WATCH: Michigan Spartans guard Jaden Akins imitates coach Tom Izzo while sharing his "mantra"

Tom Izzo is regarded by many in the college basketball world as one of the best coaches in the sport. He is also known for his mantra, which Jaden Akins made sure to replicate.

Akins spoke with basketball reporter Jay Bilas, conversing at the beach as Bilas did a rapid-fire Q&A session with the Spartan.

One of the questions revolved around what Izzo would get Akins to do during games and practice. Akins didn't need a second to put together his answer, even imitating the way Izzo speaks:

​

​

"You know his mantra. He's like, 'You got to defend, rebound, and run,'" Akins said.

What's next for Tom Izzo and Michigan State

Izzo is progressing through his 30th season as the team's head coach, having 717 career wins and counting so far. He's led the program to a national championship in 2000, eight Final Four appearances, 10 Big Ten regular season titles, and six Big Ten Tournament wins.

This year, they began their campaign with a 6-2 record. The Spartans have averaged 80.5 points on 47.2% shooting from the field. On defense, they have been conceding 69.9 points to their opponents with a shooting accuracy of 41.7% overall and 31.6% from beyond the arc.

Jaden Akins leads the team in scoring with 12.9 points to go with 5.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists on 44.7% shooting overall. Close on his heels are Frankie Fidler and Jase Richardson. Fidier puts up 11.4 points and 4.1 rebounds per game, while Richardson has numbers of 10.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists on 65% shooting from the field and 53.8% from downtown.

Coming out of the Maui Invitational with a third-place finish after beating No. 12 North Carolina 94-91 in overtime on Nov. 27, Tom Izzo and the Spartans will be on the road again when they play Minnesota on Dec. 4 at 8:30 p.m. ET.

​