When the clock turned past midnight, Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo often waited for his phone to buzz. He always knew a familiar voice would be waiting on the other end of the line. Between completing late-night QVC orders, Flip Saunders dialed Izzo’s number to chat. The former Gophers basketball player and Timberwolves head coach, shared a special bond with one of college basketball’s all-time greats.
“He’s the guy that ordered everything off the QVC or VCQ or whatever the hell it is. He’d stay up all night and that’s how he bought his watches and his coats, I think,” Izzo said during Thursday’s press conference.