Tom Izzo, the head coach of the Spartans, has carved his greatness into the history of Michigan State University.
Since taking over as head coach in 1995, Tom Izzo has amassed an impressive record of 314 wins and 131 losses as of today, December 28.
In the 2000 NCAA Finals, Izzo guided the Spartans to a resounding 89-76 victory over the University of Florida, securing Michigan State's second NCAA championship trophy.
From 1999 to 2008, Izzo led the Spartans to the NCAA semifinals four times, a feat unmatched by any other college coach during that era. Under his leadership, Michigan State has consistently competed at the highest levels of collegiate basketball, rarely missing a beat in championship contention.
Izzo's coaching prowess has earned him numerous accolades, including the Associated Press Coach of the Year Award, Basketball News Coach of the Year Award, Henry Iba Award from the American Basketball Writers Association, and multiple Best Coach Awards from various leagues and publications.
Beyond his coaching achievements, many of Izzo's former players have gone on to become head coaches themselves in the NCAA Division I ranks. This includes notable names such as Brian Gregory (University of Dayton), Tom Kling (Indiana University), Stan Heath (University of South Florida), Jim Boylen (University of Utah), and Doug Wojcik (University of Tulsa). Mike Garland, another assistant under Izzo, served as head coach at Cleveland State University, further illustrating the coaching tree that has blossomed under Izzo's mentorship.
Michigan State's true strength goes well beyond what ESPN's preseason rankings reveal. Their formidable capabilities are often underestimated, with their full potential lying beneath the surface, ready to surprise opponents.
While the Spartans are indeed a powerhouse, as evidenced by their rich history under Izzo, they are not invincible. Strategies can be devised to challenge them, as evidenced by their losses, such as to the University of North Carolina in past seasons.
After the preseason ended, Captain Gibson invited Lian Dao to a celebration party. Lian Dao wasn't particularly keen on attending, partly due to his past experience with the emptiness that comes after indulgence in luxury.
However, being invited by the team's senior member, Lian Dao found it hard to refuse. DeRozan, standing beside him, eagerly expressed his desire to attend, which Lian Dao noted with a mix of amusement and resignation.
The more Lian Dao interacted with DeRozan, the more he found him to be a bit dull. DeRozan wasn't very talkative unless he knew someone well. During breaks, he and his buddies would discuss women, commenting on cheerleaders' figures in a somewhat crude manner, complete with exaggerated gestures and dances.
This behavior puzzled Lian Dao, prompting him to wonder if this was typical of the "little worms" from his previous life.
In private, Lian Dao jokingly nicknamed DeRozan "Xiao Chang Chong." The nickname stemmed from DeRozan's idolization of Kobe Bryant, known as the Black Mamba. In Chinese, the black mamba translates to "hei she," which phonetically resembles "hei chang," meaning black long or worm. Hence, "Xiao Chang Chong" humorously highlights DeRozan's admiration for Kobe and his somewhat awkward attempts at mimicking Kobe's prowess.
Gibson's party wasn't held at a bar due to some underage teammates. Instead, it took place at Marcus Simmons' villa. Marcus, a rich second-generation, joined the team out of personal interest, not financial need. He used his connections to invite cheerleaders and female film students from school to the party.
When Lian Dao arrived, he was instantly surrounded by admirers, particularly girls drawn by his looks. They flirted and tried to get his attention, some even boldly inviting him for a romantic evening. Lian Dao politely declined their advances but still received numerous cards with contact information.
The girls then shifted their attention to Gibson, DeRozan, and Marcus, typical behavior in such settings where athletes are seen as tickets to a glamorous lifestyle, especially with NBA prospects like Gibson and DeRozan.
Despite the party atmosphere, Lian Dao abstained from alcohol, opting instead for juice in a quiet corner. As he observed the revelry on the dance floor, he couldn't help but feel disconnected from the scene. The loud music and the palpable excitement seemed worlds away from his current mindset.
After finishing his drink, Lian Dao bid farewell to Simmons, Gibson, and DeRozan, quietly exiting the party, leaving behind the noise and the allure of superficial pleasures.
Lian Dao arrived at the playground and suited up in the weight-bearing clothes he had recently purchased. For him, physical training meant rigorous cardiopulmonary exercises. While ordinary people typically benefited from low-intensity aerobic workouts, Lian Dao's regimen focused on high-intensity aerobic exercises, particularly weighted running.
Improving his physical fitness was a gradual process requiring sustained effort. He planned to acclimate to the weight-bearing regimen over the next month or two before incrementally increasing the intensity based on his physical capabilities.
After an exhausting session in the weight-bearing suit, Lian Dao took a leisurely walk to cool down before heading to the training physiotherapy room. There, he used an ice bucket to alleviate physical fatigue and employed self-massage techniques to relax. He noted the inaccessible acupuncture points on his back and resolved to seek professional massages once the season concluded.
Reflecting on advanced recovery techniques, Lian Dao considered the benefits of a liquid nitrogen freezer, favored by athletes like James and Ronaldo in future generations for its therapeutic properties. Recognizing the importance of body maintenance for longevity in his career, he thought about the disciplined approach of Andrew Wiggins, whom he admired for his dedication to health.
After the preseason ended, Tim granted the team two days of rest before resuming regular training. However, the morning after a celebratory party, Lian Dao noticed his teammates seemed sluggish and unmotivated, likely due to late-night festivities.
Tim surveyed the players and immediately sensed that they had indulged themselves after the preseason.
So, during the first training session after the preseason, Tim decided to double the training volume for everyone except Lian Dao.
Despite this, Lian Dao trained alongside his teammates with even greater intensity than what was doubled for them. Gibson and the others interpreted Lian Dao's efforts as a sign of solidarity, believing he was willingly sharing in their physical challenges. This perception marked a shift from merely acknowledging Lian Dao's individual skills to embracing him as a valued team member.
As Lian Dao pushed through the intensified training, Coach Tim, observing Lian Dao's dedication and the team's response, felt a surge of admiration, realizing the depth of Lian Dao's dedication and leadership.