With numerous prominent figures in college basketball stepping down from their coaching roles in recent years, Tom Izzo stands out as he embarks on his 31st season at the helm of Michigan State. However, Izzo’s perseverance does not imply contentment with the current state of college basketball, particularly regarding the NCAA’s evolving player eligibility guidelines.
In a recent press conference held on October 21, Izzo voiced his concerns about the influx of former NBA G League players into college programs. His criticism arose after Louisville secured a commitment from guard London Johnson, a former four-star recruit who spent three seasons in the NBA’s developmental league. This development trails the recent announcement by Thierry Darlan, a fellow G Leaguer who also committed to Santa Clara University.
Izzo remarked, “I am going to get myself in trouble, but I listen to people talk about how kids changed. Kids aren’t the problem, we’re the problem.” He expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the NCAA regarding changes that allow players to transition from the G League back to college, highlighting that many in the coaching community were unaware of these rule alterations. He added, “Most of my people knew nothing about it… I’m not real excited about the NCAA or whoever is making these decisions, without talking to us, just letting it go. They’re afraid they’re going to get sued.”
Historically, college basketball maintained strict amateurism rules, preventing players who had competed professionally from joining NCAA teams. However, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2021 ruling in NCAA v. Alston—which permitted college athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness—the landscape has significantly changed. This ruling paved the way for players who would have previously been disqualified to now enter college rosters, a trend that has prominently included international players and is now branching into the American professional ranks.
Izzo’s remarks also alluded to ongoing legal battles surrounding NCAA eligibility. For instance, last year, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia successfully argued for an additional year of eligibility after contending that his time in junior college should not count against his NCAA clock.
He further emphasized the implications of allowing older, more seasoned players into college basketball, stating that it threatens the incoming freshmen. “What about the freshmen you recruited there? That’s somebody’s son… and all of a sudden, shazam, they pull out of their hat and bring a 21- or 22-year-old in (from the G League). To me, it’s ridiculous. It’s embarrassing, and I love my job. I don’t respect my profession, and I don’t respect whoever is doing that.”
Izzo’s candid critique sheds light on the complexities of NCAA regulations and the implications they hold for recruiting and team dynamics, an issue that many college coaches and players are closely monitoring as the season approaches. His commitment to advocating for a structured and fair system illustrates his dedication not only to Michigan State but to the integrity of college athletics as a whole.