Michigan State legend Tom Izzo’s jersey retired by Northern Michigan
Tom Izzo’s Michigan State mounted a trip to Northern Michigan University for an exhibition game earlier this month. Izzo’s longstanding relationship with Northern Michigan prompted the two universities to come together on the court. However, as announced at the Spartans’ annual midnight madness event at the beginning of the month, NMU also planned to honor the coach by retiring his No. 10 jersey.
Michigan State and Northern Michigan played on Oct. 13. After the game, Tom Izzo and his family were called to the podium at the Superior Dome.
Check out the highlights from the events and other moments from Michigan State’s trip below.
Tom Izzo played for Northern Michigan from 1973 to 1977. Even though he had significant athletic experience in high school (track and field, football and basketball), his college journey began as a walk-on. Nevertheless, Izzo became a starter in his sophomore year and earned the honor of being the team captain for two years.
In the 1976-77 season, Izzo earned second-team all-conference recognition alongside being a National Association of Basketball Coaches third-team All-American and Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference second-team selection.
Izzo’s time with Northern Michigan extended as he was an assistant coach for the program during his early coaching years (1979-83). His work at NMU laid the foundation for his head coaching role at Michigan State, which he has gripped for three decades.
Tom Izzo has declined offers from NBA teams over the years
Despite offers from multiple NBA teams, Izzo has constantly chosen Michigan State and college basketball. The first instance came in 2000 after MSU won the NCAA title.
Izzo was pursued by the Atlanta Hawks, New Jersey Nets (now Brooklyn Nets) and Chicago Bulls. Atlanta led the pursuit behind a five-year $15 million offer. However, even before discussing bonuses and additional benefits, Izzo turned down the offer.
"I wish some of you could understand that sometimes we have to make tough decisions, and sometimes they're not in the best interest of everybody," Izzo said. "I do feel that I am giving up a great financial opportunity and a great dream to coach in the NBA, but it's not for nothing."
Tom Izzo was in 2010 by the Cleveland Cavaliers, who offered him a five-year, $30 million contract. However, despite the enticing proposal, Izzo decided to continue coaching young athletes on the Division I level.
Izzo was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.