Tom Izzo during the game matchup against Wisconsin held at the Breslin Center on Dec. 5, 2023. MSU would go on to lose 57-70 against 23 Wisconsin.
As the 2024-25 NCAA men’s basketball season draws closer, MSU head coach Tom Izzo spoke with the media Tuesday afternoon.
The Spartans finished 20-15 last season, an underwhelming performance after beginning the year ranked No. 4 in the country. Still, MSU extended its Hall-of-Fame coach's NCAA tournament appearance streak to 26 before being eliminated by 1-seed North Carolina in the second round.
Entering his 30th year on the job, Izzo said what's different about this year's team is its size and physicality. In the transfer portal this offseason, MSU lost 6-foot-9 center Mady Sissoko but added 6-foot-7 wing Frankie Fidler and 7-foot center Szymon Zapala. The Spartans also have 6-foot-11 sophomore Xavier Booker, a talented shooter from the perimeter.
At center, juniors Carson Cooper and Jaxon Kohler are entering pivotal years in their respective careers.
“We’re bigger,” Izzo said. “Frankie is a lot bigger at the wing. Both Szymon and [Carson Cooper] have improved a lot and are more physical. Book's a lot more physical than he was and Jaxon is a lot more physical than he was. So, I think we are going to be more physical as a team."
Izzo said he's been pleased with the play from his two transfer thus far, referencing the team's August trip to Spain, where the Spartans played three professional clubs.
“Our two transfers have both been good,” Izzo said. “Frankie led us in scoring over there, averaged like 18 a game, and Szymon is physical, big, strong, 7-foot and can shoot a three.”
MSU's returning players, notably junior guard Tre Holloman and Booker, made leaps this offseason, Izzo said. MSU's offense this winter will likely be run by sophomore point guard Jeremy Fears Jr., who sat out the last three months of the season after being shot in his hometown over holiday break.
“Book gained probably 22 pounds. That was big for him,” Izzo said. “What I have in these guards, I’ve been very impressed with. Tre Holloman has been phenomenal and he is shooting it way better than last year.”
The Spartans shot 36.3% from the three-point line last season, ranking 51st among Division I teams. Improved shooting numbers this winter are vital for MSU becoming a team to fear.
MSU begins the season with an exhibition at Izzo’s alma mater, Northern Michigan University. He said he wants the team to see that everybody has to start somewhere.
Izzo joked about receiving hip replacement surgery in the offseason, labeling it an indictment on his 30 years at the helm for MSU.
"It’s a good thing practice starts so I can get back to being miserable," Izzo said.
MSU will open regular season play on Nov. 4 at Breslin Center against Monmouth, looking to make a late-season title push for the first time since 2019.
“I don’t have to be here, I get to be here,” Izzo said. “The best is yet to come and I really believe that.”
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