COACH TOM IZZO

By Compiled by BRIAN LANDMAN

© St. Petersburg Times, published April 3, 2000

AGE: 45

RECORD: 119-48, fifth season

NCAA RECORD: 11-2

COMMENT: Izzo, a two-time national coach of the year, has rebuilt the Spartans into one of the nation's elite teams. Quickly. They have won at least a share of three straight Big Ten titles, reached consecutive Final Fours and now their first championship game appearance since 1979. Talented players? Of course. But he has empowered his players, encouraging them to contribute to coaching the team. As a result, there's a partnership that doesn't exist at many programs

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