Steven Izzo Participates in Final Michigan State Home Game Amid Win Over Northwestern – Sky Bulletin
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In an emotional farewell at the Breslin Center, Steven Izzo, the progeny of Michigan State‘s head coach Tom Izzo, donned the Spartan green and white for one last home victory, a 53-49 triumph over Northwestern on Wednesday night.
Throughout his five-year tenure, the 5-foot-8, 150-pound guard primarily contributed spirit from the sidelines unless rallying his teammates as a cheerleader.
“I didn’t care,” Steven Izzo remarked postgame, having posed for numerous photos with kin and a framed jersey. “I just wanted to win.”
By defeating the Wildcats (20-9, 11-8), the Spartans (18-12, 10-9 Big Ten) boosted their prospects of securing a place in their 26th consecutive NCAA Tournament, especially after overcoming an eight-point first-half deficit.
The gravity of the game weighed on Tom Izzo. “It was an emotional day. Chris Collins said, ‘I’ve experienced this with my father, and my son is here as a manager. Just make sure you enjoy this moment with your son.’ That’s class,” he reflected courtside.
While seniors Tyson Walker, A.J. Hoggard, Malik Hall, and Mady Sissoko took the floor to start, Steven Izzo and Davis Smith, son of former Spartan and NBA notable Steve Smith, observed the tight affair from the bench.
The post-game festivities were a collective celebration for every player, from starters to rarely played reserves.
“I’ve witnessed countless Senior Nights, yet this one will remain particularly memorable,” expressed Lupe Izzo during halftime.
As per tradition initiated by Shawn Respert in 1995, each senior honored the program with a midcourt logo kiss during the postgame tribute.
For Steven Izzo, whose full name is Steven Thomas Mateen Izzo, this ritual was a dream realized. Born in West Virginia in 2000, just months after Michigan State’s national championship, he was welcomed into the Izzo family through the aid of Nick Saban.
Accompanying his father on recruiting trips, including a memorable 2012 visit to Chicago, was one way Steven stayed connected to the program.
Despite a modest on-court contribution as a walk-on former Lansing Catholic High School player, recent play against Rutgers highlighted Steven’s five-season tenure, marked by an electrifying floater that drew one of the loudest cheers inside Breslin.
Averaging 0.4 points per game, tied for last on the team with Nick Sanders, Steven also added half a rebound in eight games this season.
Raquel Izzo McDonald, Steven’s sister, shared, “I’m really happy that he’s gotten to spend this time with our dad that we didn’t when we were younger.”
Now, both Izzo men cherish the memories formed together through Spartan basketball.
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FAQ Section
Q: Did Steven Izzo play during his final home game at Michigan State?
A: No, similar to most of his career, he did not play but was suited up and cheered from the bench.
Q: How significant was the win over Northwestern for Michigan State?
A: The win was crucial for Michigan State as it helped to boost their chances of appearing in their 26th straight NCAA Tournament.
Q: What is the significance of the midcourt logo kiss tradition?
A: The tradition was started by Shawn Respert in 1995, where each senior kisses the school’s logo at midcourt to honor their time and commitment to the program.
Q: How has Steven Izzo been a part of the Michigan State basketball program over the years?
A: Steven Izzo grew up around the program, accompanying his father on recruiting trips and served as a manager during his middle and high school years before walking on to the basketball team.
Q: How many points did Steven Izzo average in his final season?
A: Steven Izzo averaged 0.4 points per game in his final season.
Conclusion
The culmination of Steven Izzo’s journey with the Michigan State Spartans underscores the personal and familial connections that can permeate the world of collegiate athletics. His final home game at Michigan State was less about personal glory and more about the collective spirit and memories forged over five years—both for him and his legendary father, Coach Tom Izzo. As the Spartans move forward into the postseason, they will carry not only their aspirations for success but also the legacy of players like Steven who have embodied the heart and soul of the team beyond the hardwood.
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