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Tom Izzo is entering his 30th year as head coach of the Spartans men’s basketball team. On October 17, he addressed the media and student journalists to preview the 2024/25 season and talk about the state of college basketball.
Conversation Highlights:
(0:00) – Opening comments. Reflections on trip to Tom’s alma mater Northern Michigan University.
(4:48) – Are you looking back or forward as you begin your 30th year as head coach? What’s the balance?
(7:12) – How is leadership developing on the team?
(8:52) – How are roles developing on the team?
(10:23) – How will conference realignment impact basketball. And are you OK with football being the king in most athletic departments?
(14:12) – How is Jase Richardson progressing?
(16:49) – Is anyone on the roster developing into your go-to scorer in crunch time?
(18:42) – Do you have a starting line-up in mind yet?
(20:43) – More on leadership development.
(22:10) – What keeps your engine driving for you?
(24:45) – Talk about Frankie Fidler’s game.
(26:51) – How do you support your players’ mental health?
(30:55) – Is there anyone on the roster you think might surprise us? Maybe someone underrated?
(32:46) – Talk about turnovers.
(35:03) – Talk about rebounding.
(36:37) – How has the Covid era impacted the game?
(41:14) – Talk about how putting your team together is like putting together a puzzle.
(43:21) - Talk about Jaxon Kohler’s development.
(44:56) – What’s the update on Gehrig Normand and how is Xavier Booker’s game developing?
(47:56) – How have you changed as a coach over 30 years?
(49:34) - Do you coach different generations differently?
(53:01) – What qualities do you look for in players you recruit?
(55:47) – Talk about how important former players are to your team. And what do you expect from your current players when they become alumni?
(59:20) – How is Coen Carr’s game developing?
(1:01:38) – Closing remarks.
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What is MSU Today with Russ White?
MSU Today is a lively look at Michigan State University-related people, places, events and attitudes put into focus by Russ White. The show airs Saturdays at 5 P.M. and Sundays at 5 A.M. on 102.3 FM and AM 870 WKAR, and 8 P.M. on AM 760 WJR.