Former Jud assistant Jim Boylan on Izzo’s longevity

PHOTO: Tom Izzo has cut down many championship nets, but it's not a number as great as the total of Big Ten coaches he has outlasted. By TOM SHANAHAN Many measuring sticks gauge Tom Izzo's success. Here's one beyond citing one national title, eight Final Fours, 10 Big Ten regular-season titles, six Big Ten tournament crowns and 624 victories: 53 and counting. That’s how many Big Ten basketball coaches have come and gone since Izzo took over Michigan…

Continue ReadingFormer Jud assistant Jim Boylan on Izzo’s longevity

From a snap judgment call to a call for accountability, we’ve come a long way with a long way still to go

PHOTO: Marquette coach Al McGuire (L), Jerome Whitehead (54) and Bernard Toone celebrate winning the 1977 NCAA title. By TOM SHANAHAN The basketball gods can turn quickly, even on a star athlete described as a “gentle giant.” March Madness is in full swing, making this a good time reflect on Marquette center Jerome Whitehead's story. From one NCAA tournament to another, he went from a hero, justly, to a goat (lower case), unfairly. Whitehead emerged a Final Four…

Continue ReadingFrom a snap judgment call to a call for accountability, we’ve come a long way with a long way still to go