Tom Izzo Might Be Coaching a New Generation — the Sons of His Former Players
Tom Izzo, the legendary Michigan State basketball coach, is on the brink of a full-circle moment in his storied career. After more than two decades of building the Spartans into a national powerhouse, Izzo may soon find himself coaching the sons of the very players who helped establish his legacy. It’s a testament to both his longevity and the enduring bond he’s created with his athletes.
Several of Izzo’s former players now have sons rising through the high school and AAU basketball ranks. These young prospects carry not only their fathers’ names but also the passion and discipline instilled by years of being around the game — and around Izzo. For many of them, Michigan State feels like home even before they set foot on campus.
This potential generational reunion speaks volumes about the culture Izzo has fostered in East Lansing. He’s more than a coach to his players — he’s a mentor and, often, a lifelong influence. For former Spartans like Mateen Cleaves, Charlie Bell, and Draymond Green, the idea of their children playing for Izzo represents a continuation of a cherished family tradition.
Recruiting the sons of former players adds a unique emotional layer to the program. These young athletes are likely to arrive on campus with a deeper understanding of the program’s values: toughness, teamwork, and resilience. And for Izzo, now in the later years of his coaching career, the opportunity to guide the next generation of Spartans with familiar last names is more than just a recruiting angle — it’s a legacy-defining chapter.
If these connections come to fruition, Spartan fans could soon witness a rare and heartwarming sight: Tom Izzo coaching the next wave of Spartans, with names that echo from banners in the
rafters.
