Longtime Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo is largely known to be one of the most stoic coaches in the sport. But on Wednesday, he got emotional in an exhibition game after his son had an awesome moment on the court.
Steven Izzo, a graduate student at Michigan State, has been a part of the MSU basketball team since walking onto the program in 2019.
He has been used sparingly over the years, playing just 40 minutes combined over his four-year career with the school. He also came into Wednesday’s game without a point in his career, missing all ten of the shots he has attempted over the course of his career.
Steven Izzo was finally able to have his moment against Division II Hillsdale on Wednesday night. With the game well in hand, Izzo was put into the game by his dad, where he was able to get to the free throw line and finally get the first points of his career.
He was able to convert on both free throw attempts, which got the home crowd at MSU riled up in a big way.
Steven Izzo, a graduate student at Michigan State, had yet to score in any game in his career.
His father, MSU head coach Tom Izzo got emotional on the sidelines as he knocked down two free throws in an exhibition game on Wednesday night. pic.twitter.com/k9KFPX3H0Y— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 26, 2023
This caused Tom Izzo to have a big smile on his face after he saw the first free throw go through the net. That smile quickly changed to tears of joy as he enjoyed his son’s long-awaited moment.
The college basketball took notice of this video on social media and absolutely loved the wholesome moment between Tom and Steven Izzo.
Truly represents what MSU is all about. We’re all family at the end of the day
— Jeremy Langford’s Burner📱🟢 (@JLangstuff) October 26, 2023
Yazzzz go LIL IZZO!!! 💚🤍
— SpartanGirl (@susie_belttari) October 26, 2023
If Steven scores during the regular season the Izzone will break the sound barrier.
— URGreenWithEnvy (@URGreenWitEnvy) October 26, 2023
Nothing but net!
— Sean CD (@toastgrunts) October 26, 2023
Even Michigan fans appreciated the moment, which says a lot considering the rivalry between those two schools.
As a Michigan fan
And a son
This is a pretty cool moment
— ChopJr ❄️ (@JayVoSr) October 26, 2023
That’s awesome
— Upsid3dxwn (@upsid3_Dxwn) October 26, 2023
Since it was an exhibition game, it actually won’t count as an official point for Steven Izzo on the stat sheet. However, this moment for both Steven and Tom Izzo is absolutely priceless, and certainly won’t be forgotten by either for quite some time.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.