Steven Izzo got emotional after a Michigan State win over Northwestern on Senior Night, thanking his dad for letting him walk on.
Michigan State may have not played their best game in their 53-49 win over Northwestern, but that feels irrelevant. Yes it’s important they got the win, but after the game ended I didn’t have one thought in my mind about how poorly they played.
The reason none of that matters to me is because of all the emotion surrounding the Senior Night festivities. This was arguably one of the most emotional Senior Nights of all time, and for so many reasons. But nothing was more emotional than watching Steven Izzo and Tom Izzo share their thoughts and feelings as the former’s Breslin Center career came to an end.
Steven Izzo gets emotional after Northwestern win
After the game, Steven Izzo spoke alongside Tom and it was one of the most beautiful interviews I’ve seen.
This moment is something Steven has dreamed of his entire life. I imagine Tom likely has as well. Steven has been around the program his entire life, but all those years don’t even compare to what he’s been able to experience these last five years. Steven said, “I’m just so thankful that he allowed me to walk on five years ago.”
Not only was Steven part of the team, he also gets to say that he’s contributed. Whether that be in off-the-court settings or the basket he scored earlier this year, Steven’s name will forever be tied to this basketball program.
Steven went on to further say that joining the team five years ago was “the greatest decision I’ve ever made.”
Watching this interview, you can tell just how close Steven and Tom have become. Even though the last few years haven’t been the best on the court, I’d bet they have been Tom’s favorite years as head coach by far.
I usually don’t get emotional watching interviews, but I couldn’t help but feel all the emotion from this interview. What we have at Michigan State is special, and this is just another example of that.