Tag: tom izzo msu

Tom Izzo provides statement on Jaden Akins entering NBA Draft while maintaining eligibility

Head coach Tom Izzo provides his thoughts on starting guard Jaden Akins entering NBA Draft while maintaining eligibility

Michigan State basketball could be losing a key starter off next year’s team.

Spartans guard Jaden Akins announced late last week that he would test the draft waters and enter his name into the NBA Draft while still maintaining his eligibility. This means Akins will have the ability to go through the draft evaluation process and return to Michigan State should he get feedback that he’s not happy with.

So what does head coach Tom Izzo think of Akins’ decision to enter the NBA Draft? He’s in full support of Akins’ choice.

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Izzo issued a statement after the Akins news broke, and said Michigan State will “celebrate the accomplishment” if the feedback he receives suggests he’ll be drafted in a spot best for him. On the flip side, if Akins were to return to Michigan State, Izzo said “we will immediately get to work for next season” and the Spartans “will take the information he gathers and use it to his advantage as he continues to develop.”

Check out the complete statement from Izzo below:

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan state news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on Twitter @RobertBondy5.

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Tom Izzo postgame quotes following MSU basketball’s exhibition victory over Grand Valley State

Check out some of the notable postgame comments from Tom Izzo following Tuesday night’s Michigan State basketball victory over Grand Valley State

Michigan State basketball topped Grand Valley State, 73-56, in their exhibition opener on Tuesday night but it wasn’t as easy many would have liked. That includes head coach Tom Izzo.

Izzo didn’t hold back his disappointment in the Spartans’ sluggish start on Tuesday night — which saw Michigan State trailing by five points at halftime. However, there were some bright spots as well for the Spartans in the eyes of Izzo — such as guard Tyson Walker’s play.

Check out some of the notable postgame comments from Izzo on Tuesday night’s victory over Grand Valley State:

‘I plan on taking it out on you’: Tom Izzo shares funny Tiger Woods story from Pro-Am event in 2005

Back in 2005, Tiger Woods had a bone to pick with Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo

Back in 2005, Tiger Woods had a bone to pick with Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo.

Izzo was a guest on GOLF’s Subpar Podcast this week, and he shared a funny story of the time famous professional golfer Tiger Woods chirped him before a pro-am event. The funny exchange between Izzo and Woods occurred at a pro-am event before the 2005 Buick Open. Woods pointed out he was out for some revenge after Izzo’s Spartans beat his alma mater — Stanford — on the hardwood the year before.

“He said, ‘Coach, you beat my Cards this year,” said Izzo on the podcast. “I didn’t know what he meant at first and then I figured it out and I said, ‘Well, yeah, yeah.’ I said it real nice. He said, ‘I plan on taking it out on you on the course.’”

It sounds like the whole exchange was more of a joke from Woods, and definitely a story that I’m sure Izzo still enjoys sharing to this day. Read the complete story on Izzo and Woods by clicking on the tweet below:

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan state news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on Twitter @RobertBondy5.

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