Tom Izzo: Why "Mr. March" is More Than Just a Nickname
Tom Izzo's legacy at Michigan State is nothing short of legendary, and his nickname, "Mr. March," is well-earned.
With a resume that boasts a 2000 NCAA championship, 11 regular-season Big Ten titles, six Big Ten Tournament crowns, and eight Final Four appearances, Izzo has cemented his place in college basketball history. His 28 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances set a record for a coach with a single school, showcasing his consistent excellence over three decades.
Izzo's journey to the national title started in his fifth year as the Spartans' head coach, but his roots run deep at MSU. Before taking the helm, he spent over a decade as an assistant under Jud Heathcote. Together, they built a foundation that would lead to Michigan State's second national title, the first being in 1979 with Magic Johnson leading the charge.
In March Madness, Izzo's record stands at an impressive 59-26. His streak of 28 straight NCAA berths, excluding the 2020 season when the tournament was canceled, is unparalleled in Division I men's basketball. This achievement surpasses the likes of Gonzaga's Mark Few, Duke's Mike Krzyzewski, and North Carolina's Dean Smith.
Izzo's 28 tournament appearances tie him for fifth-most all-time and place him second among active coaches, trailing only Rick Barnes. His record in the round of 64 is a dominant 21-5, with just one loss in the First Four.
Recognized for his contributions to the game, Izzo was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on September 9, 2016. His eight Final Four appearances (1999, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2019) are among the highest for active coaches, further solidifying his status as a March icon.
As Michigan State gears up for their next challenge against NDSU in the NCAA Tournament, all eyes will be on Izzo and his Spartans. The game is set for Thursday, March 19, at 4:05 p.m. at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, and will be broadcast on TNT. With Izzo at the helm, Michigan State fans have every reason to believe in another deep tournament run.