NBA Rumors: Tom Izzo unlikely to leave Michigan State
By Josh Hill
The Michigan State Spartans’ season is over and done with following their defeat in the Elite Eight at the hands of the UConn Huskies, and now in the inevitable offseason of uncertainty has begun. With stars like Adreian Payne and Gary Harris eyeing the NBA, so too is head coach Tom Izzo who is in the thick of NBA coaching rumors at the moment.
But while the NBA is a primo destination for head coaches, some are starting to believe that Izzo won’t leave simply because he cares about Michigan State too much and wouldn’t leave it in shambles just to further his career.
That’s the theory that ESPN Insider Jeff Goodman has come up with after talking to those close to the situation and learning just what the feeling is on campus at the moment. Right now, only Keith Appling and Adreian Payne are locks to leave as they’re graduating but Gary Harris is mum on his future and could return.
As for Izzo, he’s likely to entertain NBA offers, says Goodman, but he’s unlikely to leave the school if he thinks doing so would hurt it. He may be chasing anNBA coaching dream, but Izzo has already reached the peak of his career and it’s likely only downhill from here if he jumps to the pros.
Rick Pitino tried it a decade a go and proved that he belongs in college. While Izzo could secure an über-payday by jumping to the NBA, he’s made enough money in his life to choose what he wants to do and it’s sounding like staying at Michigan State is what will happen.