“What a Neat Night”: Emotional Tom Izzo Appreciates His Hard-Working MSU Team

Published 03/08/2024, 1:41 PM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

Spartans had a rollercoaster ride this season. However, what was more quaking was their senior night against Northwestern Wildcats. Even after not giving their best, Spartans came out victorious with 53-49, courtesy of their hunger and will to win. After the game, an emotional head coach Tom Izzo appreciated his team and the entire Michigan family on their achievement. He also made a promise to all of them before ending his heartfelt gratitude.

Tom Izzo made a humorous remark on how even he wouldn’t play for a coach like himself for applauding his team. The Hall of Famer began his senior night speech by telling everyone about his decision to come to MSU: “It’s hard to have this after a game and yet I made that decision about 20 years ago ’cause I wanted everybody to get a chance and for you to stick around means the world to me.” The short-winded coach continued after a huge round of applause, “Because you won us the game tonight all of you.”

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Tom Izzo also mentioned how this season wasn’t exactly how the fans expected. He explained, “It’s been a little bit of a rough go for us. We’ve hung in there, it’s been a new era for all of us. Please appreciate them.” Before ending his big speech, the coach added a fun thought, “I’m on a morning-noon-night and I’m not sure I’d want to play for me.”

He ended his address thanking the crowd, “Thank you so very very much for staying. I love each and every one of you.”

However, this was not the only thing that coach Tom Izzo did for his Spartans. He also promised a big one to the entire Breslin Center before taking off for the night.

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Tom Izzo makes a big leap with his promise to the fans

Michigan State has had a tough time this season and it was even worse for coach Tom Izzo. Nevertheless, the proud Spartan promised the crowd, “At the same time, we’re gonna get better, we’re gonna improve and what a neat night. Pull for us on Sunday. Pull for us at the Big 10 tournament. And don’t be surprised when we get inside that NCAA tournament okay?!”

It takes true strength for a coach to show such loyalty and support to his team. MSU currently stands at an 18-12 win-loss record with 14 of them coming at home. With just one more final opponent this season in Indiana, it will be interesting to see how this hopeful team turns the tides in their favor.

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Written by:

Shahryar Fazal

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Shahryar Fazal is a senior NBA writer at EssentiallySports. His specialisation lies in his scrupulous Live Coverage of the events like NCAA and WNBA tournaments. A former sportsman himself, Shahryar used to contribute stories for publishing houses like TOI before taking up American sports as his field of interest.
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Edited by:

Bilal Handoo