SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Coaching legends Tom Izzo and Rick Pitino are celebrated stars on the Big Dance floor of the NCAA basketball tournament stage.
But both made it clear in the lead-up to today’s Elite Eight game between No. 7 seed Michigan State (26-11) and No. 4 seed Louisville (27-8) that while they respect one another, the game will be settled by players more so than coaches.
“Coaches are overrated a little bit in that regard come game time,” Pitino said.
“There is too much made out of it,” said Izzo. “The players play the game.”
And yet, the Michigan State and Louisville head coaches can go on and on about their mutual respect heading into what will be their third meeting, each having one previously.
“Our similarities in the way we run our programs, I think, are very stark,” Pitino said. “I’m a big fan of his. Always been a big fan because he stands for the right principles in our sport, does it the right way. He really loves his players, coaches them the right way. Makes them mentally and physically tough. When they leave, they’re tough in business. They’re tough in sports. He believes in education, all the things that I admire.”
Izzo said Pitino’s passion stands out to the point that he wonders if the Louisville coach might jump on court and aid his Cardinals with their trap defense.
“His teams always play hard, (and) he has so much passion and energy watching from the sideline, and he’s living every shot,” Izzo said. “He’s trying to — if he gets out on the floor tomorrow and traps one of them, because he’s been close, I’m going to protest that.
“I love his energy. I love his enthusiasm. I love his passion. It’s easy to see. It’s not because he wears it on his sleeve. It’s beyond that. For a guy who’s done it at different levels and different schools, I haven’t done that. That’s why I do have great respect for Rick.”
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Michigan State coach Tom Izzo and Louisville coach Rick Pitino discuss mutual ... - MLive.com
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