This season was nowhere near easy for the Michigan State basketball team and coach Tom Izzo. Joshua Langford’s absence left a void on the perimeter. Furthermore, Tom had to figure out the best option at the PF position. Meanwhile, Izzo’s team experienced serious hardship off the court. As a result, Tom was tasked with providing leadership and emotional support for his players.
First, let’s start with MSU’s gameplan this season. Izzo tried out a number of different lineups, starting Forward Malik Hall at the 3-spot over Aaron Henry late in the season. Tom was nothing short of creative with his different lineups. He worked around injury issues for Thomas Kithier, Kyle Ahrens, and Rocket Watts throughout the season.
Many fans think coaching simply comes down to running plays and creating lineups. This is just not true at all. Coaches are mentors for their players. Cassius Winston displayed incredible strength on and off the court amidst tragic and difficult circumstances. There is no doubt Izzo was a shoulder to lean on for Cassius this season.
Per usual, Izzo was also brutally honest in regard to the team’s performance. Tom let his team know when they played poorly but also defended players with Twitter slander. He walked a tightrope this year between being a firm and providing support. Most importantly, he kept players focused on the season as a whole and not a bad stretch of games.
Tom Izzo said the 2019-20 season is one he will never forget.
Tom Izzo 2019-20 Season Grade: A
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