Tom+Izzo

//**Expository Writing Annotated Bibliography

By Eric Z **// Anderson, Kelli. "**12 Michigan State.**" Sports Illustrated 17 Nov. 2008.

This article is about the beginning of the 2008-09 basketball season at Michigan State University. It starts off by talking about Tom Izzo's belief in a sophomore player who is one of the best that he has ever seen because of his quickness. It also talks about Izzo's belief in the team that they can make it far into the tournament and to the Final Four in Detroit. I believe that this article is very helpful because it shows all of Izzo's faith in his basketball players. That is one of the things that some coaches in the NCAA lack. The Spartans which are currently ranked in the top 10 nationally have lived up to his beliefs. It looks as though they are going to make a good run into the tournament.

Anonymous. "**Michigan State Gets Share of Title College Basketball Roundup Big Ten Crown In Hand After Win vs. Illini**." Pittsburgh Post 2 Mar. 2009.

This article stars off by talking about the Spartans win against Illinois to wrap up the Big Ten title. The Spartans won that game mainly because of the play of Idong Ibok. Ibok, who hasn't played since Feb. 17, came out with a big night and came out with the huge win. Izzo stated that Ibok did unbelievable guarding the Illini's star Mike Tisdale. This article is very important because like the other article on top that Izzo took control of a hard fought game by putting his trust in Ibok. Ibok, a grad student from Nigeria, obviously found a good spot mainly because of the coaching by Izzo. I highly believe that Izzo has taught this young man that you have to believe to achieve your goals.

Anonymous. "**Tom Izzo Biography**." Michigan State University Athletics.

This article focuses in on the head coach of Michigan State. Tom Izzo has compiled many accomplishments during his 13 years of coaching. He has took four teams to the Final Four and has four Big Ten championships. He was obviously a huge pick-up for the Spartans. I believe that this article is important because it shows that a man who had a dream to coach for a premier team can indeed fulfill his dream. Izzo, who attended Northern Michigan, played basketball and indeed used his skills and experiences to bring a team out of the dust and back into the national picture.

DeCourcy, Mike. "**The Minute Man.**" Sporting News 18 Mar. 2005.

When Tom Izzo's family took a trip to Europe, recently, Izzo stayed behind to study the team and the teams in which he would play against. He decided that instead of having his guys play 30 minutes, they should play about 20 so they always have fresh legs out there. He used his time to also find out who he believes is his star player. This article is important because it shows Izzo's devotion to coaching and his players. It paid off. They attended the big tournament only to be upsetted by George Mason who made a large run in the tournament. He is very inspiring.

Hayes, Matth. "**Sparty should've hired Izzo. Seriously!**" Sporting News 8 Dec. 2006.

This article talks about how when the Michigan State Spartan's football team was without a coach in 2007 the Spartans seriously thought about hiring basketball coach Tom Izzo. Even though that some of the people thought this was absurd they were not kidding. He never played football at the college level but a lot of coaches who have done well have never touched a football either. This article, I believe, is important because it shows that people really respect and believe in Izzo. They just think that his coaching is very inspiring and that he could make a difference. This article just basically says that Izzo is an unbelievable coach and person.

Morgan Jr., David L. "**Director pleased with second year: Event tops 450 teams, 190 college coaches; $2,500 goes to charity**." Akron Beacon Journal 5 May 2007.

At the King James Basketball Camp, Izzo made an appearance helping all campers to do better. He attended camp and was pleased with the turnout. He enjoys working with kids to better their skills to become great basketball players. At the end the camp raised $2,500 to go to the Boys and Girls Club. This article is important because it shows that Izzo is not selfish and will help younger kids better their skills. He has made an appearance at many camps. He also has his own camp in Eat Lansing. I seriously though about attending this camp because he is such a awesome coach who has proven that he is great at coaching.

Price, S.L. "**Lean On Me**." Sports Illustrated 20 June 2005.

This article talks about how Tom Izzo and Steve Mariucci grew up in the same town of Iron Mountain, MI. They pushed each other to coaching heights and to new heights on the court and field. It talks about the bitter rivalry they had against each other in basketball games. Mariucci was the head coach of the Detroit Lions. This article is helpful because it tells that if you have a dream about playing at a certain height, or in Izzo's mind, a certain coaching level, you have to go out and grab it. They were extreme rivals in school and it helped them out in the end. They are both role models to look up to.

Shelton, Shannon. "**Michigan State hoops picks up three coveted recruits.**" Detroit Free Press 15 Nov. 2007.

This article talks about the Spartans new recruits. They all were national attention recruits. They went to Michigan State mainly because of the coaching strategy of Izzo. They could've went to a bigger basketball school, but they chose MSU because of the skill and the possibility of them making it to a higher level. The reason that this story makes Izzo look so good is because it shows that a lot of good basketball players want to attend there because of his job there. He has really turned around the Spartans because of his recruiting of national players.

Shelton, Shannon. "**Spartans team with WJR-AM to aid kids.**" Detroit Free Press 11 July 2006.

WJR-AM teamed up with some members of MSU including Tom Izzo to help kids with disabilities. Izzo, who was not able to attend the golf outing, showed up at the dinner to sing many songs. He may have made a fool of himself but he helped raise money for kids. This is important because it shows that he cares greatly for kids. It shows that because of his singing voice he can raise money for kids. He is truly and unbelievable role model.

Shelton, Shannon. "**Suton soars after Izzo's furious message, lifts Spartans past Badgers**." Detroit Free Press 22 Feb. 2009.

This story talks about when the Spartans were faced with a problem against the Badgers. They came out weak in the second half, but then Izzo called a timeout in distress. He pulled Goran Suton to the side and told him to start playing like a senior. He took this advice and went on to win the game because of the great shooting of the team. This is extremely important because it shows that Izzo can be very hard on his players, but in the long run it really pays off. He is very motivating and will get his point across by yelling. He is a great coach who helped the Spartans come back and beat the Badgers.

Shelton, Shannon. "**Walton and Lucas picked to lead Michigan State basketball.**" Detroit Free Press 16 Oct. 2008.

After the loss of star point guard Drew Neitzel, Izzo was faced with a decision. He had lost his star player and had to find players to fill his steps. He chose Kalin Lucas and Travis Walton and sophomore and senior to lead his team. He told Lucas that he was the fastest player that he has ever coached in his live. That really motivated Lucas and he is going to make a big impact for the team. Izzo obviously made a great decision. Lucas is one of the fastest players and also rated nationally. Also Walton looks to do great when it comes to March with his great outside shooting. With a team like this the Spartans should make a late run.