If you happen to follow the Michigan State basketball program, you are well aware that Tom Izzo is very tough on his players and does whatever it takes to get the most out of each and every one of them. He is like a father figure to the young men he coaches and for that, he should be commended.
Recently, former Spartan Draymond Green and Izzo opened up to Ann Killion of the San Francisco Chronicle about their amazing relationship, including how it first started.
coaches and mentors are so important. Loved this story on @Money23Green and Izzo. https://t.co/AJuPoJYzf6
— Jordan Mears (@jlmears) January 23, 2017
Excerpt from the San Francisco Chronicle:
You can never judge a relationship from its first moments.
Draymond Green’s and Tom Izzo’s officially started the morning after Green decommitted to Kentucky when he was a junior in high school. The Michigan State coach was on the line.
“I don’t even know how I heard it because I was sleeping,” Green said. “It’s Coach Izzo and he says, ‘What the (bleep) happened?’ And I said, ‘You never (bleeping) offered me.’ And he said, ‘What the (bleep)? You’re full of (bleep). All right, now you have a (bleeping) offer.’”
“I might be the only recruit in history who got cussed out before he signed,” Green said. “But that’s the way our relationship started. He could say anything to me and I could say anything to him.”
“It was coach-player but also father-son, friends,” Green said. “The relationship had so many different levels and titles that were added along the way. I’d give my right arm for him.”
The feeling is mutual.
“If I could find another Draymond, I’d last another 10 years,” said Izzo, who is in his 22nd season at Michigan State. “I hope Draymond Jr. comes out of high school early so I can get him. I bought him a bunch of illegal recruiting gifts. If the NCAA wants to come get me, so be it.”
We encourage you to read the full article by Ann Killion of the San Francisco Chronicle by clicking the link below, you will not be disappointed.
Source: Bonds between Draymond Green, Tom Izzo remains strong – San Francisco Chronicle
