Listen. I love Tom Izzo and the Michigan State Spartans. He’s fantastic for the university and community. Having been around for their 2000 National Championship win, I have a special place in my heart for these guys. I graduated from Michigan State, too, so it’s nothing but Spartan pride and love here. But, I can’t help but notice Izzo is too negative about his team, at least publicly, when speaking to the press after games.

Michigan State beat rivals Michigan on the road in Ann Arbor on Friday, February 21. It was a huge win, not just because it was a rivalry. Michigan was also the No. 1 team in the Big 10, just ahead of Michigan State at No. 2. So, that win secured the top spot for MSU.

Tom Izzo Postgame Comments: Michigan vs. Michigan State

But, after the game, he actually said to the media that “I thought in the first half we were awful.” How could he say something like that after such a heartwarming win? I mean, Michigan was supposed to win this one. Izzo should have been all praise for his team, and I can’t imagine what he would have said if the team had lost.

Now, here’s the full comments from Izzo, to put the “I thought in the first half we were awful” statement into context. He does praise the team in this comment, but still, I wish he had just not said the negative stuff. It’s not a way to build a team up. It makes me even more impressed with how well this year’s team is playing, despite negativity.

“Most of the credit should go to my assistant coaches and my players,” Izzo said following the win per USA Today. “You know the job they did with the quick turnarounds and what they went through was unbelievable. We beat a damn good team today. They are hard to guard. They missed some shots, too. I thought in the first half we were awful. We only had the one guy, Jase, that played well. And when I went in at halftime I said we’ve got a chance, because I thought we’d be about 15 down the way we played…”

I mean, he actually said he thought they’d be down 15 at half because of “the way we played.” Not nice.

Making Threes Was a ‘Miracle the Way We’ve Been Shooting Lately’

He continued, stating, “Maybe they didn’t make some shots, although they shot 53-percent, but the turnovers we had that led to touchdowns were ridiculous. So we felt that if we could just do a few things, move the ball a little better, make some shots, which for us, to make that many threes is a miracle the way we’ve been shooting lately…”

A miracle? C’mon, Izzo. That’s harsh.

Izzo continued, “I really felt like Tre Holloman did a hell of a job and Jase Richardson was unbelievable. And we got lucky, you know, Jeremy banks in a shot… They missed a couple of shots I think they normally hit. Well-coached team, they changed it up on us, went zone and man, but I thought our guys responded after a couple of tough runs.”

Sure, the Spartans had some bad turnovers early in the game, but they actually won and fought hard for that win. It’s almost like a parent who never fully gives their kid praise and acceptance, no matter how well they do.

Izzo, I love you. You’re great for MSU and an icon. But, please be nicer to your team. They deserve it.