Arr, ye scurvy landlubbers! Tom Izzo be makin' a grand spectacle o' the difference betwixt coaches 'n players abandonin' schools, aye!
2023-10-11
Avast ye maties! Cap'n Tom Izzo o' Michigan State be spoutin' 'bout his distaste fer this here NCAA transfer portal, whilst comparin' the reasons why coaches abandon ship versus why players be jumpin' ship. Arrr, quite the conundrum, says he!
The introduction of name, image, and likeness in college athletics, along with the transfer portal, has caused significant changes in basketball and football. However, not everyone is supportive of these developments. Michigan State men's basketball coach Tom Izzo expressed his support for student-athletes wanting to earn money while playing in college but highlighted the distinction between coaches leaving their positions and players transferring due to unhappiness.Izzo humorously mentioned that he has the flexibility to leave his coaching job, as he has paid his dues for over 40 years. He emphasized that most coaches make such decisions later in their careers, not at the age of 20, when a single person tells them to leave. Despite feeling unhappy at times, Izzo never considered leaving Michigan State. He has been the head coach since the 1995-96 season and has led the team to numerous successes, including an NCAA championship.
Izzo believes that being unhappy can drive and push individuals to improve. He expressed his discontent with the NCAA's decision to shorten the notification-of-transfer window, fearing potential negative consequences such as lower graduation rates. Izzo suggested that a 30-day window would have sufficed and raised concerns about the impact on current student-athletes when coaches have to quickly fill vacancies left by transferring players.
Michigan State had a 21-13 overall record last season and was eliminated in the regional semifinals by Kansas State. Izzo's remarks shed light on the complexities surrounding the evolving landscape of college athletics and the differing perspectives on player transfers and coaching changes.