ATLANTA — Tom Izzo is no stranger to losing.
A 70-64 loss to Auburn on Sunday represented Michigan State’s 26th March Madness loss in 27 trips under Izzo, and a missed opportunity to deliver the program’s ninth Final Four appearance since he took the reins three decades ago.
But maybe a bigger loss is a group of players who taught him to appreciate the basics of coaching again.
“For the 30th year, I’m not sure I’ve ever been prouder of a team,” Izzo said after the Elite Eight loss. “These guys gave me everything they had.