I've been trying to figure out how MSU has had a resurgence of success this year with no superstars on their roster. Very surprising considering they have been on a marked downward trajectory over the past few years. Izzo summed it up in this quote, snipped from an ESPN article. It seems to me that our own team needs to get back to basics too, beginning with embracing the "defense lives here" mentality. Food for thought.
"I always say, there are a million ways to win games, but the higher you get up on that pyramid, there's still the basics," Izzo said. "Just as there are for successful businessmen. Different jobs, different technology, but you still have to do the things that got you there.
"How does that kid trust us when he has parents and agents in his ear?" he continued. "I figured out, maybe I had to spend more time to convince them. Kids don't trust people anymore."
Izzo set up more team bonding, especially off the court with trips ranging from an August barnstorming tour of Spain to a Detroit Tigers game. He doubled down on individual communication.
"I want them to see me as the other side of the guy, but sooner or later I've got to say, 'Listen, I've been there, done that. If you want to listen to those idiots over there, or you can take a chance on me. But you have to figure it out.'"
"I always say, there are a million ways to win games, but the higher you get up on that pyramid, there's still the basics," Izzo said. "Just as there are for successful businessmen. Different jobs, different technology, but you still have to do the things that got you there.
"How does that kid trust us when he has parents and agents in his ear?" he continued. "I figured out, maybe I had to spend more time to convince them. Kids don't trust people anymore."
Izzo set up more team bonding, especially off the court with trips ranging from an August barnstorming tour of Spain to a Detroit Tigers game. He doubled down on individual communication.
"I want them to see me as the other side of the guy, but sooner or later I've got to say, 'Listen, I've been there, done that. If you want to listen to those idiots over there, or you can take a chance on me. But you have to figure it out.'"
