Back to the Michigan State Spartans Newsfeed

Tom Izzo won't take this NCAA tournament — Michigan State's 'final exam' — for granted

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Tyson Walker looked at Tom Izzo as they boarded Michigan State basketball’s charter flight Wednesday. Walker looked at his coach with a wide-eyed innocence and optimism about what might be ahead this weekend.

And it made Izzo pause, 27 years into his coaching career and on the cusp of a 24th straight NCAA tournament appearance, his junior point guard’s first.

NOT A FAN?:I’m not rooting for Michigan basketball and Michigan State in March Madness. Here’s why

Walker’s Northeastern team didn’t make it last year before he transferred to MSU.