Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo reacts to a play against North Carolina during the second half of the NCAA tournament West Region second round at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C. on Saturday, March 23, 2024.
Michigan State basketball is back! Kind of. The Spartans opened up fall practices on Tuesday for the 2024-25 basketball season and Tom Izzo spoke to the media after to give some updates on his team.
Topics included the trip to Spain, Xavier Booker, Jaxon Kohler, his incoming transfers, the Northern Michigan game, and much more.
You can see some of his notable quotes from that press conference below.
Tom Izzo: ‘I like my team’
MSU coach Tom Izzo addressing the media before the second day of hoops practice. “I like my team. The first official day was good.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 24, 2024
Because of Spain trip, felt like the season already started
Izzo says “in some ways, it feels like we already have started” with the August trip to Spain. Kept rotation fluid to get different combinations there, which at times affected the team’s flow.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 24, 2024
Izzo feels his team is tougher than 2023-24
Izzo: “I think we’re a lot tougher team than last year.” But also learned the Spartans aren’t as tough as the Serbian pros they lost to in the final game in Spain.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 24, 2024
Xavier Booker up 22 pounds
Izzo says sophomore F Xavier Booker has gained 22 pounds in the offseason. “A lot of progress, which is very encouraging.” says Jaxon Kohler has “just leaned his body up” and has been a bright spot. Feels Fidler and Zapala have been good fits.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 24, 2024
On Izzone Campout, Midnight Madness
https://x.com/chrissolari/status/1838648098115195325
Izzo says the Izzone Campout and Midnight Madness will be a combined event this year.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 24, 2024
On Northern Michigan trip
Izzo on the trip to his alma mater, Northern Michigan: “I’ve wanted to do this for many years.” Plans to do some things with MSU team throughout the Upper Peninsula before the exhibition game.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 24, 2024
Izzo impressed by his guard play
Izzo says he’s been impressed with his guards Fears/Holloman/Richardson. “Jeremy’s health is probably 95%.” Explosion coming along much more consistently. “He’s made some steps.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 24, 2024
Izzo elaborates on increased toughness
Izzo on the increased toughness he sees from his team: “We’re bigger.” Says both Booker and Kohler are playing “more physical,” while Fidler adds size needed size on the wing.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 24, 2024
Izzo on hip replacement
Izzo had hip replacement this spring: “Don’t wait too long. I feel so much better.” Happier and healthier entering year 30 … until, he jokes practice starts so he can feel miserable again. Calls his 30th season at MSU “a blessing. I don’t have to be here, I get to be here.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 24, 2024
Izzo on going to the UP
Izzo on going to the UP: “That’s the advantage of being a Yooper. I called up there and said, ‘I want to play a game up there.'” Asked NMU to have the game at the Superior Dome, “an incredible facility.” “We’re trying to make it a happening for both (programs).”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 24, 2024
This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Tom Izzo addresses media, gives updates following first MSU basketball practice of the season
