat, has Coach K at No. 1. Coach K has always been conceived as a top coach in the league, considering that he has the highest winning percentage of all active coaches.

He has been a consistent player in the NCAA tournament, not to mention his titles and Final Fours berths; all that he brought to the Duke fans.

With Coach K leading the Blue Devils next season, you have to think about the possibility of a repeat. He acquired superstar caliber player Kyrie Irving, and to play with him in the backcourt is Tyler Thornton. As long as Coach K sticks on the sideline at Duke, which I believe he will, they'll be NCAA ready, every year.

Written by DeAnte Mitchell, edits by Lauren Garrison

College Basketball: On the Behalf of Michigan State, Tom Izzo Stay Put

Ensuing another successful season with Tom Izzo, the Michigan State Spartans have elite talent and the chance to be on top of the NCAA next season. However, that was before the Spartans received news that the Cavaliers offered Izzo their head coaching job.

Like many others, my initial though was that he isn't going anywhere. He didn't listen or entertain any other coaching offers, so why the Cavaliers? 

Now, didn't he make me look stupid? Not only does he have reported interest, but he also flew out to Cleveland to talk to executives about the job. He told us that the decision would come soon and it wouldn't take forever. Now many are reporting that he will commit to the Cavaliers if they can keep Lebron James.

Not good news at all if you're a Spartan fan. As the days pass by, it seems more likely that Izzo's career is over as a Spartan.

Michigan State fans held a pep rally, Louisville coach Rick Pitino weighed in and said, "Put yourself in a seatbelt and stay at Michigan State." Numerous of Spartan fans are weighing in on why he should, or he will stay; whatever it is, it's basically saying the same thing: Tom Izzo, stay at Michigan State.

Since you began your career at Michigan State in 1996, you've won the fans over with the intensity you brought to the game. You help put up banners; the most notable would be the national championship you brought to Michigan State in 2000. 

You developed players so well, turning out some decent NBA talent, and not to mention, you haven't missed the NCAA tournament in over 12 years.

Remember what you told your Spartan fans? You said you wouldn't pursue a coaching career in the NBA until you won another national championship at Michigan State. 

Izzo should be a committed to what he said instead of chasing money. And sadly said it seems like the money is winning the race.

Next season you are going to have one of the most talented rosters I've seen at Michigan State in years. You'll have all your starters from last year's squad and key reserves besides Raymar Morgan. And you added one of the best recruiting classes this season. Now answer this: Why would you leave now when you're in position to possible win the national championship?

You have a legacy, a talent that's rare, and respect from the Michigan State community. Turning your back on them now is like a slap in the face. 

Tom Izzo, everybody wants you to stay, and like Pitino said, "If he takes over at Cleveland without Lebron, he's going to end back up in college like the rest of us."

Izzo, it's just best if you turn down the job and return to the NCAA.

Written by DeAnte Mitchell

College Basketball: Michigan State's Success Depends on the Decision of Tom Izzo

If you are a Michigan State fan, you have to be enthusiastic about next basketball season. The Spartans reached the Final Four without their floor general Kalin Lucas. Not to mention, the Spartans were fortunate enough to return most of their roster that made it's big splash in the Final Four. 


Now add one McDonalds All-American, and two ESPNU top 100 recruits, and you are a true national champion contender.


That's exactly what Tom Izzo did and he gave the Spartan fans another reason to admire him. Izzo always seems to grab key recruits that help him stay consistent. Add the fact that every player that stayed four years under Izzo's wing, had the chance to play in the Final Four, and we're undoubtedly talking about a walking hall-of-famer.


Because of that, Izzo may be one of the greatest college basketball coaches right now. Well that is, if he stays in the college game. As more rumors unfold, it almost seems that Izzo's last chapter at Michigan State ended in the tournament.


Try to have a Michigan State fan digest that.


At Michigan State, Izzo is loved by many because of how well he prepares his team for battle. 


During the NCAA tournament this year, the Spartans lost their best player, and vocal leader in Kalin Lucas to an ACL tear that would sideline him for the rest of the tournament.


The injury happened in the second round of the tournament, and the Spartans were still able to make a magical run to the Final Four. That alone says a lot about the coaching of Izzo and how well he can prepare his team for victory. 


Now think about this, what if Izzo wasn't there when Lucas went down? What if it was another coach? Do you still believe they are able to pull off such a magical run to consecutive Final Fours? I don't think so, in fact, I don't believe some players would have grown so much over the years if they weren't under Izzo.


Look at what happened with Korie Lucious. Lucas went down, Lucious stepped right in off the bench and the offense of the Spartans didn't skip a beat. Lucious even went on to hit the game-winning shot against Maryland, and was a huge contributor in the win over Tennessee.


Let's face the facts, Izzo is a legendary coach that is hard to replace. After returning from his trip to Cleveland to meet with Dan Gilbert and other executives, a reporter firmly asked Izzo about his timetable for the decision. In reply Izzo stated, "It's not gonna be forever, that's for sure."


If the Spartans are able to retain Izzo the upcoming college basketball season should unfold in good ways for Michigan State. However, if they cannot retain Izzo I think we're looking at the same Michigan State Spartans.


Written by DeAnte Mitchell

Say It Isn't So Izzo: Why Tom Izzo Going To The Cavs Is Wrong

For the next few paragraphs I am going to pretend Tom Izzo cares about what I have to say. As I write this article Tom is getting on a plane headed for Cleveland to discuss taking the Cleveland Cavaliers head coaching position.

While it is understandable that any college coach would have the desire to make the jump to the NBA, this decision and the timing of this decision could not be more wrong for Tom.

For starters, Izzo has no assurances that LeBron James will be in a Cavaliers uniform next season. Even if James is a Cavalier next season, the organization still needs to add the proper pieces to complete the championship puzzle.

Another question mark is James’ loyalty and apparent control of the organization (not just the team). It is clear Cavs owner Dan Gilbert puts much stock in what LeBron thinks and wants. Why else would he fire head coach Mike Brown and allow General Manager Danny Ferry to leave after those two men engineered the most successful five year run in the organization’s history?

What makes Tom Izzo think LeBron would not hang him out to dry after two or three years without a championship? Izzo has yet to coach a game in the NBA. Mike Brown had five years of experience. In those five years, Brown never had a losing record and set the Cavs team record with 42 playoff wins. The deck is obviously stacked against Izzo.

With LeBron James any team will be a contender. Being a contender and a winner are two different things. Cleveland was a contender this year but they will not be winning any championships.

LeBron needs the proper pieces around him. Izzo has no guarantees those pieces will come to fruition. Izzo does, however, have an obvious chance to return to his third consecutive final four and compete for his second national championship. His kids at Michigan State deserve that chance, and they deserve it with Izzo as their coach.

After doing so, he can throw his hat back into the NBA ring. The NBA will always be there. Kalin Lucas, Durrell Summers, Draymond Green and the rest of that talented roster will not. These players have been to back-to-back final fours and are yet to win a championship. Izzo should stay and finish what he started with these kids.

(Originally published on Bleacher Report by Jerry Murphy)