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I will no longer be updating this site and will now only focus on my new site.  Thank you for your support, my blog went very few visitors to developing its own constantly growing following.  Please continue to follow my posts on http://puremichigansports.com

Thanks, once again for your comments and support.

Website Coming Soon

I will be officially transferring my blog over to my website http://puremichigansports.com.  The site is under heavy construction right now, but should be completed in the next few days.  I will keep this blog active, but will eventually just update only on the website.  I will also be changing my twitter account from @joshalltrades to @pureMIsports.   Big changes are on the horizon.

Izzo Stays to Build on MSU Legacy

After MSU announced Izzo was staying, they held a press conference to make the announcement official.  Izzo spoke at great length about his decision making process, including why he eventually deciding to stay at MSU (he also took Q & A with the media, including putting Detroit News writer Lynn Henning in his place).

Although the Cavs presented the riches, MSU Alum Owner, and potential for Izzo to coach one of the best players in the world, none of that beat his situation at MSU.  He explained that he felt it was a greater opportunity to go out and recruit the next wave of LeBron’s than it was to simply coach him with the Cavs.  Ultimately, his decision was based around family and continuing to build an elite program.

Izzo spoke eloquently about the support he received from his Spartan basketball family.  He had former players, and coaches calling to offer their opinions and support.  As he reflected on these calls and conversations, it help confirm what he had built at MSU.  Izzo has been much more than simply the head coach of the basketball team, he has helped build a Spartan basketball family that has made the program stronger.  Yes, the selling point that any player who stays four years has made it to a Final Four helps, but the culture he has created keeps players coming back.  Izzo also spent time talking about what being a Spartan for life meant to him.  He plans on spending his remaining time at MSU chasing the Coach K’s, Boeheim’s, and Calhoun’s of the world, and adding more National Championship banners to the rafters in the process.  These were things the Cavs could not offer.

He also took the time to acknowledge his growing relationship with AD Mark Hollis and MSU’s football head coach Mark Dantonio.  He displayed confidence that the three of them have the best intentions of doing everything they can to turn MSU into a powerhouse program.  Izzo loves coaching, teaching, and building families, but he also loves winning.  He feels together this trio has what it takes to take MSU to the next level, an opportunity he had no real interest in walking away from.

Among the other reasons for staying was the Izzo family as well.  Last time Izzo was contemplating leaving for the NBA it was with the Atlanta Hawks.  He took the family to check out the facilities and as they were in the Hawks arena his daughter began signing the MSU fight song, not long after the Izzo’s were out the door at back on a plane to East Lansing. Once again his daughter Raquel played a role in Izzo’s decision explaining to her dad her commitment to the community and family they had created and her desire to continue to be apart of that.  When asking his daughter about what she thought she said  ”Gosh Dad I don’t want to leave, what about all of our ‘boys’?”  Izzo reminded her about what a great people person she was, but you could tell what she said next really hit home with Izzo “I know Dad, but if you went there they’d be my friend because of who you are, and here they’re my friend because of the people we built.”

At the end of the day Izzo showed no signs of regret and stressed how focused he was to move on and get back to work.  Maybe the process took too long and maybe Izzo didn’t say all the things Spartan fans wanted to here over the last nine days or at the press conference.  However, hearing he is a “Spartan for life” and is only focused on building the program to win as many championships as possible sure made all that time and agony disappear pretty quickly.

Tom Izzo Stays at MSU

After what seemed like an eternity Tom Izzo has finally made a decision, he is staying at MSU!  Shortly after MSU announced he was coming back Izzo said “I’m pleased to say I am here for life at Michigan State”.  He has finally turned down the Cleveland Cavaliers to stay with the Spartans.  Izzo has left Spartan fans waiting for positive news for just over ten days now, boy did he come through in a big way.  Early reports began surfacing from WDIV channel Four Detroit around 4:30pm and more reports kept on until MSU officially confirmed around 7:30pm.  I must admit, today I officially resigned to the fact that Izzo was leaving.  I kept thinking if he was truly going to stay with MSU positive feelings would have surfaced.  Apparently he was waiting for me to completely doubt his return before finally making up his mind (sorry I took so long).   After making the decision Izzo described the process as agonizing in deciding what was clearly an opportunity of a life time.  I am so glad to hear that he was able to reassure himself the grass will always be greener at MSU.

Izzo deserved all of the time necessary to make his decision, but the good news makes the wait more than worth it.  He has become the face of MSU, and single handily put Spartan basketball on the map.  Had he left I am sure MSU would have said all the right things in wishing him well, but it would have been nearly impossible to replace him.  With this decision behind him he will quickly go back to work and start recruiting the class of 2012.  However, I hope these past ten days were a outstanding reflection of how much the Spartan family loves him, and how perfectly he fits at MSU.  Please, don’t ever do this again.

Izzo Owes MSU Some Love

As the Izzo saga hits day ten, if Izzo is truly still contemplating staying or leaving I think its time he at least acknowledges MSU and a desire to continue coaching there.  So far we have only heard his feelings about the Cavs, I realize one could assume saying nothing would mean his old feelings are still in place.  However by saying nothing about MSU it sure is making it come across as though if he is leaning one way or another its with the Cavs.  This is fine if thats true, but then I think he also owes it to MSU to help them find a new coach or console them in some way since he will be leaving them high and dry.  Izzo has earned every and any opportunity that comes his way, but if he is/does leave/leaving I think MSU has earned his feedback and help.  Its one thing to be delaying a decision by trying to make up your mind/ wait for LeBron, but its another to have made up his mind and pretend you are undecided, MSU deserves that much.

Izzo Still Undecided…

Many people have speculated Izzo would finally announce his decision today, unfortunately he has not.  According to sources Izzo has come out and said that he wants to talk to LeBron before officially making a decision on his coaching future.

As much as I would love for Izzo to return at what point does MSU become tired of his wafering?  Izzo has all but come out and said I will join the Cavs if LeBron is there.  However it is starting to feel like he is taking MSU for granted.  MSU has shown a tremendous amount of patience gladly giving Izzo all the time and space he needs.  While Izzo is MSU basketball and has completely changed the landscape of all MSU sports with his integrity, personality, passion, and commitment to the school.  What is the breaking point of holding the school hostage for an extended period of time?.  I wouldn’t say he is there yet, but if Izzo isn’t deciding without talking to LeBron it will go on for over a month.

If Izzo was truly only interested in the Cavs job because of LeBron then when Dan Gilbert called him to express interest in his head coach vacancy why didn’t Izzo simply say ” I am interested, but call me after LeBron re-signs”?  I understand Izzo wanting to research the franchise, explore their facilities and get to know the Cavs owner and basketball brass, but if his decision is based solely on LeBron then why investigate?  Izzo has painted himself into the corner that he is either going to coach the Cavs and hope LeBrons re-signs, stay at MSU (Cavs have made it known they want to hire a coach before LeBron can re-sign).

Clearly MSU isn’t going to fire Izzo, but to suggest that Izzo and MSU’s relationship will not be affected because of this saga is insane.  I am not suggesting that their relationship is beyond repair, but I think it would  not be wise for Izzo to assume he can continue to leave MSU hanging with no repercussions.  Granted Izzo and MSU have spoken behind close doors about his future, but no one likes being someone’s second choice.  No matter the decision I am sure damaged control will be put in my place to make both Izzo and MSU come out smelling like roses, but presently this situation is not being handled very well at all by Izzo.

Rumblings on Izzo and World Cup

Sorry for the lack of posts lately, Tom Izzo has made it impossible for me to concentrate.  I anticipate a decision this weekend, just for the sanity of all of those involved.  Currently I am optimistic that Izzo will return, but I have little evidence to support this hunch.  Granted he is an emotional person who can’t be eager to let down the Cavs or MSU, but I feel as time goes on he will realize MSU is the only place for him.  To stay connected to this situation I recommend checking http://www.theonlycolors.com and twitter; specifically @detnewsMSU.  Both of these sources have been on top of up to the minute accurate news.  I will continue to post or rewet new information on twitter as well.

In other news the USA kicks off the 2010 World Cup against England today at 2:30pm Eastern Time.  This is by far the most important World Cup game in US history.  This partially represents the pathetic history of the US, but signifies the importance of their World Cup progress.  If the US can pull off the upset this would go a long ways to them advancing out of their group and into the elimination round.  The US have been unable to create World Cup success that would spring board excitement of soccer into the US.  Of all the countries participating in the World Cup, the US is easily has the least interested fans.  However if the US win today or are at least competitive throughout the game I would assume this will be the highest rated game in the US, even over the Finals.  No pressure boys!

Nebraska Joining the Big Ten

Reports surfaced yesterday that the University of Nebraska will be leaving the Big 12 and joining the Big Ten.  The news should be made official on Friday by both Nebraska and the Big Ten.  If the Big Ten had added Notre Dame first I would have assumed that the Big Ten would stay with twelve teams for a while.  However since Nebraska is the first team added that would lead me to believe that this is the beginning of the Big Ten moving to a sixteen team conference in the near future.

Nebraska football acts as the states professional sports team.  The entire state loves their Cornhusker football, (and lets be honest other than husking corn what else do they have to do there?) a fandom that rivals any other in the country.  Many fans will be concerned with how this move will effect the rivalries of the Big Ten.  However I think adding a team of Nebraska’s caliber will only create new rivalries.  Most teams in the Big Ten have two or three rivals, not just one.  All rivalries are influenced by competitive games, but most importantly crazed fan bases.  Having another competitive team to battle against and build hate towards will only strengthen the Big Ten.  Although they are not nearly as competitive in other major sports, the will instantly make Big Ten football better.  The Cornhuskers had a few down years recently, but have steadily worked their way back into being a top 25 program.  Obviously adding a team like Texas would have made a bigger splash, but the next few weeks should be filled with ongoing rumors of the Pac 10′s additions, the crumbling of the Big 12, and new additions to the Big Ten.

Latest on Izzo

Where Izzo stands with Spartans players:

Yesterday Tom Izzo met with his Spartan team to discuss an up to date report of his news report. He explained the interest level the Cavs have in making him there next coach, and that he is giving the decision his due diligence.  He also discussed the teams future and encouraged them to continue to focus on their offseason workouts and preparing for next season.

MSU Athletic Director Mark Holis:

He came out and said they would expect a decision from Tom Izzo by July 1st, but also reiterated that if Izzo did leave he would be prepared to hire his next coach “right now“.

News from the Cavs side:

Izzo is apparently heading to Cleveland today to meet with the Cavs front office and check out their facilities(still no confirmation of whether he is visiting or not).  Some relatively good news for Spartan fans, is that the Cavs have also been in discussions with former New Orleans and New Jersey head coach Byron Scott.  Its hard to figure if Scott is the Cavs choice if Izzo says no, or if they are going to go with whoever says yes first.  Both coaches would obviously prefer to know if LeBron was going to be on their roster before making a decision, but the Cavs seem determined to hire a coach before LeBron decides his future.

The Cavs obviously want to make the best hire possible, but I can’t imagine them waiting around for weeks on Izzo.  I would expect a decision is made by this weekend.  Yes, it is a career and life altering decision for Izzo, but by the end of the weekend Izzo will have all of his information about the position at his hands, aside from minor details about LeBron’s future.  Taking more or less time will not make this decision any easier for Izzo.  It appears the $30million dollar question is does he really want to coach in the NBA ( this year or any other year) and is Cleveland the right spot for him, LeBron or no LeBron.

Izzo Saga Continues…

The longer we go without hearing an official update from MSU or Tom Izzo the more I assume he is leaning towards leaving.  I am confident AD Mark Hollis and Michigan State University will continue to work around the clock to do everything possible to keep Izzo at MSU.  However I am starting to get the feeling that if nothing is announced by the end of the week, or sooner, Izzo will be leaving MSU.

I had always thought that if Izzo were to leave for the NBA it would be for the Detroit Pistons, because of his passion and loyalty to the state of Michigan.  I would now say the best NBA option would be for him to team up with an owner that would be willing to not only break that bank for him, but also willing to build his franchise around Izzo’s philosophy.  No owner would understand or appreciate Izzo more than Cavs owner Dan Gilbert.  His connection with the school and his growing relationship with Izzo would make for a smooth transition.  It has long been assumed that Izzo will only leave MSU if he can be assured LeBron James will be re-signing with the Cavs.  I am sure Izzo would love to have LeBron on his team, but if Izzo is truly interested in the challenge and allure of the NBA an owner like Gilbert might be just as important as LeBron.

Obviously there is no good time for Izzo to leave MSU, but right now would be especially awful timing.  Granted they have a top five team heading into this upcoming season, but with a team loaded with upperclassman it wouldn’t take much to leave their cupboards bare.  MSU would take a run at several coaches, a possible list has been started here, but they understand better than anybody there is no replacing Tom Izzo.  Sadly I think Izzo is realizing if he is going to leave for the NBA its now or never.  Which is why I think this story will continue to drag on.  He isn’t getting any younger, and he has no guarantee of what or where his next opportunity may occur.  Izzo knows and I am sure appreciates the opportunity he has to continue building an amazing legacy at MSU, but can that legacy ever replace the question of what if I left for the NBA?

If Izzo were to leave despite initial emotions I couldn’t help be happy for him.   He managed to turn MSU into an college basketball power house.  He would be remembered for his one National Championship, six Final Fours, and five Big Ten Titles.  Most importantly he should be remembered for putting the Spartans on the map and creating a family culture inside and outside of his locker room.  He has seen current and former players bond together as family, continuously returning to East Lansing and proudly representing MSU.  I am hoping he will stay, because MSU will not be the same without him, but MSU Basketball has become special because of him.