Tom Izzo named a semifinalist for the Naismith Coach of the Year Award
Tom Izzo is a semifinalist for an award that has thus far eluded him in his career
In the illustrious, Hall of Fame career of Michigan State basketball head coach Tom Izzo, it feels like there wouldn't be an honor that he hasn't yet achieved. However, there is one prestigious award that has thus far eluded Izzo throughout his career, which is the Naismith Coach of the Year Award. Once again, Izzo is in consideration for the award, being named a semifinalist on Friday.
The Naismith Award has been active since 1986-87, when Bob Knight was the first recipient of the award. Several of Izzo's contemporaries like coach Mike Krzyzewski, John Calipari, and Tony Bennett have won the award multiple times, while Izzo is still waiting on his first win. While Izzo might not be the betting favorite this season, he did take a team that started the season at No.
21 in the country and has brought them all the way to No. 11 at the start of the NCAA Tournament, reaching a peak of No. 8, which makes Izzo an interesting dark horse candidate for the award.
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