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Izzo's Spartans Surge: Top 10 Ranking, Coach of Year Buzz
6 Dec
Summary
- Michigan State boasts an undefeated 8-0 record.
- The Spartans have achieved three ranked victories this season.
- Tom Izzo is recognized as a strong Coach of the Year candidate.
Michigan State's basketball team, led by coach Tom Izzo, is enjoying a stellar start to the season with an undefeated 8-0 record. Their early success includes significant wins against three ranked opponents: Arkansas, Kentucky, and North Carolina. This dominant performance has propelled the Spartans into the top ten of national rankings, achieving a jump from 22nd in preseason polls to 7th.
Tom Izzo's exceptional coaching is being widely recognized, with many viewing him as a strong contender for Coach of the Year. ON3's Jamie Shaw has ranked Izzo second in his latest college basketball head coach power rankings. Shaw praised Izzo's impressive work with the current Michigan State roster, noting four high-major wins this season.
The Spartans are set to face the formidable fourth-ranked Duke Blue Devils on Saturday, December 6th. This crucial matchup presents an opportunity for Izzo to potentially secure his first win against Duke in East Lansing, having a historically challenging record against them. A victory could significantly boost his chances of winning the Naismith Coach of the Year award, the only major coaching accolade he has yet to claim.
