Tuesday, June 15, 2010
IT'S OFFICIAL. IZZO STAYING AT MSU.
Scott Westerman, Executive Director of The MSU Alumni Association, just announced that Tom Izzo will be staying at MSU. He announced this to the Southwestern Michigan Alumni Club at their annual MSU Steak Cookout at around 7:20 PM. There was never any question. SpartyOn!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Tom Izzo: A Michigan Gem who Belongs in East Lasing
Tom Izzo: A Michigan Gem who Belongs in East Lasing
June 12, 10:36 AM · Bill Amadeo - Sports Business and Marketing Examiner
San Francisco Examiner
Sometimes in life, we come close to perfection. Maybe it's a job, maybe it's a relationship or maybe it's just a fleeting moment that will stick with us for a lifetime. While perfection is rare in life, it is even more unusual when it happens in the world of sports. One such "perfect" relationship is Tom Izzo as the head coach of the Michigan State Spartans Basketball Team. Sadly, this relationship may be coming to an end. Consider this article as one last plea to keep the man where he belongs: On the campus of Michigan State University wearing green and white and leading the Spartans to yet another Final Four.
The Stats
No one can question the brilliance Tom Izzo has displayed in his coaching career. The man who began his career at Ishpeming High School in Michigan has evolved into the best basketball mind of his generation. During his tenure at Michigan State, Izzo has won a National Title in 2000, led the Spartans to six Final Fours and six Big Ten Championships. Tom Izzo is a role model for anyone in the coaching profession. If there is one quote which would describe his career, it would have to be one he made to the media several years ago. Izzo was quoted as saying, "We'll play anybody, anyplace, anytime. It doesn't matter, morning, noon or night, and it doesn't matter who it is." Is there any wonder he is so beloved in Michigan?
The History
While no one can dispute his accomplishments, the story gets even better. Tom Izzo grew up in Iron Mountain, Michigan which is located in the proud states Upper Peninsula (UP). Coming from the UP and evolving into a legend was no easy task but that is just what Tom Izzo has done. There are generations of Michigan State Alumni who look at Izzo as a hero and for him to leave his beloved school would be a tragedy in the world of sports. There are millions of reasons for Tom Izzo to stay. However, there are also 30 million reasons he may go.
The Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers want Izzo to be their coach. They have offered him a six-year contract with $30,000,000 in guaranteed salary. This will double his current salary and allow Izzo to coach at the next level. Rumors are that if LeBron James is coming back to Cleveland, Izzo will join him. There is also reason to believe that James is making a demand for Izzo. Only time will tell what will happen.
The Fans
The fans in East Lansing are distraught that Tom Izzo could leave and this is something they never thought would happen. One of the biggest Michigan State fans in the world is B.J. Rycus who is an alumni and the Vice President of Rycus Flooring in Lansing, Michigan. Rycus, who had a stellar high school athletic career and has coached at different levels is concerned that Izzo could take his whistle to the NBA. Rycus, like so many other MSU supporters, are terrified this could happen.
When asked his thoughts on the potential move, Rycus was quoted as saying, "There has never been a more perfect match between a coach and a university than MSU and Tom Izzo. The blue-collar coach from the U.P. matched with the Land Grant University. Tom Izzo belongs in East Lansing."
The Outcome
The objective sports fan has to wonder, is this really about money? Tom Izzo makes more than three million a season in Michigan and lives like a king. A move to the NBA could be a mistake. While his large bank account would get even bigger, what if it didn't work out?
Just as LeBron James belongs in a Cleveland Cavalier uniform, Tom Izzo should be seen pacing the sidelines of the Breslin Center. If Tom Izzo leaves this school, it will be a mistake for his career and heartbreak for the loyal fans of Michigan State.
Tom, if you're reading this, please do the sports world a favor: Stay in East Lansing where you belong and bring the MSU another national title.
As one MSU grad stated today, "The waiting is the hardest part." Good luck Mr. Izzo. In every sense of the word, the ball is in your court.
June 12, 10:36 AM · Bill Amadeo - Sports Business and Marketing Examiner
San Francisco Examiner
Sometimes in life, we come close to perfection. Maybe it's a job, maybe it's a relationship or maybe it's just a fleeting moment that will stick with us for a lifetime. While perfection is rare in life, it is even more unusual when it happens in the world of sports. One such "perfect" relationship is Tom Izzo as the head coach of the Michigan State Spartans Basketball Team. Sadly, this relationship may be coming to an end. Consider this article as one last plea to keep the man where he belongs: On the campus of Michigan State University wearing green and white and leading the Spartans to yet another Final Four.
The Stats
No one can question the brilliance Tom Izzo has displayed in his coaching career. The man who began his career at Ishpeming High School in Michigan has evolved into the best basketball mind of his generation. During his tenure at Michigan State, Izzo has won a National Title in 2000, led the Spartans to six Final Fours and six Big Ten Championships. Tom Izzo is a role model for anyone in the coaching profession. If there is one quote which would describe his career, it would have to be one he made to the media several years ago. Izzo was quoted as saying, "We'll play anybody, anyplace, anytime. It doesn't matter, morning, noon or night, and it doesn't matter who it is." Is there any wonder he is so beloved in Michigan?
The History
While no one can dispute his accomplishments, the story gets even better. Tom Izzo grew up in Iron Mountain, Michigan which is located in the proud states Upper Peninsula (UP). Coming from the UP and evolving into a legend was no easy task but that is just what Tom Izzo has done. There are generations of Michigan State Alumni who look at Izzo as a hero and for him to leave his beloved school would be a tragedy in the world of sports. There are millions of reasons for Tom Izzo to stay. However, there are also 30 million reasons he may go.
The Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers want Izzo to be their coach. They have offered him a six-year contract with $30,000,000 in guaranteed salary. This will double his current salary and allow Izzo to coach at the next level. Rumors are that if LeBron James is coming back to Cleveland, Izzo will join him. There is also reason to believe that James is making a demand for Izzo. Only time will tell what will happen.
The Fans
The fans in East Lansing are distraught that Tom Izzo could leave and this is something they never thought would happen. One of the biggest Michigan State fans in the world is B.J. Rycus who is an alumni and the Vice President of Rycus Flooring in Lansing, Michigan. Rycus, who had a stellar high school athletic career and has coached at different levels is concerned that Izzo could take his whistle to the NBA. Rycus, like so many other MSU supporters, are terrified this could happen.
When asked his thoughts on the potential move, Rycus was quoted as saying, "There has never been a more perfect match between a coach and a university than MSU and Tom Izzo. The blue-collar coach from the U.P. matched with the Land Grant University. Tom Izzo belongs in East Lansing."
The Outcome
The objective sports fan has to wonder, is this really about money? Tom Izzo makes more than three million a season in Michigan and lives like a king. A move to the NBA could be a mistake. While his large bank account would get even bigger, what if it didn't work out?
Just as LeBron James belongs in a Cleveland Cavalier uniform, Tom Izzo should be seen pacing the sidelines of the Breslin Center. If Tom Izzo leaves this school, it will be a mistake for his career and heartbreak for the loyal fans of Michigan State.
Tom, if you're reading this, please do the sports world a favor: Stay in East Lansing where you belong and bring the MSU another national title.
As one MSU grad stated today, "The waiting is the hardest part." Good luck Mr. Izzo. In every sense of the word, the ball is in your court.
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