Michigan State coach Tom Izzo is a first-time nominee for the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame, it was announced Monday.
Izzo, who has led the Spartans to seven Final Four appearances and a national title in 2000 in his 20 seasons, has Michigan State off to a 12-0 start and a No. 1 national ranking this season.
He’s one of a number of candidates with ties to the state, including Chris Webber, the former Detroit Country Day star who led Michigan to back-to-back national runner-up finishes as part of the Fab Five in 1992 and 1993. He also played part of one season with the Detroit Pistons during his 15 in the NBA.