Draymond Green, Hazel Renee Get Married; Stephen Curry, LeBron James, More Attend
Aug 15, 2022
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 20: (L-R) Draymond Green and Hazel Renee attend the 2022 ESPYs at Dolby Theatre on July 20, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green and actress Hazel Renee were married over the weekend.
As one would expect, it was a star-studded affair.
The couple may have had to tone down their original plans. Renee joked on the red carpet at the ESPY awards in July that the NBA fines Green had recently had to pay depleted their wedding funds.
"There's the wedding budget right there," she said, per People's Nicholas Rice and Natasha Dye. "If anyone wants to know where's the wedding budget, it's right there in text."
Renee told Victoria Uwumarogie of Essence she and Green first met while attending Michigan State but didn't have their first date until years later after they had both left the school.
"We went to a rooftop pool and hung out at the cabana all day, which is still one of our favorite things to do together," she said. "We hadn’t seen each other in a very long time, so we hung out all day, talked and caught up. It was really casual but also reflective of our relationship. We really are best friends."
Tom Izzo, Michigan State Agree to Contract Extension: 'Spartan for Life'
Aug 11, 2022
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA - MARCH 20: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans walks off the court after losing to the Duke Blue Devils 85-76 during the second round of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 20, 2022 in Greenville, South Carolina. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
Legendary Michigan State head basketball coach Tom Izzo isn't stepping away from the bench anytime soon.
The school announced on Thursday that the Hall of Famer has agreed to a new contract extension that will solidify him as a "Spartan for Life."
"Michigan State has been a home to me and my family for 40 years and I’m ecstatic to sign this contract." pic.twitter.com/PrQF0oOvpq
— Michigan State Men's Basketball (@MSU_Basketball) August 11, 2022
According to the university's press release, Izzo received a five-year rollover contract that includes "non-performance related compensation of $5.92 million per year, including a $2.43 million base (up from an initial $430K base on his 2018 contract), $3.09 million in supplemental compensation and $400K from footwear and apparel provider Nike." When adding in additional benefits such as airplane use, the total compensation amounts to $6.2 million per year.
"Twelve years ago, Tom Izzo said he would be a Spartan for Life, and today's announcement further demonstrates and renews this commitment," Michigan State Director of Athletics Alan Haller said. "We have worked collaboratively to come up with a contract which benefits the University, Coach Izzo and his family."
A 2016 inductee into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Izzo will be entering his 28th season has head coach of the Spartans in 2022-23. The 67-year-old has coached Michigan State to 24 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, a Big Ten record.
Izzo has been named National Coach of the Year eight times. Under his leadership, the Spartans have achieved 10 regular-season Big Ten Championships, six Big Ten Tournament titles, eight Final Four appearances and the 2000 NCAA National Championship. His career record of 666-267 gives him the highest win total of any coach in conference history.
With Izzo remaining in the fold for the next five years, the future appears to be bright in East Lansing. Per 247Sports, Michigan State's 2023 recruiting class is ranked third in the nation.
Gonzaga vs. Michigan State Set for Nov. 11 on USS Abraham Lincoln Aircraft Carrier
Jul 14, 2022
College Basketball: Quicken Loans Carrier Classic: Michigan State Adreian Payne (5) in action, shot vs North Carolina John Henson (31) aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) aircraft carrier docked in Naval Air Station North Island. Veterans Day.
San Diego, CA 11/11/2011
CREDIT: John W. McDonough (Photo by John W. McDonough /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
(Set Number: X86610 TK1 R2 F71 )
The Gonzaga and Michigan State men's basketball teams will face off on the USS Abraham Lincoln in Coronado, California, on Nov. 11 as part of ESPN's Armed Forces Classic, according to the Associated Press.
It will be the first game on an aircraft carrier since 2012.
Michigan State played on the USS Carl Vinson in the 2011 Carrier Classic, losing 67-55 against North Carolina. Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo called it "one of the most humbling experiences of my career."
"Obviously, we wanted to win and any game against a program like that is very special, but to me, the game was about so much more than just a win or a loss," he added in a statement.
"This opportunity to play on an aircraft carrier in front of men and women who serve in the military and are willing to put their lives on the line is an experience that is going to mean something to the young men who will play in the game for a long, long time. I said it last time and I'll say it again, we're going to play one of the best teams in the country and we're going to be hosted by the No. 1 team in the world."
The matchup with Gonzaga will be part of a tough stretch for the Spartans:
Bulldogs head coach Mark Few shared a similar sentiment to Izzo's about playing on the USS Abraham Lincoln on Veterans Day.
"This is a special opportunity for our program to support those who fight for our country in our own small way," he said in a statement. "We're excited to face an incredible program in Michigan State and a great colleague in Coach Izzo. I'm sure this will be a great memory for all of us."
In 2012, a number of games scheduled for aircraft carriers were affected by rain, wind or condensation on the court, causing delays or cancellations and impacting the quality of play. That could be an issue a decade later, though vice president of ESPN Events Clint Overby said plans would be in place in the event Mother Nature doesn't cooperate.
Bad weather or not, it promises to be a unique event.
"Those who serve, and who have served, know that the military is the ultimate team sport," Vice Adm. Kenneth Whitesell, a commander in the Naval Air Forces, told Kirk Kenney of the San Diego Union-Tribune. "I can think of no better way to salute our men and women in uniform than to celebrate this all-American pastime together on one of our nation's capital warships."
Draymond Green Shouts out Lakers' Max Christie: History Says He'll Be an All-Star
Jun 24, 2022
CHICAGO,IL - MAY 17: NBA Prospect, Max Christie poses for a portrait during the 2022 NBA Draft Combine Circuit on May 17, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green believes Los Angeles Lakers draft pick Max Christie is going to be a star in the NBA.
After the Lakers selected Christie out of Michigan State University during Thursday's NBA draft, Green had to shout out the 19-year-old on Twitter, noting that "history says he's going to be an All-Star."
It's no surprise Green believes Christie is going to succeed at the next level. The Warriors forward was also the 35th pick in the 2012 draft out of MSU and has gone on to have a pretty impressive career.
Another 35th pick from Michigan State. History says he’s going to be an All-Star 🤷🏿♂️
Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report
Player: Max Christie
Position: SG/SF
Height: 6'4"
Pro Comparison: Jeremy Lamb
Scouting Report: Though Christie struggled to make shots, high school and FIBA tape—plus a believable stroke—have teams willing to buy his long-term shooting development. At 6'4", he's a fundamentally sound wing who can hit jumpers off spot-ups, screens and pull-ups.
Green has spent his entire 10-year career with the Warriors and is among the most successful players to ever suit up in the NBA.
The 32-year-old is a four-time NBA champion and four-time All-Star. In addition, he was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2016-17, was the 2016-17 steal champion, has been named to the All-Defensive Team seven times and the All-NBA Team twice.
While Green's best basketball is behind him, he's still one of Golden State's most significant contributors. During the 2021-22 season, he averaged 7.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.1 blocks in 46 games.
The former Spartan was just as good in the playoffs, averaging 8.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.0 block in 22 games en route to the NBA title.
Green spent four seasons at Michigan State from 2008-12 before entering the NBA. He had an impressive senior season for the Spartans, averaging 16.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 block in 37 games.
As for Christie, he spent just one season with the Spartans before entering the NBA. The rookie guard averaged 9.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 35 games as a freshman and was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team.
But while Green believes Christie could one day be an All-Star, he has a lot of work to put in if he wants to make the Lakers' roster. In addition, L.A. is currently in a win-now mode with LeBron James and Anthony Davis still on the roster, so it could be some time before we see Christie crack the roster.
Draymond Green: Potential MSU-Gonzaga Game Should Be Indoors, Not on Aircraft Carrier
Jun 15, 2022
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 13: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors talks with media during a press conference after the 104-94 win against the Boston Celtics in Game Five of the 2022 NBA Finals at Chase Center on June 13, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The Gonzaga and Michigan State men's basketball teams are in "advanced discussions" to play a Veterans Day game on a San Diego aircraft carrier, per Jon Rothstein of FanDuel, but Golden State Warriors forward and ex-Spartans star Draymond Green doesn't think the game should be played outdoors.
This is tragic. Give the veterans a game inside a gym. Makes for much better and safer basketball. Playing in that game was incredible for the meaning, but the game was awful. https://t.co/uez2FTSoFd
On Nov. 11, 2011, Green and the Spartans played North Carolina aboard the USS Carl Vinson in the first-ever Carrier Classic. UNC won 67-55.
Court conditions were a serious problem. Jeff Eisenberg of Yahoo Sports relayed the issues a year after the game:
Each time a player dove after a loose ball and left a trail of sweat on the court, [ball boy Kyle] Kriebel would race out, towel or mop in hand, and attempt to wipe up the wet spot. The moisture in the air at dusk on the San Diego harbor made the task so pointless that President Obama even joked with Kriebel from his courtside seat that he had missed a few spots.
"We were out there wiping and wiping, but it was pointless," Kriebel told Eisenberg. "Eventually we just did it to look busy. No matter what we did, we couldn't get the moisture off the court."
As Eisenberg noted, other attempts to play aboard vessels have not gone particularly well. In November 2012, Ohio State-Marquette was canceled and Florida-Georgetown was called off at halftime because of court conditions.
In another game then, San Diego State shot 1-of-18 from three-point range and 14-of-33 at the foul line in windy conditions against Syracuse.
Still, it appears Gonzaga and Michigan State will take a crack at playing on an aircraft carrier. The matchup would feature two of the sport's blue-blood programs, as the Bulldogs entered the NCAA men's tournament as the No. 1 overall seed last year and the Spartans have long been a contender under coach Tom Izzo.
Lawrence Dority Pleads Not Guilty in Shooting Death of Former MSU Star Adreian Payne
May 10, 2022
VILLEURBANNE, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 04: Adreian Payne, #33 of LDLC Asvel Villeurbanne during the 2019/2020 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season Round 23 match between LDLC Asvel Villeurbane and FC Bayern Munich at The Astroballe on February 04, 2020 in Villeurbanne, France. (Photo by Romain Biard/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images)
Lawrence Dority pleaded not guilty Tuesday to a charge of first-degree murder with a firearm in the shooting death of Adreian Payne, per Chris Solari of the Detroit Free Press.
Dority, 29, is accused of killing Payne early Monday morning after the former Michigan State forward and his girlfriend attempted to assist a woman they knew who was allegedly in an abusive relationship with Dority, per Solari.
According to the police report, Dority told police he felt threatened by Payne, who he said was "making movements with his right hand in the right side of his waistband" and making verbal threats at Dority.
The report also said Dority, who is 5'8" and 150 pounds, felt threatened by the 6'10" Payne because of his size. Dority said he went into his home after the verbal altercation with Payne and retrieved his gun before coming outside and firing one shot at Payne as a means of protection.
"This man tried coming to my house, he cut around my block, and he tried shooting me. … He act like he got a gun, and I shot him," Dority said.
Florida is a "stand-your-ground" state, meaning a person does have the right to use lethal force if they perceive a threat to their safety.
However, a witness contradicted Dority's account of the events, saying Payne never threatened him. Police also found that Payne was unarmed and wrote in the affidavit that they believe Payne "did not pose an immediate threat to Dority."
Payne starred at Michigan State from 2010 to 2014 before being drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the 2014 NBA draft. He would play for the Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Orlando Magic during his NBA career before finding success playing professional basketball overseas.
Adreian Payne Dies at 31 in Shooting; Michigan State Star Drafted by Hawks in 2014
May 9, 2022
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Adreian Payne (33) drives with the ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016, in New Orleans. The Timberwolves won 112-110. (AP Photo/Jonathan Bachman)
Former Michigan State, Atlanta Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Orlando Magic player Adreian Payne died in a Florida shooting on Monday morning, the Orange County Sheriff's Office confirmed to Kyle Austin of MLive.com.
Payne was 31.
Orange County officers arrested 29-year-old Lawrence Dority at the scene of the shooting on suspicion of first-degree murder. Payne was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Payne spent four seasons at Michigan State, averaging 8.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and a block per game. He was excellent in his senior season, posting 16.4 points and 7.3 boards. The Spartans reached the Elite Eight that year. He was an All-Big Ten selection as both a junior and senior.
— Michigan State Men's Basketball (@MSU_Basketball) May 9, 2022
#RIP Adreian Payne. A truly great Michigan State Spartan on the court, but I'll remember him for this more than anything. https://t.co/M1Tc2TMCls
— Brandon Champion: Low Ego, High Output (@BrandonthaChamp) May 9, 2022
So sad to hear that former Michigan State star Adreian Payne passed away at the age of 31. AP was an outstanding player for Tom Izzo, and befriended Lacey Holsworth through her battle with cancer. RIP Adreian Payne. pic.twitter.com/YLXVGwINCV
Been to a lot of big events at MSU. Never seen a more emotional moment than Adrien Payne’s silent dunk in honor of Lacey Holsworth. Wasn’t a dry eye in the arena.
Payne, 31, has died. He was always understated, but a very good man. A gut wrenching loss. pic.twitter.com/vVEaLaONv6
— Tony Garcia | Detroit Free Press (@RealTonyGarcia) May 9, 2022
The Hawks made Payne the No. 15 overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft, though he appeared in just three games for the team before he was traded to the Timberwolves for a future first-round pick.
He remained with the Timberwolves through the 2016-17 season, though the team didn't pick up the fourth-year option on his rookie deal. He then spent five games with the Orlando Magic in the 2017-18 season but was released after an ESPN report detailed former Michigan State student Carolyn Schaner's rape accusations against Payne and MSU teammate Keith Appling in 2010.
No charges were filed in the case.
Following his NBA career, Payne played overseas in Greece, China, France and Turkey.
🕊️We are devastated to hear the sad news of Adreian Payne passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Rest In Peace 🙏🏿 #OlympiacosBCpic.twitter.com/hiVYWbsFPZ
He last played for Juventus Utena in Lithuania this past season.
Paolo Banchero, No. 2 Duke Edge No. 7 Michigan State to Advance to Sweet 16
Mar 20, 2022
Duke forward Paolo Banchero shoots over Michigan State forward Joey Hauser during the first half of a college basketball game in the second round of the NCAA tournament on Sunday, March 20, 2022, in Greenville, S.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Mike Krzyzewski's career has been extended for at least one more game after Duke's 85-76victory over Michigan State in the 2022 NCAA men's basketball tournament on Sunday.
After the defense looked vulnerable following a loss to Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship Game, the Blue Devils have been able to bounce back so far through two games in the tournament.
Michigan State fell to a No. 7 seed in the tournament after going 5-8 in its final 13 games of the regular season. Head coach Tom Izzo had gotten his team back on track with a 74-73 victory over Davidson in the first round Friday.
This was the sixth tournament meeting between Izzo and Krzyzewski since 1999. Coach K will finish with a 4-2 record against his longtime rival.
The game turned out to be everything college basketball fans could have hoped for. These two teams traded haymakers, especially down the stretch.
Tyson Walker's three-pointer with 5:28 remaining put the Spartans up 68-65, their first lead since midway through the first half.
Duke's defense made some huge plays in the final two minutes. Mark Williams and Paolo Banchero had blocks on back-to-back possessions. Williams' block set up a Banchero jumper that put the Blue Devils up 75-74 with 2:06 remaining.
Banchero's block on Joey Hauser led to Jeremy Roach's three that gave Duke a four-point advantage.
Following a Spartans timeout, Max Christie's pass was picked off by Wendell Moore Jr., who was fouled on his way to the basket. He made both free throws to extend the lead to 80-74 and essentially seal the win.
Duke has primarily had one formula for success all season: Get Banchero and Williams going and use their athleticism to outscore the opposition.
When the formula has worked, as it has for most of the year, the Blue Devils look like one of the best teams in the nation. When it doesn't work, you get a performance like the one they had in the ACC title game with Virginia Tech running them off the court.
Sunday's win over Michigan State was much more of the good Duke team, with only a few brief moments of the bad version.
Banchero looked like a potential top pick in the 2022 NBA draft with how often he got to the basket.
There was still some of the sloppy play that has shown up in Banchero's game this season. The freshman sensation committed five of Duke's 10 turnovers.
When Banchero wasn't getting to the basket, Williams was taking care of business in the paint. The seven-foot center has scored 15 points in each of Duke's tournament wins on a combined 13-of-16 shooting from the field.
Williams, the 2021-22 ACC Defensive Player of the Year, also made an impact on that end of the court with five blocks. The Blue Devils aren't known for being fully invested on defense, but Williams provided a small spark in that area to give their offense an opening to get the win.
The defense down the stretch was crucial in helping to set up Duke's 20-6 run to close out the game after Michigan State took a 70-65 lead. The Blue Devils' two blocks and a steal on three straight possessions resulted in seven points.
Having an offense with this kind of upside allows Duke to get away with lapses on defense. If the team puts forth this type of effort on the defensive end of the court going forward, nothing is stopping it from winning a title.
Late-Game Miscues Ruin Spartans' Upset Bid
When you enter a game with less talent than the opposing team, it's imperative to take full advantage of every opportunity they might give you.
Michigan State found its opening to beat Duke thanks to a surprising three-point performance.
The Spartans didn't make a living on three-point shooting during the regular season. They were efficient behind the arc (37.4 percent) during the regular season but ranked outside of the top 200 in Division I in attempts (19.2) and makes (7.2) per game.
Things didn't look like they would get better in the tournament. The Spartans went 7-of-26 from three in the first round against Davidson.
Duke's leaky defense helped open things up for Michigan State's shooters. They went 11-of-22 from behind the arc on Sunday.
The Spartans haven't made at least 50 percent of their three-pointers in a game since March 3 against Ohio State. They haven't made at least 11 threes in a game since Feb. 5 against Rutgers.
Things didn't go as well for Michigan State on shots inside the three-point line. It only made 37.2 percent of its two-point attempts (16-of-43). Marcus Bingham Jr., who shot 54 percent overall this season, only went 3-of-9 on two-pointers on Sunday.
After Walker's go-ahead three, the Spartans only made two field goals over the final five minutes.
MSU's two plays out of timeouts were a Hauser drive against Banchero (blocked) and a turnover. Yikes.
Michigan State averaged 12.9 turnovers per game during the regular season. It only had seven against Duke, but Christie threw the ball right into Moore's hands when the team needed a bucket in the biggest moment of the game.
The Spartans often walked a tightrope during the regular season. They were able to make it through to the tournament before finally falling against a Duke team that took advantage of its mistakes.
What's Next?
Duke will play the Notre Dame-Texas Tech winner in the Sweet 16 on Thursday.
No. 7 MSU Beats No. 10 Davidson, Will Face Duke in 2nd Round of NCAA Tournament
Mar 19, 2022
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA - MARCH 18: Julius Marble II #34 and Joey Hauser #10 of the Michigan State Spartans react after a play against the Davidson Wildcats during the second half in the first round game of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 18, 2022 in Greenville, South Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The seventh-seeded Michigan State Spartans defeated the 10th-seeded Davidson Wildcats 74-73 in the first round of the NCAA tournament on Friday in South Carolina to move on to the second round.
Michigan State's win comes after it fell to Purdue in the Big Ten tournament semifinals. It was an up-and-down regular season for the Spartans, but they are led by one of the best coaches in the game in Tom Izzo.
The Wildcats put up a good fight in a back-and-forth game against the Spartans, but Michigan State was able to pull away late in the final frame thanks to a monster performance from Joey Hauser.
Much of Friday's game between the Spartans and Wildcats was back-and-forth, but through all of the madness, one MSU player remained consistent through both halves to help his team reach the second round.
Joey Hauser, a senior forward, put together his best performance of the season to help Michigan State defeat Davidson. He notched a season-high 27 points, in addition to eight rebounds and two assists on nine-of-12 shooting from the floor and four-of-six shooting from deep.
Entering Friday's game, Hauser was averaging just 6.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists on 43.1 percent shooting from the floor this season.
Hauser's performance shouldn't necessarily be surprising, though. The Spartans love to play through their big men, and two of their top three scorers this season are forwards. While Hauser isn't one of the two, the team needed him to elevate his game against a Davidson team that relies heavily on its guards for offensive production.
But while Hauser had a strong performance, the Spartans will need their best players to step up in the second round against a Duke team that is trying to send head coach Mike Krzyzewski, who will retire after this season, out on a high note.
Gabe Brown, the team's leading scorer this season, finished with just 12 points, one rebound and three assists against the Wildcats, while Max Christie finished with two points, two rebounds and one assist.
Davidson's Impeccable Three-Point Shooting Not Enough
Davidson has relied on its three-point shooting for the entire 2021-22 season, and even though they had a solid shooting performance from deep on Friday, it wasn't enough to beat a gritty Spartans team that took over in the final moments of the game.
The Wildcats displayed their highly efficient offense throughout the night, making 10 of 25 shots from deep. Their three-point shooting was close to their season average of 38.4 percent from deep.
Davidson's shooting from the floor was a different story. While the team did make 46.6 percent of its shots from the field, it struggled to get simple baskets in the paint down the stretch, and that's part of the reason they lost on Friday.
In addition, if Davidson played just slightly better defense on Hauser, it could have been a much different game.
Regardless, the Wildcats' season is now over, and it's time for them to reset for the 2022-23 season in hopes of reaching the NCAA tournament for the second straight year.
What's Next?
The Spartans will move on to face the No. 2 Duke Blue Devils in the second round.
Michigan State's Tom Izzo Breaks Bob Knight's Record for Most Wins at Big Ten School
Mar 6, 2022
COLUMBUS, OH - MARCH 03: Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo looks on during the game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan State Spartans at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio on March 3, 2022. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Michigan State men's basketball coach Tom Izzo broke former Indiana coach Bob Knight's record for the most wins at a Big Ten school with the Spartans' 77-67 win over the Maryland Terrapins on Sunday.
— Michigan State Men's Basketball (@MSU_Basketball) March 6, 2022
Izzo's Spartans entered halftime up by 20 points. However, the Terrapins cut into the lead and were trailing by just three points midway through the second half. Strong performances from Malik Hall, Tyson Walker and Marcus Bingham Jr., though, helped seal the victory.
Sunday's win marked the Spartans' first since a 68-65 win over then-No. 4 Purdue on Feb. 26, when Izzo tied Knight's record. They will now be the No. 7 seed in the Big Ten tournament and are set to face Maryland in a quarterfinals rematch after finishing the regular season with a 20-11 record.
Izzo has been head coach of the Spartans since 1995 and owns a 663-265 record. He has led Michigan State to 23 NCAA Tournament appearances, eight Final Four appearances and one NCAA title (2000).
In addition, Izzo was enshrined in The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 and is a three-time Big Ten Coach of the Year, two-time NABC Coach of the Year and one-time AP Coach of the Year.
Knight, meanwhile, is considered by many as an icon in college basketball. He coached at Indiana from 1971 to 2000 and still owns the record for wins against Big Ten opponents with 353 conference wins. Izzo has 322 wins against Big Ten teams.
In addition, Knight won three titles, and made five Final Four appearances.
