Given the surprising performances by the MSU men's basketball team Thursday and Friday, there already was reason for optimism in East Lansing. Soon, there could be even more.
Senior forward Matt Trannon, now free of his duties with the MSU football team, could join Tom Izzo's squad in the near future.
Izzo planned to meet with Trannon on Monday night to discuss the matter. The issue at hand is whether playing basketball would help or hurt Trannon's chances at making it into the NFL, which Trannon repeatedly has said is his career goal.
"There are still some concerns for him on the football part of it," Izzo said Monday at his weekly press conference. "I really appreciated John L. (Smith)'s support on it, because I think he thinks it would be what's best.
"I think Matt wants to. (But) there's always other people involved."
Izzo said he's discussed Trannon's situation with several contacts in the NFL, all of whom recommended Trannon play basketball.
Trannon averaged 4.6 points and 4.3 rebounds in 22 games last season, but was known more for his toughness and defense.
"He's kind of an inspiration guy for us," Izzo said. "He gives us some things that we don't have."
Izzo stressed that going from one sport to the other with no rest is hard on an athlete.
"You just never have a day off," Izzo said. "It's difficult, and I think he needs a little time."
Bear. Bo. Paterno. Rockne. Izzo?
Rumors surfaced over the weekend that Izzo wasn't just a consultant in the search for the new MSU head football coach — he also was a candidate. Is he ready to throw his name in the hat?
Izzo said he loves football, and recognizes the power it holds over a university, a community and even an entire state.
"Do I have interest in the football job? I'd have to say no," Izzo said. "But, deep down, I'd have to say, 'Yeah, I would.' Would I leave Michigan State basketball for football right now? No. I've got some business I want to finish."
"Someday? When I'm real old? Would I be (Steve) Mariucci's assistant somewhere? You're damn right."
Still seething
Near the end of the Spartans' 62-60 loss Friday, a Maryland shot caromed off the backboard without hitting the rim as the 35-second clock expired, but a violation was not called. Sophomore center Idong Ibok was promptly whistled for an offensive foul on the rebound, which turned the ball back over to the Terrapins.
Izzo thought the play should have been reviewed by the officiating crew to determine if there was a violation, but was told the situation wasn't reviewable. He's awaiting confirmation on the call from conference commissioners.
"There's something about it — it's not reviewable in certain instances, but every guy (I've talked to) said that should've been reviewed," Izzo said. "So I'm anxious to find out from the Big Ten or the ACC on that. Because if it's not reviewable, then why do we have things reviewable? What better time than a shot clock instance in the last minute of the game? It made no sense.
"And on film, the foul — I don't understand that."
But Izzo said the officials didn't take the game away from the Spartans.
"That didn't cost us the game," Izzo said. "It cost us an opportunity to have to win the game. A lot of things still had to go our way to win that game."
