IS TOM IZZO THE BEST COLLEGE BASKETBALL COACH?

He may be the top college coach that doesn't get his due. And I say this after his team eliminated my entry in the office poll. Thanks a lot Tom, ya rat bastard ya!!

Who had Michigan State advancing this far in their bracket? One person in our pool picked them to win, but I believe there were more who picked Duke to win. Or Louisville. Or North Carolina.

Look at the following factoids.

* Izzo's .756 winning percentage (31-10 record) in the NCAA tournament ranks third among all active coaches with 10 or more games coached:

1. Mike Krzyzewski, Duke, 72-22 (.766) 2. Billy Donovan, Florida, 22-7 (.759) 3. Tom Izzo, Michigan State, 31-10 (.756) 4. Rick Pitino, Louisville, 37-12 (.755) 5. Roy Williams, North Carolina, 52-17 (.754)

No offense, but on the recruiting trail Coach K is asking kids to go to Duke. DUKE!!!! Donovan can sell the Florida sun and the effect it has on the young coeds level of dress throughout the year. ADVANTAGE GATORS!!! Pitino has Louisville and it's tradition to sell. Roy Williams has North Carolina, a guy named Jordan as an alumnus and many other selling points.

Izzo has to convince kids to matriculate to East Lansing!! No offense to East Lansing but in this list of venues, you run a distant fifth out of the five entries.

Izzo is currently the longest-tenured basketball coach in the Big Ten Conference. Michigan State began a streak of twelve straight NCAA tournament appearances, which is the 5th longest current streak among Division I teams. During that run only Mike Krzyzewski (29) has more NCAA tournament wins than Tom Izzo (26).

Who knew the Coach Izzo was running neck and neck with the great Coach K?


And if that wasn't enough, there is this description of his coaching philosophies.

Izzo's teams are known for guard play, toughness and rebounding. Izzo got attention when people learned of his "war" rebounding drills, in which the players have sometimes worn football helmets and shoulder pads.

His motto is "Players Play – Tough Players Win".

His other coaching philosophy is that "he doesn't determine playing time, players do."

Even if the Spartys do not rise up and upset the Tar Heels, perhaps it's time to acknowledge Tom Izzo as one of the top coaches in college basketball.