Tom Izzo Shrugs Off ‘Michigan State Southwest’ Talk As Suns Turn To Jordan Ott

But according to the longtime Spartans coach, the narrative doesn’t quite match the motive.

“It looks like Michigan State Southwest, but the truth of the matter is, it’s not that,” Izzo told The Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin in a recent phone interview. “He’s just got to figure out what it takes to win, and I think he’s figured out some of the things he’s done — positively and negatively. He’s got to get some stability. He’s got to figure out his roster, and I think you’re going to see Mat more and more visible.”

The Suns’ recent hire of Jordan Ott, a former Michigan State student assistant, marks their fourth coaching change in as many years. That’s hardly the hallmark of an organization with long-term vision. But Izzo believes Ott might just be the steady hand Ishbia has been seeking.

“He’s great, a really smart kid. Works his ass off,” Izzo said. “He’s a guy that has enjoyed the process. He’s really a thorough guy.”

Ott, 39, began his NBA journey in the video room with the Atlanta Hawks before building a strong reputation as an assistant with the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets. Along the way, his detail-oriented approach and calm confidence caught the attention of more than just Izzo.

Michigan State assistant Dwayne Stephens told The Athletic’s Doug Haller that he realized Ott had head coaching potential as far back as 2014, when he visited him in Atlanta.

“That’s probably when I first realized that this dude has an opportunity to be one of the premier coaches in that league,” Stephens said.

Spartan athletic director Kevin Pauga added that Ott doesn’t need to raise his voice to control a room.

“You get five minutes with him,” Pauga said, “you’re like, ‘Oh, this guy is smart as hell.’”

Whether it’s coincidence or comfort, the Spartans pipeline has been a recurring theme under Ishbia, himself a walk-on on Izzo’s 2000 national championship team. But the stakes are rising in Phoenix.

But as Izzo put it, the goal isn’t to replicate East Lansing in the desert. It’s to win.