So if you were to ever Wikipedia Tom Izzo (yah know because you were desperately trying to figure out a way to put a positive spin on a blog reflecting upon a game that could only be described as pitiful), you'd find this description of his typical teams provided in the third paragraph.
"Currently the longest tenured coach in the Big Ten Conference, Izzo, whose teams are often recognized for their rebounding prowess and defensive tenacity, has won four national coach of the year awards...."
Recognized for...
REBOUNDING PROWESS
DEFENSIVE TENACITY
Mmmmmhmmmmm
Want to see what I recognized this past Friday?
A team that looked like the just beat a #1 seed and let it go to their heads, turning their brains in to lazy mush. Yes, I say-mush (tweet that as Izzo says). I saw guys fall to the ground and lay there as their teammates slowly trotted back to defense, and boys who stood a head taller than Columbia, stand their with their feet firmly planted on the floorboards as they watched in amazement as their unranked opponents pulled down yet another rebound. Staring at them as if the idea to JUMP hadn't crossed their MUSH brain. I recognize also that it happens. Teams have an off game and sometimes we as fans must just let out a sigh of relief and be grateful for a win. "A win is a win" is the common phrase you hear murmured after such a game.
I've always hated that phrase.
For today's purpose, I'm rephrasing it to- a win is... an opportunity for learning.
And the Spartans must learn that toughness has to be brought to the court against EVERY team and by EVERY player. I trust they have.:)
"I take it personal because rebounding is effort-related, and we're not playing tough right now," said Adreian Payne, who led the Spartans by grabbing 11 boards against Columbia. "That's one of the staples of Michigan State basketball is being tough, and we've got to find a way to get it back."
Know what I like most about that quote? That it came from the mouth of the lead scorer and rebounder of the night. A true leader says "we" instead of "they" or even "I" and that's the level of leadership the team will need to find their way back. In fact, that voice may make even more of an impact than the hoarse midget voice of Tom Izzo.
The team is fortunate, though. They've got a whole group of tough men practicing on the same campus as they do. What better models of Spartan will and toughness than the Michigan State football defense!? I can only hope Izzo is able to take advantage. Get ready for some football mindset, players! You'll be lucky if Izzo lets you wear pads and/or helmets as he gets you ready to battle for the boards.
Michigan State's top-ranked defense has built its reputation on certain characteristics this season.Speed. Toughness. Physicality. Violence...................."I think they all look at me and see the physicality, and I think that wears off on a lot of our players," Allen said. "To be on this defense, you have to be tough. Simple as that."
That's the opening and ending line of an article highlighting Denicos Allen's toughness.
Now you want to read more, don't' you!?:) Denicos Allen Toughness
Want to know what else was learned?
The Izzone DID show the prowess and tenacity that the team was lacking. Thank you sixth (wo)man! It made the difference when it mattered most.
Yes, this ex New Yorker giggled and ummm said a few unkind words to Columbia in response to their being duped by the Izzone not once, but TWICE! Who'd have thought the Ivy League school couldn't count backwards on their own!?
All wins are not the same. Some come with a victory cry, others with a sigh of relief. We saw this last week. But both came with great lessons. With Kentucky we saw how experience, teamwork, and talent can combine for greatness. With Columbia, we recognized that even the greatest veteran teams can go....mush, appearing to lose their toughness. Yet, if a team can dig within itself enough to find the strength and perseverance to grind it out from behind for a win....I trust that they can bring back the necessary level of toughness to take down future Goliaths...even if those giants are only their own egos or the pressure of a #1 ranking.
Need a boost? Watch clips from the MSU Kentucky game here
Favorite quotes from the past week:
“The Izzone was a lot aggressive than the players on the floor,” head coach Tom Izzo said. “I thought they did a hell of a job tonight … I almost got up and thanked them, but I didn’t want to embarrass anybody.”
"As a collective unit, we're going to make sure that everybody comes in ready to go because we know that if we continue this way, our season's not going to go the way that we want it to, and Coach is not going to be happy ," point guard Keith Appling said, sighing. "And when Coach is not happy, it's not a good environment around here."Keith Appling Quote
So I think Randle – what I loved about him: he gritted his teeth, was ornery and nasty, and he wanted to put them on his shoulders. And for a freshman, that speaks volumes. Nobody else did that. He completely did that. You could hear him talking. You could see it in his face. You could see it in his body language. Tough kid. Like him. Love him.”Izzo on Randle
“Yeah, we want to be No. 1 at the end of the season,” Keith Appling said, “not the beginning.”
Be THIS tough!
Go Green!
I wouldn't want to make Tom Izzo mad either! :)
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