A few days ago, my esteemed colleague Charles Curtis issued his definitive rankings of all the mascots competing in this year’s NCAA tournament. While I generally endorse Charles’ thoughtful rankings, it’s becoming clear on the first full day of action in this year’s edition of March Madness that there’s a new king of the mascots: Izzy the Islander.
You’re forgiven if you’re not familiar with Izzy, the mascot of the 16-seed Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders — not only because of the small offshore school he represents but also because he’s only existed in his current form for less than a year. In May 2022, Izzy was given a makeover after his previous design was deemed culturally insensitive. Now, rather than being a caricature of Pacific Islander culture, Izzy is simply the coolest dude who has ever lived.
The Corpus Christi mascot is the coolest guy I’ve ever seen in my life pic.twitter.com/OBqXO56j14
— Matt Scalici (@MattScalici) March 16, 2023
I want to delete beers with Izzy the Islander pic.twitter.com/yAxAB1Ezyu
— Dominic (@Jagerdom) March 16, 2023
There has simply never been a mascot this chill. He’s the kind of dude that makes you want to kick back and watch some MTV2 in the common room. The kind of guy who makes a fro-yo run at 8:45 p.m. on a weeknight. The kind of bro who, when you accidentally scratch his car playing Ultimate Frisbee, says, “No worries, man.”
He will, however, absolutely steal your girl.
Fellas, what’s stopping you from moving like this in the club? pic.twitter.com/43mi25JqgK
— Matt Scalici (@MattScalici) March 16, 2023
Cheers to the coolest mascot in the NCAA tournament, Izzy the Islander. Let’s catch up once all this is over, Izzy. I’ve got a six-pack of High Lifes with your name on ’em.
