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Odds Say Tom Izzo Won’t Scold a Player in the Sweet 16

Eric Rosales

by Eric Rosales in College Basketball

Updated Mar 23, 2020 · 1:10 PM PDT

Tom Izzo
Michigan State head coach was seen berating one of his players during the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David Danals (flickr)
  • Spartans head coach Tom Izzo berated freshman Aaron Henry in the opening round
  • Michigan State battles LSU in the Sweet 16
  • Should you bet on Izzo doing it again at +200 odds?

It was the berating heard ’round the college basketball world.

Just a week later, you’re now in position to win a wager on whether Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo will pop his top in the Sweet 16, as the 2-seed Spartans battle the 3-seed LSU Tigers with a trip to the East Region’s Elite Eight on the line.

There may not be many upsets happening during this edition of March Madness, but we’ll explain why this is a long shot worth taking.

Will Tom Izzo Scold a Player in the Sweet 16?

Will Tom Izzo Scold a Player in the Sweet 16? Odds
Yes +200
No -300

*Odds taken March 26

Izzo’s Style Has Not Changed

By any metric, Tom Izzo is one of the best head coaches in the history of college basketball, full stop. He’s gotten to over 600 career wins and a National Championship in 2000 with a style that players respect, but one that distinctly challenges them to be the very best they can be, at all times.

His explosion on freshman Aaron Henry was a perfect example. Michigan State was in an uncomfortably close game against Bradley – the 15-seed in the East – but in the midst of a 10-0 run to wrangle control of the game, the coach chased Henry down practically at mid-court during a timeout, upset at his effort in getting up and down the floor.

This is not a new thing. In fact, it’s not even close to the first time. The video above highlights how emotional the coach can get.

Izzo took the criticism in stride and didn’t back down from his actions. While it filled talking head content and outrage culture dominated social media, many backed the coach and preferred to keep it moving – Henry included.

Then talk about doubling down. Izzo planted his tongue firmly in cheek when asked about the rebounding disadvantage they faced after the first half in an eventual win over Minnesota in the Round of 32.

YouTube video

The Action is in the Anger

This is definitely a tenured coach move, reserved for the Coach K/Roy Williams/Jim Boeheim-level of pedigree and security in a basketball program.

Izzo has led the Spartans to seven Final Fours in 24 years and has them just a couple of wins from their eighth.

Odds to Make the 2019 Final Four for All Sweet 16 Teams
Read More

What will be interesting is how “scold” is defined: I don’t see him in full destroyer mode, but it’s a worthy bet at +200 to think that a coach who routinely challenges his players will probably challenge them in the biggest game of the season.

SBD’s Regional Odds Analysis

SBD’s Other March Madness Coverage

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