Tom Izzo - Research Paper Example

Izzo played as guard for the men’s basketball team from where he achieved a school record for minutes played; and so he acquired the name a Division II All- American (Michigan State Men’s Basketball). In 1991 he was inducted to Northern Michigan University as well as to Upper Penisula Hall in 1997. After completing the graduation from Northern Michigan, he undertook the responsibility of the head coach at Ishpeming High School for one year. Subsequently he worked as assistant coach and part-time assistant coach at Northern Michigan University (1979-1983) and in Michigan State in 1983 respectively.

After resigning the post of assistant coach at University of Tulsa, he returned to Michigan State. While the assistant Mike Deane got promoted to the head coach at another college he took the role of the assistant. In 1991, prior to the last seasonal performance, the present head coach Jud Healthcote elevated him to the associated head coach at Michigan State. Based on his performance and by the recommendation from the Michigan State Athletic director, he was promoted to the men’s basketball head coach for MSU (Michigan State Men’s Basketball).

As the head coach, Izzo molded his team members to tough players. His coaching strategy is entirely different from that of other coaches. He made his trainees fit both physically and mentally to perform in accordance with the changing situations. Izzo’s motto is that “It doesn’t matter, morning, noon or night, and it doesn’t matter who it is” (Tom Izzo. Cited in Amadeo) . He teaches his trainees to motivate each other by undertaking various responsibilities with intent to inculcate ownership feeling between them.

In his view, great players and good players are different; great players help their co-players to be more active in the field. His training strategy includes strength training, toughness training and conditioning. Izzo gives equal preferences to both physical and mental health of team members. By winning his 341st game on November 2009 he became the most winning coach in the school history. As a result, he could beat the previous head coach Heathcote. Even though he couldn’t make the tournament in his first two seasons, he could bridge the previous limitations by MSU’s record in conference and by winning the first of his six regular- season Big Ten championship in addition to the two Big Ten tournament titles( Michigan state: Mens Basketball).

In 2000 his team MSU won the NCCA national championship against Florida Gators. As a head coach, the whole players recruited and trained by him were allowed to participate in the final four, and among them eighty two percent completed their qualification from MSU with a degree. It indicates his outstanding potential in coaching field. This extraordinary achievement lifted his demand as a coach. To illustrate, by considering his great coaching experience, some other professional basketball teams and NBA pursued him.

However he decided to continue at his present position and informed his decision to the Michigan State University’s Board. This decision which would be good news to his Spartans indicates his real dedication to his career. During his outstanding coaching career, he was several times awarded for his great contributions to the game. His achievements include ‘Associated Press National Coach of the Year Award’ in 1998 and ‘Henry Iba Award’ in 1998, Big Ten Coach of the Year