Former Michigan State Spartans men’s basketball HC and also NBA Legend Magic Johnson Sent Message to Current HC Tom Izzo Concerning…
Magic Johnson, the legendary point guard who led Michigan State to its first NCAA basketball championship in 1979, has consistently shown support for his alma mater and its current head coach, Tom Izzo. Their relationship has been marked by mutual respect and a shared commitment to the Spartan community.
In 2010, after Michigan State’s victory over Tennessee in the NCAA tournament, Magic Johnson expressed his admiration for Coach Izzo’s leadership. Despite the Spartans losing their star point guard, Kalin Lucas, to a season-ending injury, Johnson praised Izzo for rallying the team and guiding them to success. He remarked, “Tom Izzo does his best job in the NCAA tournament,” highlighting the coach’s ability to adapt and inspire his players.
Their bond was further solidified during the 2015 NCAA tournament. Following a hard-fought victory over Virginia, Magic Johnson addressed the team, acknowledging their resilience and teamwork. He commended the seniors for stepping up in the face of adversity, stating, “It was beautiful to watch,” underscoring the emotional and collective effort that led to their success .
In 2018, amidst a challenging period for Michigan State due to the Larry Nassar scandal, Magic Johnson called for accountability within the institution. He advocated for the dismissal of anyone who had knowledge of the misconduct and failed to act. However, he also expressed unwavering support for Coach Izzo, stating, “As a Spartan, I love MSU and want to work with Coach Izzo, the administration, and the students to be a part of the solution in any way that I can,” emphasizing his dedication to positive change and collaboration .
In 2025, as Michigan State advanced to the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament, Magic Johnson once again acknowledged Coach Izzo’s leadership. He praised the team’s comeback victory over Ole Miss, noting the emotional display by Izzo post-game, which reflected his deep connection to the players and the program .
Throughout the years, Magic Johnson’s messages to Coach Tom Izzo have been consistent: admiration, support, and a shared commitment to the values of Michigan State basketball. Their enduring relationship exemplifies the profound impact of mentorship and legacy in collegiate sports.