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Tom Izzo reacts to disappointing 2023-24 regular season

Originally posted on Spartan Shadows | By Daily MSU | Last updated 3/12/24

Tom Izzo wasn’t thrilled with how the season played out and he spoke about the disappointing regular season on Tuesday.

The Michigan State basketball regular season has officially come to a close. The Spartans head into postseason play with an abysmal 18-13 record and 10-10 Big Ten mark. All seemed like it was going to be OK as the Spartans entered the final quarter of the conference season, that was until MSU lost four of its last five games including a 65-64 loss to Indiana in the finale. Everyone associated with the program, from coaches, players, alumni, and fans are not happy with this season’s results. That includes Tom Izzo.

During his Tuesday press conference, he spoke about his feelings about the regular season to the media as they prepare for Minnesota in the Big Ten Tournament.

Tom Izzo reacts to poor regular season

Izzo began this discussion by saying “nobody is more upset” than him about the 18-13 regular season record. A lot of MSU fans won’t like this comment or agree with it, but it’s likely the truth. Izzo is the one who has to answer to the poor season, not any of us fans. He’s the one who leads and makes decisions for the team, so their struggles are a direct reflection of him. Knowing that, I’d be upset if I were in his place, too.

But the best thing Izzo said on this topic is when he took ownership of their record.

MSU basketball coach Tom Izzo says he held practice yesterday "to get some sweat on us, so that we could get rid of maybe the season." Adds, "I think we kind of deserved some of what we've gotten. And I think in some ways, I still think we're better than what we played at times."

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) March 12, 2024

Izzo took ownership of his team’s struggles by saying “I think we kind of deserved some of the things we’ve gotten.” Isn’t that the truth. Whether it be Izzo’s refusal to use the transfer portal or a lack of leadership from his veteran squad, this team is to blame for the season. However, Izzo also said “And I think in some ways, I still think we’re better that what we play at times.”

It’s impossible to disagree with that statement. We’ve all seen how great this team can be like when they beat Baylor and Illinois, but it’s their lack of consistency that has hurt them.

Next steps heading into the Big Ten Tournament

Izzo finished this discussion by saying one final thing about where the team goes from here: “What do you when you fail? You work harder.”

There aren’t many people in college basketball who work harder than Izzo. Sure the team has struggled mightily this year, but I highly doubt it’s because of a lack of effort from Izzo. Yes the players sometimes haven’t given their all, but I think that will change now. We saw this team put it together during postseason play last year, and I believe they will do it again.

That all begins Thursday as the Spartans take on Minnesota with their NCAA Tournament hopes on the line.

This article first appeared on Spartan Shadows and was syndicated with permission.

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