Tom Izzo, the head coach of the Michigan State men’s basketball team and one of the most renowned and iconic characters in collegiate sports, has never been afraid to speak the truth. In a candid interview with reporters this week, the Hall of Famer discussed the most pressing issues confronting Michigan State basketball and its student-athletes as they navigate an increasingly complex and fast-changing landscape.
“The game’s still beautiful,” Izzo told the crowd, “but what’s around it has changed more in the last five years than in the 25 before that.”
At the top of Izzo’s list of challenges? The NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) era has changed recruiting, locker room relationships, and the conventional student-athlete path.
“I’m not anti-NIL; athletes deserve to earn what they can. But when that becomes the sole discussion in a child’s decision, we’ve lost something,” Izzo added. “It used to be about fitness, growth, education, and relationships. Now, it’s frequently about which school gets the biggest check earliest.
He emphasized that Michigan State is committed to assisting student-athletes in taking advantage of NIL opportunities in an ethical and sustainable manner, but cautioned against allowing it to become the cornerstone of a program’s culture.
Another huge challenge? The transfer gateway. Izzo stated that, while it allows athletes more flexibility and mobility, it has also hampered long-term development, both on and off the court.
“We used to raise guys up from freshmen to sophomores, and by junior year, they’d lead us to the Final Four. Now, if a child does not start quickly, he is gone by December. That harms both programs and children. “Growth requires time.”
Izzo also brought up the mental health challenges that today’s athletes confront, which he believes get little attention.
“Social media pressure, expectations, and solitude during COVID—there’s a lot. At the age of 18, these young men are no longer merely student-athletes, but also public figures. “That wears on them.”
Despite the challenges, Izzo showed strong faith in his players, staff, and the Michigan State community. He thanked MSU’s leadership and fan support with assisting him in developing a program based on accountability, resilience, and family—values that persist even during difficult times.
“What keeps me going are these children. Watching them grow, overcome obstacles, and become better men is why I’m still here.
As the Spartans prepare for another title-contending season, Izzo has made it plain that challenges will not deter them.
“Neither we nor the world are perfect. But as long as I am the coach at Michigan State, we will do things the correct way—the hard way. “That is the Spartan way.”
For more than three decades, Tom Izzo has weathered every storm and maintained Michigan State basketball nationally relevant. And, while today’s climate poses new and complex challenges, it’s evident that Izzo isn’t backing down—rather, he’s growing, adapting, and leading with the same zeal that has defined a famous career.