Final Whistle Reflections: Illinois vs. Michigan State Showdown

Michigan State Head Coach Tom Izzo
 
Opening Remarks…
Just another day in paradise, I suppose. I hope our supporters enjoyed one of the more thrilling games. It was wild. I know both teams had their grievances about calls and various issues. I felt like both sides truly battled. I mentioned this prior to the game, and I’ll mention it again, I genuinely believe they are currently the best team in the conference. I’m not diminishing our performance, nor am I underestimating Purdue, Michigan, or anyone else. I just think that as of now, they were a challenging team to contend with. We made several early errors that really affected us, due to scouting report oversights. We missed some free throws right off the bat, and they made some plays. That kid (Will) Riley has not been playing well recently, yet he scored 16 by halftime; he was phenomenal. (Kasparas) Jakucionis got into foul trouble, which undoubtedly aided us. I admired Gibbs; Longhorn, tough player. They really apply themselves. (Morez) Johnson, they give it their all. But we did an exceptional job overall. I think I’ll just mention, number 13 and number 11; this UP vocabulary isn’t quite equipped for some of these names. A lot of skilled players, and I thought we managed relatively well with (Kylan) Boswell. We didn’t take many three-point shots, which was due to their defensive strategies. We assumed we could exploit the interior, and we did, though we weren’t great at rebounding in the initial 10 minutes. They scored 26 points in the next ten; they scored 10 points. Ultimately, we lost the rebounding contest by a single board. But that team is very good. First and second in the league for rebounding. Honestly, I admire his coaching style; I appreciate the way they play. But, darn it, I was pleased with how we performed as well. We fought back. There were moments we could have faltered. I believe it showcased a lot of character. Some players struggled a bit at the start but recovered. We shifted players around and discovered some combinations that truly worked. Overall, the environment was nostalgic; I told Mateen (Cleaves) it felt like the glorious days of the past. A shoutout to all you fans present. Students, I thought you were amazing. It’s an exciting time to be a Spartan. I attended the gymnastics event on Friday night and witnessed a massive crowd. I swung by Michigan, caught the hockey match for 15 minutes, and saw that the standing room turnout was outstanding. Another solid win against Michigan. And then today, to wrap up the weekend with a performance from our squad, I thought it was exhilarating. I’ll gladly take a large win. I’m aware we didn’t play at our best. I understand they had their moments as well. But that’s what transpires when two strong teams collide. That squad is tough to defend against multiple players, and we managed to contain some, while others limited themselves due to foul trouble. I’m being pragmatic; we still have room for improvement, and we’ll achieve it. They have potential too, and they will realize it.” 
 
On his in-game discussion with Illinois Coach Brad Underwood…
We were just chatting about how things were getting intense. I won’t incriminate myself either. Let’s just say we were aligned. We shared an understanding.”
 
On where his team stands on the Tom Izzo scale of mental & physical resilience…
It’s improving. If you observed the first four minutes of the game, we were supposed to navigate over a screen but instead went underneath it. Just basic mistakes. Still, I think my players were a bit anxious and thrilled. How great is that? I bet as fans you felt nervous and excited, and I bet as media, you arrived today thinking this is going to be an extraordinary game. Both are positive aspects. It’s a privilege to play games that carry such significance in mid-January. It hasn’t been that way in recent years. I thought both teams played hard and competently. It was physical, but clean, if that makes sense. We demonstrated mental and physical resilience, as well as character. We found ourselves trailing for the majority of the game. Once we made a small surge, they held their ground as well. These are two formidable basketball teams. He’s a great coach who has done an incredible job with that squad. The concerning part is that they achieved this without (Kasparas) Jakucionis. Number 32 seems a bit more northern Michigan-type. Regardless, they performed exceptionally. I believe they will win many games ahead. We have some challenges before us, and we look forward to them.
 
On if this was the closest his team has come to a complete 40-minute performance…
I’d say we played a full 40-minute contest, though in a way we still only played 30 because of those first 10 minutes. We need to figure that out. We’ve had games where we were solid for 25 minutes, or 30 minutes with 10 minutes of struggles. I felt that during the initial six or seven minutes, if you review what we set out to do and our assignments, we didn’t execute well. Some of that comes from playing against a really capable team. Overall, that was our best 40 minutes of the season. Even though we had some downturns, I felt we adhered to the game plan of going inside when necessary. We made some impressive plays at various points. Yet, all in all, we did quite well.
 
On Strength in Numbers and Tre Holloman…
Tre did a commendable job. Everyone contributed in significant moments. There were plays designed for everyone that we thought would energize us. Frankie (Fidler) once, Jase (Richardson) once, came through with a big play on a curl move, we went into Coop (Carson Cooper), who executed that lovely hook shot. We went into Jax (Jaxon Kohler), who made a few excellent plays. Tre was quite effective. And Jeremy (Fears) managed our team well. They implemented a different defensive strategy, and at times it created complications for us. Don’t undervalue Book’s (Xavier Booker) 18 minutes. He sank a crucial three-pointer and defensively he performed admirably. He brought more energy to the game. He had a significant rebound but lost it, yet like I said, he’s not going against a weak team. I observed every player had a moment where they delivered something valuable. That’s the essence of strength in numbers.
 
After facing Penn State, what did you discover about your team today?
Well, they reacted well. I think KJ, when I review his performance on film, I really like that player. There are evenings when I consider him the top player in the league. However, I haven’t assessed everyone either. Purdue has some excellent players, and so do Michigan. I observed consistency when analyzing him on film. But what I learned about my squad is that we pursued them a bit following that loss, and they responded. As a coach, that’s what you desire—players who can respond. There were numerous discussions, multiple meetings, and practices, alongside some film sessions. That’s the most rewarding aspect of coaching. When you can tackle those challenges rather than deal with other trivial matters out there. I genuinely appreciated that, and I felt that every player I conversed with and invested time in. Coop and Tre were the last two I interacted with after practice yesterday. It’s uplifting to see individuals respond. It’s gratifying to witness them progress.their persona tested. Don’t underestimate. I dispatched a brief note to the Izzone members while the team was present, when Jalen was around, when Zelle and the others were there, the supporters assist in winning games. They truly do. I’m not a bettor, but there’s a reason why the similar game at home and away sometimes varies by eight points. Our supporters made a significant impact. If we can harness that, man I noticed elderly individuals rising from their seats. I suppose I am one of them, but I still noticed them. It’s genuinely a joy to be capable of energizing people. That’s what this weekend represented. If you’re a Spartan this weekend, please seize it and recognize that it is a privilege to possess it.
 
On the areas of team development since earlier in the season…
We’ve made considerable strides since Kansas, although I mentioned that I didn’t think we performed particularly well. Against Memphis, not due to the loss, but they played exceptionally well. Sometimes it’s about them, not us, and that squad played exceptionally. We’ve been performing well enough during this stretch, but we haven’t been able to conclude games, and we’ve aimed to finish them now, which became one of the rallying cries in our huddles. We must finish the game. Our first half performance was lacking, we need to elevate our game in the second half. Those are the types of messages we are attempting to convey to our players. I believe our players needed a crucial moment, a huddle with five minutes left. Every single individual, from our walk-ons to our managers, was engaged in that huddle; it was a remarkable moment. Those are the instances I cherish in this wild role I’m in—those moments in the locker room with the guys are invaluable. I think that contributes to our growth and enhances camaraderie, making everyone realize. (Szymon) Zapala didn’t start the second half, didn’t perform as well initially, but then returned and executed two significant plays and made two free throws when it truly mattered, despite his struggles from the line. He is currently facing difficulties from the line. That speaks volumes about him. In nine minutes, he contributes four points and four rebounds, which might seem inconsequential, but some of those plays were pivotal, and everyone was thrilled for him. He was very happy for the team.
 
On the team’s rebounding efforts…
I was quite let down in that aspect because this is rebounding U. Penn State is linebacker U, while we are Rebound U, and our performance was not up to par. We significantly focused on our box outs. When I arrived here, I stated, I’m not going to box out like in high school, where you box out, hold a guy, and when the ball hits the floor, the coach says, ‘Great job.’ I never subscribed to that belief. I advocated for the hit, find, and fetch approach of ‘Go get the ball.’ Don’t wait for the ball to come to you. There are too many athletes at this level. We were engaging in box outs, maintaining those positions, and I observed that the athletes, particularly number 2. I mean, that kid was relentless. He might have only recorded four offensive rebounds, but he’s only six feet tall. He secured four offensive rebounds and was a menace. He played with tremendous effort. We managed decently against (Morez) Johnson. He tallied six rebounds but none on the offensive end. Our rebounding game was lacking. We weren’t aggressive enough, and if four players box out and one doesn’t, they benefit. So I must devise a strategy to improve our box outs, but we won’t just hold those positions until the ball contacts the floor. We practiced that drill several times for a reason. My players took it seriously, so I need to take responsibility for that. Coach will remedy it on Tuesday.
 
On facing Illinois again this season…
What do you think I am, some sort of masochist? Am I thrilled about it? Absolutely not, but I think it’s beneficial for our league. I believe it’s advantageous for the nation. It’s the type of matchups people desire to witness. It will benefit their supporters, and it will benefit us as well. Although you may sometimes wish to avoid such matchups, I genuinely want to engage in them because, if I ask Jeremy (Fears Jr.), would you want to face them ten times? He’d enthusiastically agree. I appreciate players like that, and that’s my reasoning. They’re solid, and they will improve, but we are going to enhance as well. I’m not undervaluing ourselves. I’m merely stating we’re a different style of team, but they too utilize a lot of players. I mean, they have a deep bench, playing nine individuals frequently, so they are right there with us, and that has also worked to their advantage.
 
On the team’s chemistry…
I’ve found it enjoyable because the players have fully embraced it. The first segment of the year was challenging. They’ve accepted it, and as I shared with them, there would be some minutes that might elevate a bit and some that might decrease slightly. Are we still aiming to play nine to ten players? Yes, because it has worked well for us. In reviewing the rosters from the two games yesterday, Indiana’s missing two players, Ohio State’s missing all their starters. UCLA’s missing key players. Four teams competed, and each had one or two starters sidelined. So sooner or later, those situations might transform into necessities rather than merely luxuries. I think we’re getting ready for that, but I admire how our players are exerting themselves more; consequently, they’re actually tiring out, and that’s a positive outcome. Thus, it isn’t easy to coach that in certain respects. Nevertheless, it’s effective, and the players have been phenomenally adaptable about it.
 
On Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal’s presence…
It was quite fascinating. I’m uncertain how we initially got in touch, but he expressed a desire to attend a game, and he was an exceptional individual. Truly a remarkable person. The players met him prior to the game, and then he joined us in the locker room afterward, and I simply remarked, a bit different from baseball, right? The venue was lively, with just five seconds remaining, and he blended in perfectly with everyone else. He entered my office wearing Mateen’s jersey, which was just cool. He played college basketball at Seattle. However, he remarked, it’s not the same, and I believe he genuinely enjoyed the experience. Ironically, I think the Cy Young Awards are in New York next weekend, and we’ll be heading to New York. I joked with him, to sneak away a little early, come back to bring us some good fortune. It was fantastic to have him present. I appreciate it, Mateen appreciated it, and our wonderful fans do as well. These are the extraordinary opportunities that arise when you achieve success. We had the chance to see a Cy Young winner in our venue. It was pretty inspiring. I believe he’ll try to return because I think he found the experience enjoyable. I credit our fans for that. I’m certain they introduced him, but I was in a bit of a daze at that moment, probably trying to devise a strategy to secure a rebound when they did so.
 
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day…
I informed my team, and this might seem peculiar, but don’t reach out to my office tomorrow as I’ve asked everyone to step out. We’re going to undertake two activities; we will honor and appreciate Martin Luther King Day as a basketball program, and then in the evening, we’ll be watching a championship event because I always consider that vital for the players. It’s been a demanding grind during the initial three weeks, and my assistants, my trainers, my strength coach—they’re all locked out tomorrow. Hopefully, we’ll get a chance to recharge, then be prepared to take on another challenging game on Tuesday, in the Garden, what an extraordinary opportunity that is to compete in the Garden against Rutgers.

Illinois head coach Brad Underwood

Opening Remarks

If anyone here anticipated anything different, it’s good college basketball. Right down to the finale, we navigated numerous challenging situations remarkably well today. The top player in today’s game was on the bench for eight minutes; we caught just a glimpse of his potential while he was on the floor, consistently directing the game with pick and rolls and passes, but regrettably, today he didn’t have the opportunity to play. (Freshman forward) Will Riley, I thought, broke through his earlier struggles.

In reality, I believed the match was at the free throw line. You cannot venture on the road and squander 10 free throws. There were a few critical moments when (junior guard) Tre White was fouled. You can’t step into this arena and miss free throws while hoping to triumph against a team that defended superbly. They eliminated our three-point shots. Tommy, (sophomore guard Tomislav Ivisic) I must acknowledge, stepped up; he performed admirably even though he is battling strep throat. He has been on antibiotics for three days, just the chance to play, but he truly feels terrible. Overall, I thought our bench was effective, performed admirably and I felt we executed everything situation-wise quite well during the crucial moments.

On the fouls called throughout the game…
They issued a technical foul on our bench. So, I didn’t receive the T; it was deemed on our bench. Unfortunate, considering it was a two-point contest, but Jeff’s (Jeffrey Anderson) a fantastic official, one of the top in the nation. We saw Will Riley score 31 points in the match. He’s a freshman; he’s been through the grind, having to deal with being at the top of the scouting report, which he was for a long period, missing some easy shots, and finding his flow, but he has that offensive potential.

On Michigan State defending Will Riley…
They did nothing defensively; he sliced through them to begin the game. If anyone believes he was well-guarded, no player or team in the country has been able to guard him successfully. He is completely unique compared to anyone else. During a brief three-minute span, every bucket was effortless. He made a layup. He’s now a key player. Make no mistake, if he’s not the best point guard in the nation, he is very near, and he’s just 18 years old.

On his connection with Tom Izzo…
You know, around 2003 or maybe 2004, I was a JUCO coach in Daytona Beach, and we would get up on Sunday or Saturday mornings to watch his teams in action. I always stated I wanted to do it like that. I aimed to be that. I wanted my teams to play with that intensity. You meet individuals, become friends, and discover just how much you have in common, what you genuinely value, is significantly more than just a victory. He’s a fiercely competitive individual, and guess what, I am too. We could head to the parking lot, both of us fight, determine who wins, and then embrace each other with respect afterward. I hold immense respect for that type of person. He cares about his players; he wants them to succeed, and when their time is over, and the ball stops rolling, that embodies everything I am, and we’ve formed a remarkable relationship and conversate because we resonate well, we’re both candid with one another about our teams and have great regard for them.

On facing Michigan State again in Champaign this season…
I wish we had a chance to face everyone. I would love the league to play 34 games. Let’s play against each other twice and have a genuine league that competes against everyone twice. Wouldn’t that be exciting? You don’t think the fans here appreciated that? How about the fans in Champaign? We should have that game too. Let’s play 34 league matches and compete against one another twice. It would be enjoyable.

Junior guard Tre Holloman

On feelings after a tight victory…
I’m feeling great. Just being out there and clinching a win with my teammates is simply the best sensation.

On the team’s mindset overcoming a ten-point deficit in the early game…
The aim was to continually fight, chip away, and maintain our defense. We allowed some rebounds, particularly offensive rebounds, but we needed to box out. I entered and made some key shots, so a shoutout to my teammates for believing in me, and we just kept pushing.

On Coach Izzo’s directive regarding the team’s approach to close out the game…
Box out, rebound, and run. That was it, box out, rebound, and run.

On the environment and energy from the Izzone…
That arena was alive. The Izzone was amazing today, and I had texted the “Head” of the Izzone and informed him that we required all of them today, and they certainly delivered.

Junior forward Jaxon Kohler

On the crowd’s vigor and ambiance…
One of my favorite aspects of being on this team is witnessing Coen Carr soar past me, and I get to be in awe. Observing those plays is special, and it not only invigorates the game but also makes it enjoyable. Every now and then, you must remember to have fun while playing because you can’t play while overly stressed. Witnessing plays like that makes it enjoyable as it should be. So, seeing the Izzone was incredible, and not just them, but the crowd tonight was outstanding in fueling the energy we needed. I’ve said it before, but it is a reciprocal relationship; we strive to make a play to energize the crowd, and then they reciprocate that energy to us.

On a significant and memorable victory…
This is a crucial win, and not only is it significant, but everyone played a part. Each individual had an essential role in this match, including players, staff, and coaches; it was a comprehensive triumph. Those are the most enjoyable victories, the ones that create lasting memories, and they are the wins you reflect on and realize that each person contributed significantly.

Sophomore forward Cohen Carr

On all the contributions he provides to the team…
It was substantial. It certainly means a lot to have the game I had, and for everyone to perform well. It demonstrates our strength, which is fantastic. With that shot, I wasn’t aware that it was a tie. I mean, during practice, once, the coach told me, ‘Don’t hesitate to take that shot,’ and it was the right time, right moment; it was a good pass, a good play, so I shot it. It went in, just trusting the preparation.

On his assertive blocks…
I’ve always been a shot-blocking type of player. It has been my forte since high school. It was more of a ‘get that out of here’ rejection that I’ve been executing for a while. They trust me to play defense and to guard one through four, so just being comfortable out there is what matters.

Redshirt freshman guard Jeremy Fears Jr.

On the first half…
We truly didn’t play a strong first half; we conceded possessions, and allowed offensive rebounds. Just stepping into halftime understanding that we were providing them with second chances and additional shots is detrimental to our game.

On their mindset at the start when they were trailing…
It’s about runs; they will make their run, and we will make ours. It’s simply about slowing things down. If we aren’t going on a run, then they will be. They possess excellent players, so recognizing that it’s a lengthy game and focusing on chipping away is essential.

On what enables this team to pursue an 11-game streak…
Just flowing, unity, chemistry. The key aspect is victory. We are thrilled for each other, genuinely happy for our teammates. It might not be my evening, but it could be someone else’s, so I cheer for them. Our squad is deep enough that we merely have to trust one another. The Izzone supported us significantly. They added points to the board and reduced theirs. It’s truly about competition. Our objective is to maintain a perfect home record.