EAST LANSING - Tom Izzo has spent the last few weeks with plenty on his mind.
He's faced harsh criticism for his program's handling of sexual assault claims made against players and for allowing Travis Walton to stay on staff following an allegation of physical assault in 2009.
He's also tried to keep his top-five Michigan State team in Big Ten title contention as it navigated a condensed, road-heavy schedule.
In his first 22 seasons as head coach, Izzo would have leaned heavily on his predecessor and mentor, Jud Heathcote, in times like these.
Now, though, Izzo is learning how to navigate a difficult situation without those regular phone calls from Heathcote.