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Posted 06/16/2010 at 02:43 PM
During last week's edition of the Power Hours on VI Radio, I stated with authority that "Michigan St. head coach Tom Izzo isn't going anywhere." You see, smart people make smart decisions.
And make no mistake, bolting East Lansing for Cleveland would have been a disastrous career move. Yeah, like as bad as Rich Rodriguez leaving his roots for Michigan where he'll taste a pink slip in the next six months and then never be able to go home again -- ever.
Izzo is Michigan St. He might win another national championship this year. He'll likely go to the Final Four for the seventh time in 13 seasons. Izzo is on his way to being as iconic a head basketball coach as the likes of John Wooden, Bobby Knight, Dean Smith and Coach K.
If Izzo had gone to Cleveland, the only way that move would've been a success is by winning the NBA title and winning it fast. Real fast, like within the next two years.
Assuming LeBron would've come back to the Cavs (for the record, I think he's leaving), the pressure would've been similar to what the Knicks faced during Patrick Ewing's prime, similar to what the Dolphins faced in Dan Marino's heyday. If memory serves, that heat ate up some of the best coaches ever. Names? Pat Riley in New York and Jimmy Johnson in Miami.
What if LeBron would've signed elsewhere? In that scenario, it would've almost been as bad as when Tim Floyd took over the Bulls after Phil, Scottie and MJ took off after winning a sixth ring.
The beauty of college basketball is coaching, chemistry and camaraderie. None of that exists in the NBA. It's a me-first league filled with high-volume shooters.
In short, it's not for Tom Izzo, who just made the best decision of his life. So rejoice, Spartans, the Izzone will keep on rockin'.
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