Izzo returns to Detroit, throws first pitch at Tigers-Yankees game

Detroit — MSU men’s basketball head coach Tom Izzo returned on Monday to the Motor City, where he threw out the first pitch of the Detroit Tigers-New York Yankees game at Comerica Park.

Izzo’s pitch lacked the zip MSU football head coach Mark Dantonio put on his ball when he partook in the ceremonial event last season. The pitch also was a bit high and outside.

But Izzo, who three weeks ago was across the street at Ford Field coaching his Spartans in the national championship game, still received an ovation from a half-full Comerica Park crowd.

“He’s got a lot of free time,” Izzo joked when asked about the velocity on Dantonio’s pitch compared to his. “I’ve been on the road working.”

Before the game, Izzo learned pitching pointers from Tigers manager Jim Leyland. Standing with his son, Steven, Izzo chatted with Leyland for about five minutes while the Yankees conducted batting practice.

Izzo said the last time he spoke with Leyland was after MSU’s 92-74 loss to Memphis in the Sweet 16 of the 2008 NCAA Tournament. Leyland helped Izzo cope with the loss by explaining that at one time he coached a team that trailed by 20 runs in an early inning.

Izzo, though, reminded Leyland that he has a bullpen to hide in during those tough times.

“I’ve gotta get one of those,” Izzo joked.

Although they coach different sports, Izzo said he’s learned a lot from Leyland in the few times they’ve met. He said he always enjoys conversing with other coaches about the challenges of their profession.

“Whether it be (former NFL head coach Steve) Mariucci or it be other people, I always say that you can almost learn more from coaches in other sports because sometimes when you talk to another person in your sport, (they have) the same exact thoughts,” Izzo said.

“When you talk to coaches in other sports, you think they’re different because they have a different way of presenting it.”

Izzo said Leyland’s advice has been particularly meaningful.

“Everyone’s respected him for a long time,” he said. “He has weathered the storms and has been a survivor.”

Lucas set to return
All signs indicate that MSU guard Kalin Lucas will return to school for his junior season.

Izzo said he’s talked to Lucas — the reigning Big Ten Player of the Year — about the possibility of entering the 2009 NBA Draft, but said Lucas is committed to helping the Spartans return to the Final Four next season.

Izzo compared Lucas’ attitude throughout this process to what star guard Mateen Cleaves experienced after his junior season in 1999.

“As far as Kalin entering his name, I wanted to make some calls but he kind of acted like, ‘You know what, I’ve got some more to finish,’” Izzo said.

“I think he’s smart to know that he’s not where he wants to be right now, but at the same time, him not even wanting to pursue is a good sign for us because I think that means he’s gonna be focused in on the job he’s got to do and is not wishing he could be somewhere else.”

Haircut update
Relax, people, Izzo hasn’t received his long-awaited head shaving … yet.

Izzo said he hasn’t revoked his promise, but he’s been delaying it because he didn’t want to “scare anyone” on recruiting trips he’s made the last couple weeks.

Izzo, whose hair is long enough to where he actually could use a haircut, also wants to wait until after his Broadway-style play debuts on May 6.