Tom Izzo has long been a dominant force in Big Ten basketball, but with Dusty May taking over as Michigan’s coach, a new rival emerges to challenge his legacy. The two coaches have a long history, having crossed paths when Izzo was at Indiana and May worked for Bob Knight.
Izzo, 70, has led the Spartans to numerous championships, including a national title in 2000. He remains one of the winningest coaches in Big Ten history, with 354 victories. The rivalry between Michigan State and Michigan is intense, particularly when it comes to recruiting, with Izzo holding a 34-21 advantage over his counterpart.
May, 48, has already made a name for himself as a mid-major coach, taking Florida Atlantic to the 2023 Final Four. He inherits an 8-24 team at Michigan and has already shown signs of progress with several high-profile transfers, including Tre Donaldson and Danny Wolf.
The rivalry game this Friday marks the first time May will face Izzo’s team, which is ranked No. 14 nationally with a 21-5 record. The stakes are high, with both teams competing for Big Ten supremacy. Izzo believes that if you’re in position to win the conference championship, then you’re in position to contend for the NCAA title.
May has already established his credentials as a coach who values stability and academic success over just basketball talent. He notes that having a school with extensive resources and academic offerings can help retain young players and build champions. With two sons playing for Michigan, May is also motivated by the prospect of building a successful program in his adopted hometown.
This rivalry game may be more than just a clash of coaching styles; it could mark the beginning of a generational battle between Izzo and May. The outcome will have significant implications for both teams’ futures and the future of the Big Ten conference.
Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/college-basketball/article/with-bitter-michigan-msu-rivalry-game-on-tap-tom-izzo-has-a-new-potential-foil-in-dusty-may-205101986.html