Tom Izzo has seen it all.
The Michigan State college basketball coach has had to adjust to all sorts of changes during his decades leading the Spartans.
But he has now come across a new occurrence that he simply doesn’t like.
Recently, Louisville got a commitment from a guard named London Johnson. He’s unusual because, for the past three seasons, he played in the NBA G League.
Johnson originally went to the G League out of high school to play for the now-defunct G League Ignite program. He was a top-50 prospect in the Class of 2022.
Once G League Ignite folded, Johnson split this past season between the Maine Red Claws and Cleveland Charge. He averaged 3.1 points per game.
College basketball insider Jeff Goodman writes that Johnson will sit out this season and be eligible to play in 2026-27 with two years of eligibility to use.
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This path opened up to go to college thanks to an NCAA ruling last month. Thierry Darlan, who had previously played G League hoops, was ruled eligible to play for Santa Clara this season.
Izzo was asked about the Louisville commitment of Johnson, and on Tuesday, the Spartans’ coach expressed his immense displeasure.
“I’m gonna get myself in trouble,” Izzo began to reporters. “I listen to people talk on how kids changed. Kids aren’t the problem. We’re the problem. This was sprung on us again where a guy can be in the G League for two or three years and all of a sudden he’s eligible. Most of my people knew nothing about it. I’m not really excited about the NCAA or whoever’s making these decisions not talking to us, just letting it go because they’re afraid they’re gonna get sued.
“This really bothers me your coach if you’re Michigan State fans, but if you want a silver lining in the clouds, I am gonna call Magic (Johnson) tonight. I am gonna call Jaren Jackson. I’m gonna call Miles (Bridges), Gary (Harris), Max (Christie),” Izzo joked about bringing back his NBA players.
He went on: “This just goes to show you how ridiculous people that are in power make decisions. I’m gonna get killed because someone’s gonna say, if they go pro and it doesn’t work out, shouldn’t they be able to come back? Well what about the freshman you recruited there? That’s somebody’s son. And he thinks he’s got himself a good place, and then all of a sudden, shazam, they pull out of their hat a 21 or 22 year old.
“To me, it’s ridiculous. To me, it’s embarrassing. I love my job, but I don’t respect my profession.”
Izzo answered for two more minutes after all of this, clearly ticked off about the whole situation.
This will be Izzo’s 31st season at Michigan State. And before he leaves, he’s trying to stand up for the sport he loves.
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