CLEVELAND — The collegial respect between Michigan State’s Tom Izzo and New Mexico’s Richard Pitino remains strong, despite their teams having not clashed in several years. This mutual admiration will be set aside temporarily when Izzo’s Michigan State faces off against Pitino’s New Mexico in the NCAA Tournament’s second round on Sunday night.
“I wouldn’t speak highly of someone I didn’t respect or like. I just wouldn’t speak about them at all,” Izzo commented on Saturday. “So, it’s easy to speak about him because I do like him and I do respect him. But from sunrise to sunset tomorrow, I won’t like him at all, and he doesn’t like me either. Respect is what truly matters.”
Izzo and Pitino became friends during Pitino’s eight years coaching at Minnesota, where his team recorded a modest 3-9 against the Spartans from 2013 to 2021. Izzo saw potential in Pitino—son of legendary coach Rick Pitino—and believed he was on his way to establishing a strong program in the Big Ten.
“It was a tough spot he was in. I supported him because if coaches don’t support each other, who will? It felt like my duty, especially for coaches I respect who do things the right way,” Izzo explained.
Pitino, who took on the Minnesota job when he was just 30, faced considerable pressure due to his famous familial ties. He values the backing from Izzo, a fellow Hall of Famer. “We lacked consistency often, and he always had my back, defending coaches on shaky ground. He didn’t have to do that,” Pitino shared. “He knows how tough each job is … He doesn’t have to spend time helping me, but he does. It speaks volumes of his character.”
This is the second instance where Pitino and his father, Rick Pitino, both had teams in March Madness, although this is the first time both teams triumphed in their first games. However, only the younger Pitino continues in the tournament, following Rick Pitino’s St. John’s loss to Arkansas, 75-66, on Saturday.
Pitino has found renewed success in his four seasons with New Mexico (27-7). Recognized as the Mountain West Coach of the Year following the Lobos’ regular-season championship, he has guided the team to consecutive March Madness appearances, a milestone not achieved since 2013-14. Friday’s 75-66 win over Marquette was the Lobos’ first tournament victory since 2012. Overcoming Michigan State (28-6) would send New Mexico to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1974.
“I feel more now than earlier in my career, it’s about building a program, not just an out-of-bounds play or a turnover. As a young head coach in the Big Ten, you try to establish yourself, but I’m just focused on helping my players and staff be in the best positions,” Pitino remarked.
Izzo aims for his 16th Sweet 16 appearance in 27 tournaments. A victory would earn him his 58th win, tying him with Syracuse’s Jim Boeheim for the fourth most in tournament history. Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski holds the record with 101 wins.
“I have enjoyed coaching this team and watching them grow,” Izzo stated. “Playing 10 guys isn’t easy; it creates many disgruntled people. But as long as the team buys in—and they have—that’s what counts.”