Tom Izzo Will Take Michigan State Deeper Into the NCAA Tournament or Die Trying

The Michigan State Spartans were eliminated in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament by the North Carolina Tar Heels on Saturday. The result shouldn't have been surprising considering North Carolina is the top seed in the West region and one of the top-ranked teams in the country. That doesn't mean longtime Spartans coach Tom Izzo was satisfied with his team's postseason run.

Speaking to the press after the game Izzo vowed to not just return, but do whatever he needs to get Michigan State back where they belong.

"I'm gonna get back to a deeper run in this tournament, or I'm going to die trying."

Izzo had already shut down retirement rumors this season, but this quote is on another level. It signals to fans and alumni that he doesn't just want to coach at Michigan State, but that he wants to win. The question is, can he?

Izzo, 69, hasn't taken the Spartans to a Final Four since 2019 and they haven't competed for a Big Ten title since 2020. Last year they reached the Sweet 16, but that's the only time MSU advanced to the second weekend of the tournament in the last four seasons. Heck, in 2021 they were relegated to the First Four and failed to advance.

By Izzo's own high standards, Michigan State has been a disappointment. Maybe that's why he's willing to lay down his life to get the Spartans back where he thinks they belong. For his sake let's hope he doesn't have to be literal to accomplish that goal.

Stephen Douglas is a staff writer for The Big Lead.