Malik Hall and Steven Izzo had an interesting perspective following the loss to North Carolina to end their MSU careers.
The Michigan State basketball season has unfortunately come to an end. Now we have to play the waiting game to see if players transfer and who will come back. Some players like AJ Hoggard and Mady Sissoko have decisions to make about next year, but we know that others’ careers have come to an end.
Malik Hall and Steven Izzo are two of those players whose Michigan State careers are over. After the loss to North Carolina, both players opened up about their careers and shared some beautiful thoughts with the media.
I imagine talking with media after a big win is one of the best things in the world. It’s likely is equally difficult doing so after a tough loss. But when that loss ends your collegiate career, it’s probably impossible. That didn’t stop Malik Hall from sharing his appreciation for his career.
Hall clearly did not take playing for Michigan State for granted, saying, “There’s probably millions of kids out there that wish they could be in my shoes and be in my situation.”
Hall continued, “I’m just grateful that Spartan Nation gave me a chance and showed me as much love as they did while I was here.”
Malik got to see it all at Michigan State. He was part of the special season at the end of Cassius Winston’s career that ended prematurely due to COVID. But he also saw some lows as the team has struggled in recent years. That however just gives him an even greater perspective on how special East Lansing is, and these comments prove that.
Steven Izzo, on the other hand, had a very different career from Hall. Based on ability alone, Steven should be nowhere near a Division 1 basketball court. He had the right to be a part of this team, and the fact that he didn’t get there from any playing ability makes him even more appreciative.
Steven shared, “The last five years has been everything that I’ve ever dreamed of.”
He also added that it’s been amazing “living out my childhood dream.”
Steven has grown up in the MSU basketball program. But he also had to sacrifice a lot of time with his dad while he was growing up as well. So I’m sure that made these last five years the best of his life, because he finally got to spend every day with his dad while directly contributing to the success of the program.
Malik Hall and Steven Izzo will always be remembered in Michigan State basketball history. Both are amazing humans and great representations of what it means to be a Spartan.
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