Tom Izzo rips down the NCAA’s decision to allow G League players in college ball
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Michigan State men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo ripped into the NCAA’s recent decision to allow former NBA G League players to play college ball.
Thierry Darlan, 21, committed to Santa Clara last month after spending parts of two seasons in the Premier League, while London Johnson, who spent three seasons in the league, will come to Louisville.
Today’s college basketball “has no rules,” and “kids are not the problem, we are the problem,” Izzo said.
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Michigan State coach Tom Izzo walks off the court after a 70-64 loss to Auburn in the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Tournament at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, Sunday, March 30, 2025. (Junfu Han/USA Today Network via Imagen Images)
“I’m going to get myself in trouble,” Izzo told reporters Tuesday. “I’m not really excited about the NCAA or anyone making these decisions, without talking to us, just leave it. They’re afraid they’re going to get sued.” Via ESPN.
“Someone will say, ‘Well, if they turn pro and it doesn’t work out, they should be able to come back.’ Well, what about the freshmen you recruited there? This is somebody’s son and he thinks he’s got himself a good spot, and all of a sudden, Shazam pulls their hat and brings in a 21 or 22 year old (from the G League). To me, this is ridiculous. “It’s embarrassing.”
Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo gestures during the second half of the game against New Mexico in the second round of the NCAA men’s college basketball tournament Sunday, March 23, 2025, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogroki)
Draymond Green was called for a technical foul off the bench less than 7 minutes before the start of the NBA season
“And I love my job. I don’t respect my profession, and I don’t respect people who do it. Whoever made those decisions because they’re afraid a lawyer will sue them, sooner or later, you’re going to have to fight the fight. … Maybe I’m the dumb one, but I would never agree to these things.”
Izzo said the NCAA “has to regroup” and once again absolve the players themselves of any blame.
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo takes a look at his pre-NCAA practice day Men’s Basketball tournament at Spectrum Center on March 20, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
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He said: “I will not be angry with the players. I will be angry with the adults in the room.” “So don’t blame the players anymore. Blame the adults who make the decisions, who allow some of these ridiculous things to happen. And then the unintended consequences hurt the kids who are trying to do it the right way through the process, not jumping the gun.”
Izzo’s Spartans made it to the Elite Eight last season but lost to Auburn.
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