Izzo’s unique consistency knocking on Final Four doors

PHOTO: Michigan State coach Tom Izzo opened his 25th straight NCAA tournament guiding the Spartans to a first-round win over USC. Visit my website homepage, TomShanahan.Report By TOM SHANAHAN It’s true a Final Four opportunity escaped Michigan State with the Sweet Sixteen loss to Kansas State, but that’s a backwards view – an over-and-back violation of the program’s 25-year streak of NCAA tournament trips. The drought, after all, is only three seasons! Plenty of schools and coaches –…

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Izzo’s heart speaks from Michigan State’s front porch

PHOTO: Tom Izzo speaking at Wednesday night vigil outside the MSU Auditorium. Visit my website homepage, TomShanahan.Report By TOM SHANHAN                              Michigan State interim president Teresa Woodruff acted promptly, providing a compassionate message about an unspeakable campus tragedy. Her leadership at a media briefing belied she’s been on the job only three months. Michigan State campus police chief Marlon C. Lynch also spoke, accompanied by East Lansing and Lansing officials. They praised the first responders. Their voices were transparent…

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The difference between Tom Izzo and John Calipari

PHOTO: Michigan State football coach Mel Tucker and basketball coach Tom Izzo prior to a Spartans' game. Visit my website homepage, TomShanahan.Report By TOM SHANAHAN John Calipari’s comments that Kentucky is a basketball school at the expense of his school’s improving football program not surprisingly drew an angry reaction from Wildcats’ coach Mark Stoops. It’s not that Calipari’s statement isn’t true. Kentucky has long been considered a basketball school. The problem is Calipari uttered a smarmy, self-serving comment.…

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