For Michigan State sports fans, basketball season couldn’t come any faster, and MSU’s media day on Tuesday signaled the start of a much-anticipated season for the Spartans, one in which they are being flagged as an early contender to reach the Final Four, and maybe even more.
To kick things off, Tom Izzo spoke to the media about his excitement for this group of guys. You can find the best quotes from that session below.
Tom Izzo opens up by praising this group
MSU media day starting now. Izzo not holding back with the praise: "I love my team. I really do."
— Kyle Austin (@kylebaustin) October 3, 2023
Izzo compares Jeremy Fears to Mateen Cleaves
Izzo: "Fears is my Mateen Cleaves 20 years later…has all the qualities to be a hell of a guard here."
— Kyle Austin (@kylebaustin) October 3, 2023
Izzo on star freshman Xavier Booker
Adds that Booker "has a ways to go" but has been showing progress
— Kyle Austin (@kylebaustin) October 3, 2023
Izzo on the team's culture
Izzo talked about a few things that will be a staple of his program as long as he's still the coach.
"We're going to stay a blue collar place."
Izzo wants MSU to remain as a relationship built program as opposed to a transaction built program.
"Relationships matter to me."
— Spartans Illustrated (@SpartansRivals) October 3, 2023
Izzo on the expectations for this team
Tom Izzo and his team are embracing this year's high expectations: pic.twitter.com/ZgZlhFJATW
— Spartans Illustrated (@SpartansRivals) October 3, 2023
Izzo on helping Haller find a new football coach
Tom Izzo hopes to have a role as Alan Haller hires the next football coach and says he's been a "sounding board" for hires in the past. He has great appreciation for Harlon Barnett and the job he's doing amid adversity.
— Matt Wenzel (@mwenzel2) October 3, 2023
Izzo feeling positive about this season
Izzo is … happy? pic.twitter.com/AGSd3TRjsU
— Spartans Illustrated (@SpartansRivals) October 3, 2023
