MSU's shooting was nearly flawless in its win against Ohio State - and part of the reason why had nothing to do with the shooters' release, elevation or even whether the ball went in.
Izzo said the Spartans have become a better passing team and it is no coincidence their shots have been falling more. MSU shot 73.3 percent against the Buckeyes on Saturday.
"When you're a good shooter, you've got to get passes that are right there in the pocket and we used to have to be Michael Jordan to get those balls," he said, while moving his hands above his head and side to side, showing how the Spartans used to catch passes.
It doesn't hurt that MSU, with guards like Chris Hill, Kelvin Torbert and Maurice Ager, probably has the most deadly stable of shooters in the Big Ten. But Izzo was sure to point out the often overlooked basketball fundamental when he tried to explain how the Spartans shot so well.
"We really talk about a great pass equals a great shot," he said.
Freshman guard Shannon Brown, who went 4-of-7 from the field against Ohio State, said the pass is so important because it dictates the shooter's rhythm.
"You get a perfect pass and you really don't have to adjust nothing, you just catch and shoot," he said. "So if the pass is good, the shot is good."
MSU's improved passing is the result of diligent practice and a willingness to share the ball during games. Of MSU's 33 field goals against Ohio State, 17 were assisted.
"We do have some talented perimeter players, but they are very, very unselfish," Izzo said.
Junior swingman Alan Anderson, who often handles point guard responsibilities, showed significant growth against the Buckeyes. Anderson has struggled at times this season at the point, which isn't his natural position. He leads the team in turnovers this season with 61 and is second in assists with 64.
On Saturday, however, Anderson was more careful with the ball. He tallied four assists and only one turnover. He said it is a sign he is becoming more comfortable handling and distributing the ball as MSU's unofficial point guard.
As Anderson progresses at the point, the Spartans are becoming a better team at offensive execution, which greatly depends on crisp, smart passes.
"The same plays that didn't work for the first ten games are working because players play the game and they're the ones that get it done," Izzo said.
All five of MSU's starters had at least two assists, while sophomore center Paul Davis led the team with five. MSU's accuracy, combined with the Buckeyes' tendency to double-team, gave Davis many opportunities to boost his assist total.
"They were kind of collapsing down low... that left (my teammates open)," Davis said. "All I had to do was give them the ball and they did the rest."
It wasn't always that simple for Davis, though. Earlier this season, opposing teams were able to create turnovers by forcing him to pass out of double teams.
"But now, just slowing myself down and realizing who to get it to and who's open, and where the double teams are coming from, and the guys are doing the rest," he said.
