BASKETBALL

Michigan State basketball: It’s time for a Tom Izzo wardrobe change

Tom Izzo is just better in a suit (half-joking).

Published

10 months ago

February 28, 2024

MSUMan

Joking or not, there is a Michigan State basketball movement on social media to get Tom Izzo to wear a suit again.

There’s certainly been a fair share of ups and downs to this season for Michigan State basketball. After dropping two winnable games at home against Iowa and Ohio State, the Spartans’ tournament chances seem to be on the ropes (or ‘bubble’ nowadays). With three games left in the season, I have to imagine that Michigan State needs to win at least two to have a fighting chance at dancing next month.

I think we all agree that we’ve seen a decline within our beloved basketball program the last four years. But what’s changed?

Rebounding has not been a strength like it’s been historically, the Spartans play far slower, and they lack the ‘dawg’ mentality. Oh, and COVID-19 changed the way Tom Izzo dresses.

COVID-19 protocols called for less formal wear and since the pandemic has come and gone, many coaches continued coaching in quarter-zips and team branded ‘athleisure-wear’. The suits collected dust in the closets. Izzo’s included.

I’m here to say:

It’s time for an intervention.
It’s time to get back to our roots.
It’s time for Tom Izzo to wear a suit again.

I’m sure you’re thinking ‘oh that’s silly, a suit has no outcome on the game,’ but I’m here to tell you, you’re wrong. Numbers don’t lie. See below.

Tom Izzo in a suit (1995-20, 25 yrs):

• 628-241 record (.723 win pct)
• 2000 Nat’l 🏆
• 8x Final Four
• 10x B1G 🏆
• 14 25+ win seasons

Tom Izzo in a quarter zip (2020-pres, 4 yrs):

• 73-48 record (.653 win pct)
• 3x NCAA Tourn app

A missing ingredient in East Lansing? pic.twitter.com/M9ytLrNT88

— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) February 10, 2024

If you’re not the sharpest tool in the shed like me and numbers scare you, then let’s talk vibes.

Almost every iconic Izzo moment has featured him in either a suit or a sport coat.

His national title in 2000
All eight of his Final Fours
Every hard coaching moment with a player that has been blown out of proportion (Aaron Henry)

Just think about it, has MSU basketball had a positive unforgettable moment since Izzo chose to dress for comfort?

Sure, last year’s Sweet 16 run was nice but outside of that I associate the quarter zip with a cancelled 2020 NCAA Tournament and multiple Michigan State basketball teams that have had to scratch and claw to keep the tournament streak alive.

As a fanbase, we have to say enough is enough. We must be loud so our voices are heard. We must start showing up to games in suits — the entire Izzone dressed in sport coats. The future of our beloved coach — and program — depends on us.

Together, we have the power to enact change and help our team bring Tom Izzo his second national championship he so rightly deserves.