By Paul M. Banks INDIANAPOLIS- What are the benchmarks, numbers, standards for entry into the same class as the four (Kentucky, Kansas, North Carolina, UCLA) most historically elite programs? Michigan State's Tom Izzo, whose program has been in the national conversation for the last 10 years or so, offered a couple definitions. … [Read more...] about Izzo’s Definition of a College Basketball National Power
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Michigan State Spartans All Decade Team
By Paul M. Banks With six Final Fours and two national title game appearances in the last 12 years, the 2000s have been without a doubt the most fruitful period in Michigan State basketball history. The decade kicked off with the 2000 National title, and every player to stay all four years at State has been to at least one Final Four since Tom Izzo took over the program in … [Read more...] about Michigan State Spartans All Decade Team
So who grabs Purdue’s #1 Seed Now?
By Paul M. Banks When #14 Michigan State meets #3 Purdue on Sunday, it'll have huge influence on who wins the Big Ten regular season title. But beyond that...who will eventually take Purdue's #1 seed in the NCAA tourney now? … [Read more...] about So who grabs Purdue’s #1 Seed Now?
Fridays with Izzo: Sports “Saving” a City Storyline
By Paul M. Banks Welcome to a new quasi-weekly feature where we discuss some of the biggest topics in the Michigan State Spartan world, including the insight and observations of legendary MSU coach Tom Izzo. In this edition, we talk about the idea of a successful sports team becoming a battered city's salvation. Despite what ESPN, the Chicago Tribune and other corporate … [Read more...] about Fridays with Izzo: Sports “Saving” a City Storyline
Fridays with Izzo:Free Throw Contest vs. Bruce Weber
By Paul M. Banks Welcome to a new quasi-weekly feature where we discuss some of the biggest topics in the Michigan State Spartan world, including the insight and observations of legendary MSU coach Tom Izzo. This installment highlights his charity free shooting contest against close friend, and Illinois Head Coach, Bruce Weber. … [Read more...] about Fridays with Izzo:Free Throw Contest vs. Bruce Weber
Saturdays with Izzo: Michigan St.-Michigan Rivalry
By Jeff Ghiringhelli and Paul M. Banks Welcome to a new quasi-weekly feature where we discuss some of the biggest topics in the Michigan State Spartan world, including the insight and observations of legendary MSU coach Tom Izzo. In our first installment, we discuss the rivalry with Michigan. … [Read more...] about Saturdays with Izzo: Michigan St.-Michigan Rivalry
Tom Izzo’s Teams Are Always Prepared For March
By Jeff Ghiringhelli In college basketball, it's all about winning in March. Nobody knows that better than Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo, who has coached his teams to four Final Fours and one National Championship since 2000. Izzo squads are famous for playing very tough non-conference schedules, and steadily improving throughout the year in time for the Big … [Read more...] about Tom Izzo’s Teams Are Always Prepared For March
Michigan State’s Tom Izzo Predicts Northwestern in Tourney!
By Paul M. Banks Legendary Michigan State Head Coach Tom Izzo went out on a limb and told the media that this is the year Northwestern qualifies for their first NCAA Tournament in school history. In this video, he explains why he thinks the Wildcats will make their first NCAA Tournament this year. He also gives detailed analysis of the steps the program took last year, and … [Read more...] about Michigan State’s Tom Izzo Predicts Northwestern in Tourney!