No matter how the Michigan State Spartans basketball team finishes their 2015-16 season, Tom Izzo will remember this moment.
Winning is very important to Tom Izzo and his Michigan State Spartans, but that was placed on the back burner following their game against Minnesota. Denzel Valentine presented Izzo with the game ball in honor of his father who recently passed away.
Denzel Valentine presented Coach Izzo the game ball in memory of Izzo's father following MSU's win at Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/HkF8ZOfwA7
— Michigan State Men's Basketball (@MSU_Basketball) January 2, 2016
In most cases game balls are given to players no matter the sport. Yet, Valentine and the rest of the team were wise to give their coach the game ball after defeating Minnesota. Izzo’s 90-year-old father passed away recently and he was deeply touched by the gesture from the team.
It’s a classy and genuine move by the Spartans men’s basketball team to show Izzo they care. It’s a simple gesture, but Izzo will long not forget about his father or this post-game moment. It’s tough losing a loved one, but losing a parent is especially difficult.
Everytime Izzo looks at this game ball he will remember his father. This memory is just a sliver of those Izzo will remember as the great Michigan State coach continues to prepare for every game ball from here on out. In the end, winning is not the most important thing in life. Izzo’s celebration of his father’s life by receiving Saturday’s game ball will be remembered longer into the future than a regular season or any win at Michigan State.