Tom Izzo appeared on ‘The Drive with Jack’ on Wednesday and spoke on his expectations for national title No. 2.
I’m not quite sure if this is the norm because I can’t recall other times in which this has happened, but Tom Izzo seems to be far more open to talking to the media and on podcasts now that Michigan State’s season is over.
I don’t remember the last time we heard so many interesting tidbits from Izzo right after the season.
But this is the most crucial offseason in recent memory after a fourth straight disappointing season which saw the Spartans go from No. 4 in the country to a 9-seed at the end of the year. The season couldn’t have played out much worse as Michigan State fans were sweating out an NCAA Tournament berth on Selection Sunday.
Izzo has taken the blame for the disappointing season and that continued during his appearance on ‘The Drive with Jack’ on Wednesday.
The Hall of Fame head coach spoke about the season and expectations moving forward, and he reflected on his national title 24 years ago. Jack Ebling asked him if it made him smile to look back on that title and the team he had and Izzo gave an honest “no” followed by him saying that it’s been “too damn long” since he’s won it all.
That launched another conversation about the current state of the program and he vowed to “find a way” to win a second title.
“When you win a national championship, nobody can ever take that away from you. Now in saying that, I am disappointed that we knocked on the door more than a few times and haven’t won a second one but that’s probably why I’m still coaching. The job is not done and we’re going to find a way to get it done.”
Like Izzo said, the job is not done. And he’s knocked on the door eight times to be exact, making eight Final Fours throughout his Michigan State coaching career. That has to drive him crazy. It undoubtedly keeps him up at night. But it sounds like he’s got that fire in him to win No. 2. These offseason interviews and podcast appearances have all been positive.
Now let’s see if he can win it all “or die trying” by hitting the portal for some extra help to win No. 2.
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