Mike was spot on with this take. I'm not sure I've ever seen a superior team so completely play into an inferior opponent's hands. Boehim must've been creaming his pants at the way State was handling that zone. 37 3-point attempts (and only 8 makes)? That's a video game stat, like when you let your little brother play NBA 2K against you for the first time (and, no, that's not a Mike Hart reference). Izzo's refusal to employ dribble penetration to break down Syracuse's D costed him an opportunity with the most talented roster he'll ever assemble. And while the MTSU loss may have been more shocking, I can look back and at least accept that it was just one of those games where an opponent got hot and never cooled off. Spartans had shot 56% and still ended up losing, so sometimes you just gotta tip your cap to your opponent, I guess. But I'm not sure I'll ever get over the abomination I witnessed yesterday. Having nearly every built-in advantage possible, from home court to even favorable officiating I'd argue, State couldn't put together a single 5 minute stretch of quality basketball. 26% FG shooting, more turnovers (14) than assists (11), and only 16 FT attempts? If not for the hustle on the boards, State might've lost this game by 20. And while I understand that players play and coaches coach, Izzo had his old-timer hands all over this one. Passive offensive play call, refusal to employ outside-of-the-box offensive schemes, stubborn substitution patterns, etc. Just a total catastrophe. Tom better think long and hard this offseason about this one, because I'm beginning to lose track of all the tournament games he's been out-coached in over the past decade.
Thanks for not being afraid to tell the cold hard truth, Mike. Not easy to listen to as a Spartan fan, but sometimes the truth hurts. This old crusty offense that they've been running since Shannon Brown played ISN'T CUTTING IT ANYMORE. You have to wonder what Jon Beilein could've done with this team. I don't even think Tom is overrated, I think he's outdated and apparently doesn't have the capability to adapt to this modern brand of Basketball.
MrHershey & The Kisses I’m sorry, but Izzo has definitely become overrated in my book. How many talented teams has he recruited only to waste by the time March roles around? Izzo hasn’t won the big one in nearly two decades, and just look at the number of elite players he’s had. Draymond, Gary Harris, Valentine, Shannon Brown, and so on had/have all gone on to carve out solid NBA careers. Yet Izzo didn’t win jack with any of them. How many of Beilein’s players have transferred well to the pro-level? Trey Burke? Jordan Morgan? Nik Stauskus? Mitch McGary? All of ‘em duds. Only one of late I can think of that’s carving out a descent pro career is Caris Levert. Izzo is akin to an old school manager in baseball (a la Jim Leyland in his final years with the Tigers) who’s too stubborn to change his strategies regardless of how long it’s been failing. Maybe I’m just a frustrated Spartan fan, but I’ve grown sick and tired of Izzo employing his boring ass offensive schemes only to win big in the regular season but crushed when it counts most.
Nathan Miller ok, sure, a couple of his Beilein's guys have panned out in the league. But for the most part, that hasn't been the case. Beilein puts together a bunch mid-tier prospects and makes great college teams.
Mike...you are the best dude. You speak the truth. It feels like our 2 programs are backwards... Michigan basketball is dominating state and state football is dominating Michigan football...
Ken Horvath Well if it wasn't for our kicker, punter Michigan that is we would be 2 & 1 against State in the last 3 years and not 1 & 2,. But I get your point okay. But if you go back and look at Michigan basketball vs State, Michigan has had better teams. They just weren't able to close the deal but once. The Ricky Green Phil Hubbert team. The Glenn Rice team with the six NBA picks, Fab Five. Cassie Russell team back in the day. And Cross over Jr Tim Hardaway Jr with Little 🐕 dog and the College player of the year. State, Magic's team, the Cleve's team that won't it all. Steve Smith's team didn't do anything. So there you have it on basketball.
Proof positive why I love Mike. He operates on a very simple rule: play well/do well, he gives props. Play poorly/do poorly, he will tear you a new one, even if it's his alma mater (let's face it: some of Mike's best stuff has been against MSU). MSU was atrocious against Syracuse and it seemed that everything they could do wrong, they did. I waited all morning on Monday for 2pm just for this. Way to go, Mikey V.
Sparty Beaumont I would go a step further and say ALL of his best stuff is against MSU. That's probably because that's his team. It's mine too. It hurts more when they perform like this.
Great analysis. I completely agree... I am concerned about Izzo after this performance. These teams have been underperforming and I don’t think it is because of the players.
God this was glorious, get'em Mike!! As an MSU fan I am ready to see Izzo walk off into the sunset now...the game has passed him bye. Also, unrelated, does any one hear Andrew Dice Clay in Mike lol?
Agree with you regarding (1) Izzo regularly getting outcoached by top tier coaches and (2) being absolutely terrible in press conferences. One additional thing you didn't touch on is Izzo's players do not show a trend of becoming better basketball players under his coaching. I wouldn't be surprised if recruiting wasn't as good moving forward. "Come to MSU and you'll leave at the same level you came in at". He has been to a bunch of Final Fours and has won the B1G several times ... so it could be worse.
Clark this MSU team did not get better while the season progressed. While Michigan did get better and are in the Sweet 16. With a good chance of going to the final 4.
Was like watching a chess match between the all world young prospect that had an over simplified game plan of "just win in 3 moves" with no back-up plan vs. the crotchety old seasoned vet that had a hidden smirk all the way to check mate
Agree with some points, but disagree with the criticism of the game plan. I think Jackson was the perfect choice to play in the middle against the zone. He just didn't play well, but he should have played more. And, Ward should have played more.
It doesn’t matter who MSU plays. Rutgers proved that in the conf part of the season. I’m East Lansing Rutgers took MSU to overtime. It’s real simple. Msu has some really big star players. But if you can’t get those players to play as a team in what is a team sport they will never be successful. Michigan on the other hand is probably playing the BEST as far as TEAM ball goes. Syracuse played better team ball. So yeah you should probably at least give the Cuse some credit. Jim Beheim is not an idiot. He’s been doing this a lot longer than Izzo. So my final statement is that Izzo is burned out. He is. And it would probably help MSU to realize that because sounds like Izzo will not be done anytime soon according to what he said in the post game. He says “I’m not going anywhere.” Maybe stubborn or maybe he refuses to accept his prime time is over?
It's so funny how Michigan State fan give you their Basketball history for the past 25 to 35 year's, and think that they know what their program is all about. I know more about Michigan State then their fans, most of them. I'm a Michigan man, and I'll tell you. If I go really listing players and times when Michigan has had better teams then State, Michigan State fans would have to agree.
You have a radio show for your commentary, but sitting and shouting makes this unlistenable for a while. I do however appreciate that someone is saying what needs to be said!
People need to understand that it is hard to play in Kansas but we pulled it out. Go Blue!! Now for state it make no sense they played at home smh. Go Blue!!
I have no doubt in the world Izzo would have sat Magic late. Does none of his assistants have the balls to say "Hey Tom you Ok? Jackson and Ward are still on the bench want to get them in... Maybe for Carter..." If I'm the dad of a 5 star no way he's playing for Izzo. Ward, if your not going to the draft TRANSFER.. please. Your being wasted. I can't watch you waste away on the bench anymore. Loyer.. decommit.. go somewhere you can shoot and don't run an offense from 1999.
drae408 You're the fan that causes me to feel joy when you get mopped in the national title game. I felt empathy for awhile there. Thanks for reminding me that you have the worst fan base in America. I forgot.
If you're gonna put your stars on the bench in that kinda crunch, there had better have been a body language issues, or the kid's attitude or something! And if so, you should TELL US! Not just remind us how much you make! Seems pretty typical seeing as how MSU fan is always quick to remind us that "Izzo is a HOF head coach!" every time they get knocked out of the tourney! FINAL FOURS ARE NOT RINGS!!!
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This is exactly what I needed to hear.
Big JJ yep
You hit the nail on the head, Mike! The gameplan was SO BAD in the second half and Izzo was 100% the blame in this last game.
make excuses like A LOSER
100% Accurate.
Cathartic and spot on. Every bit. Loved his appeal to Izzo: "I love you, don't make me feel this way!"
Mike has the best rants in the biz. You can feel his emotion
THANKS FOR THIS, MIKE....SPEAK THE TRUTH
"You aint breaking me" 😂😂😂😂
Angry Mike is the best Mike
crybaby Dicknose
"You just sucked worse" - Mike Valenti, 2018
Mike is a Young Fat wannabe sports hero
bobby bilder I agree with you
Great work Mike. Always look forward to your monologue. A self evaluation for Izzo is needed.
All the Michigan fans will say he spent to much time on Msu lol. As a Michigan I love Mike he tells it like it is whether it's Michigan or msu
That was the greatest sports rant I've ever heard. Thank you.
Truth -- Mike says what we all want to!
Mike was spot on with this take. I'm not sure I've ever seen a superior team so completely play into an inferior opponent's hands. Boehim must've been creaming his pants at the way State was handling that zone. 37 3-point attempts (and only 8 makes)? That's a video game stat, like when you let your little brother play NBA 2K against you for the first time (and, no, that's not a Mike Hart reference). Izzo's refusal to employ dribble penetration to break down Syracuse's D costed him an opportunity with the most talented roster he'll ever assemble. And while the MTSU loss may have been more shocking, I can look back and at least accept that it was just one of those games where an opponent got hot and never cooled off. Spartans had shot 56% and still ended up losing, so sometimes you just gotta tip your cap to your opponent, I guess. But I'm not sure I'll ever get over the abomination I witnessed yesterday. Having nearly every built-in advantage possible, from home court to even favorable officiating I'd argue, State couldn't put together a single 5 minute stretch of quality basketball. 26% FG shooting, more turnovers (14) than assists (11), and only 16 FT attempts? If not for the hustle on the boards, State might've lost this game by 20. And while I understand that players play and coaches coach, Izzo had his old-timer hands all over this one. Passive offensive play call, refusal to employ outside-of-the-box offensive schemes, stubborn substitution patterns, etc. Just a total catastrophe. Tom better think long and hard this offseason about this one, because I'm beginning to lose track of all the tournament games he's been out-coached in over the past decade.
I remember this, this was the worst coaching job by Izzo, right behind '16 March Madness.
Get em mike!
Mike is telling the truth!! It was an embarrassment among embarrassments!!! Period!!! Patty Cake Patty Cake!!!
Thanks for not being afraid to tell the cold hard truth, Mike. Not easy to listen to as a Spartan fan, but sometimes the truth hurts. This old crusty offense that they've been running since Shannon Brown played ISN'T CUTTING IT ANYMORE. You have to wonder what Jon Beilein could've done with this team. I don't even think Tom is overrated, I think he's outdated and apparently doesn't have the capability to adapt to this modern brand of Basketball.
MrHershey & The Kisses I’m sorry, but Izzo has definitely become overrated in my book. How many talented teams has he recruited only to waste by the time March roles around? Izzo hasn’t won the big one in nearly two decades, and just look at the number of elite players he’s had. Draymond, Gary Harris, Valentine, Shannon Brown, and so on had/have all gone on to carve out solid NBA careers. Yet Izzo didn’t win jack with any of them. How many of Beilein’s players have transferred well to the pro-level? Trey Burke? Jordan Morgan? Nik Stauskus? Mitch McGary? All of ‘em duds. Only one of late I can think of that’s carving out a descent pro career is Caris Levert. Izzo is akin to an old school manager in baseball (a la Jim Leyland in his final years with the Tigers) who’s too stubborn to change his strategies regardless of how long it’s been failing. Maybe I’m just a frustrated Spartan fan, but I’ve grown sick and tired of Izzo employing his boring ass offensive schemes only to win big in the regular season but crushed when it counts most.
Nabeel, Tim Hardaway Jr has had a respectable run in the NBA so far...
Nathan Miller ok, sure, a couple of his Beilein's guys have panned out in the league. But for the most part, that hasn't been the case. Beilein puts together a bunch mid-tier prospects and makes great college teams.
Thank you Mike! I sincerely hope that the majority of Spartan fans hear what you are saying.
The thing about Tom Izzo teams when he can't bully you all his teams lose his offense is garbage
That highlighter in Mike's hands should be sh*t scared! LOL
glorious... . an epic choke job and a Valenti meltdown.. hahahaha
Literally can see his blood pressure spiking during the rant.
Mike...you are the best dude.
You speak the truth. It feels like our 2 programs are backwards...
Michigan basketball is dominating state and state football is dominating Michigan football...
Ken Horvath they ain’t dominating shit fuck state lol my guy harbaugh got something up his sleeve
Harbaugh don't have shit up his sleeve.
Steven Haymon shiiiid
Ken Horvath Well if it wasn't for our kicker, punter Michigan that is we would be 2 & 1 against State in the last 3 years and not 1 & 2,. But I get your point okay. But if you go back and look at Michigan basketball vs State, Michigan has had better teams. They just weren't able to close the deal but once. The Ricky Green Phil Hubbert team. The Glenn Rice team with the six NBA picks, Fab Five. Cassie Russell team back in the day. And Cross over Jr Tim Hardaway Jr with Little 🐕 dog and the College player of the year. State, Magic's team, the Cleve's team that won't it all. Steve Smith's team didn't do anything. So there you have it on basketball.
Donald Alexander Oh yeah MSU didn't have like 7 other final 4 teams under Izzo or anything. Nope just Cleaves. Yup sounds about right. HAHAHAHA
Proof positive why I love Mike. He operates on a very simple rule: play well/do well, he gives props. Play poorly/do poorly, he will tear you a new one, even if it's his alma mater (let's face it: some of Mike's best stuff has been against MSU). MSU was atrocious against Syracuse and it seemed that everything they could do wrong, they did. I waited all morning on Monday for 2pm just for this. Way to go, Mikey V.
Sparty Beaumont I would go a step further and say ALL of his best stuff is against MSU. That's probably because that's his team. It's mine too. It hurts more when they perform like this.
Diehard Big Blue fan..but I respect the hell out of Valenti.
Jordan Hardy Agreed, 100%
Same. Best in the business.
I kno the epic rant gets all the praise.....but IMO this is his best rant.....I watched this game and agree 100% on everything he said
Epic!🗣🎙💯
Flint Eastwood thank you!
MAKE PLAYS!!
Telling it like it is.
Mike knows Basketball,you should be MSU next coach......real talk
This has a happy ending. Izzo followed this up with this greatest season since 2000
The Rant 2.0
I agree with everything he said truth
Just love mikes passion with sports gonna enjoy the rants while he is in the D
As a Spartan, Mike is absolutely right. It's not close, either.
This was a great rant because Valenti was spot on!!!
Great analysis. I completely agree... I am concerned about Izzo after this performance. These teams have been underperforming and I don’t think it is because of the players.
2 weeks later and I am speechless. Now get to watch um and Loyola Chicago of Illinois, sounds like an NIT play in game.
Get this man a podcast
Love the Winnipeg Jets hat, Mike !
Wow I have never seen Mike so mad lol
2006.
They played with zero aggression all season. You could almost feel this coming since the Ohio state loss.
God this was glorious, get'em Mike!! As an MSU fan I am ready to see Izzo walk off into the sunset now...the game has passed him bye.
Also, unrelated, does any one hear Andrew Dice Clay in Mike lol?
Games passed him by 😂 2 years later this takes still awful
This is on the money!!!
Go Mike Go
Michigan football fans know how you feel
Izzzy just got a little fizzy then got dizzzzzy in the end! With the talent they should of went unbeaten!
Die heart State fan and can’t agree more with this take. Maybe biggest choke in MSU basketball history
Happy two year anniversary!
I’m still pissed about this game
Agree with you regarding (1) Izzo regularly getting outcoached by top tier coaches and (2) being absolutely terrible in press conferences. One additional thing you didn't touch on is Izzo's players do not show a trend of becoming better basketball players under his coaching. I wouldn't be surprised if recruiting wasn't as good moving forward. "Come to MSU and you'll leave at the same level you came in at". He has been to a bunch of Final Fours and has won the B1G several times ... so it could be worse.
He's has a long history of successfully developing players
Clark this MSU team did not get better while the season progressed. While Michigan did get better and are in the Sweet 16. With a good chance of going to the final 4.
Clark Jansen He kind of hit on it with "if I had a 5 star son, I'd never send him to MSU."
joel shupe Does he? Or does he get a ton of McDonald's All American and top 100 players that are already good?
He has a great history of taking no name teams to the final 4. The past few years have been awful I agree that Izzo has been off these years.
Mike keeping it💯
"Pucker Pucker Pucker"
Mike nailed it. 100%
It was hard watching MSU yesterday. It seems like they didn't even want to try and get the ball in the middle of the zone.
Jordan, that was a hard watch. Syracuse should have been in the NIT. Sad coaching at it's finest.
Mcquaid doesn't understand the concept of a bounce pass. Would have went a long way in getting the ball to the elbow.
Tom Izzo teams only play one way
As a Michigan fan this is hilarious.....
Oh, Captain, my Captain...
Was like watching a chess match between the all world young prospect that had an over simplified game plan of "just win in 3 moves" with no back-up plan vs. the crotchety old seasoned vet that had a hidden smirk all the way to check mate
As a Spartan fan, it's painful to hear but it's true. But then, I can only imagine how the Virginia sports hosts reacted.
Sick lid Mike
Nothing will beat the ‘06 rant. But yeah this game hurt.
All facts. 💯
2-11 now against K
bearcattony00 and lost to Texas Tech, who cares.
This made me feel better after the disappointment of the Cincinnati teams.
lmfao @ david with the remix
I don't know if this was Izzos last good chance at a National Championship, but I've heard Mike say that at least 3 times before.
Truth
Agree with some points, but disagree with the criticism of the game plan. I think Jackson was the perfect choice to play in the middle against the zone. He just didn't play well, but he should have played more. And, Ward should have played more.
Consistently
100% correct
Wait... So... The syracuse loss... Is worse than middle tennessee State? Alright Mike. Alright.
It doesn’t matter who MSU plays. Rutgers proved that in the conf part of the season. I’m East Lansing Rutgers took MSU to overtime. It’s real simple. Msu has some really big star players. But if you can’t get those players to play as a team in what is a team sport they will never be successful. Michigan on the other hand is probably playing the BEST as far as TEAM ball goes. Syracuse played better team ball. So yeah you should probably at least give the Cuse some credit. Jim Beheim is not an idiot. He’s been doing this a lot longer than Izzo. So my final statement is that Izzo is burned out. He is. And it would probably help MSU to realize that because sounds like Izzo will not be done anytime soon according to what he said in the post game. He says “I’m not going anywhere.” Maybe stubborn or maybe he refuses to accept his prime time is over?
Used to be such a great coach. Ill give him this upcoming season to make something work but if it doesnt let Tum Tum come in and take his place lol
Dam.... Valenti went in on msu. Classic.
Mikey V 😂😂😂
Pucker pucker pucker
What does that red button do
Chokers
Number three in the draft 😂😂😂😂😂
Twan Pac well JJJ is projected as a top 5 pick
#PUTHIMINTHEGAME
Mr. March😂😂😂 that’s Beilein
0-7 vs Royboy?
We beat UNC by 20 that year?
Winston Smith You’re right, we did. But let’s be honest, 1-7 vs Roy is still pretty embarrassing.
In the last, what, 6 years, Beilein has made more NCAA finals than Izzo (2-0? I think, the hell?).
Well Tom Izzo finally beat Coach K. Wonder what Valenti will say now.
Funny but true
The Rant pt.2
It's so funny how Michigan State fan give you their Basketball history for the past 25 to 35 year's, and think that they know what their program is all about. I know more about Michigan State then their fans, most of them. I'm a Michigan man, and I'll tell you. If I go really listing players and times when Michigan has had better teams then State, Michigan State fans would have to agree.
Teddy Ruxbin for State coach
You have a radio show for your commentary, but sitting and shouting makes this unlistenable for a while. I do however appreciate that someone is saying what needs to be said!
People need to understand that it is hard to play in Kansas but we pulled it out. Go Blue!! Now for state it make no sense they played at home smh. Go Blue!!
I have no doubt in the world Izzo would have sat Magic late. Does none of his assistants have the balls to say "Hey Tom you Ok? Jackson and Ward are still on the bench want to get them in... Maybe for Carter..." If I'm the dad of a 5 star no way he's playing for Izzo. Ward, if your not going to the draft TRANSFER.. please. Your being wasted. I can't watch you waste away on the bench anymore. Loyer.. decommit.. go somewhere you can shoot and don't run an offense from 1999.
Michigan Matt how you guys lose at home ha ha. Go Blue!!
drae408 You're the fan that causes me to feel joy when you get mopped in the national title game. I felt empathy for awhile there. Thanks for reminding me that you have the worst fan base in America. I forgot.
He’s out coached
LOL GO BLUE 😂😂〽️🏀
If you're gonna put your stars on the bench in that kinda crunch, there had better have been a body language issues, or the kid's attitude or something! And if so, you should TELL US! Not just remind us how much you make!
Seems pretty typical seeing as how MSU fan is always quick to remind us that "Izzo is a HOF head coach!" every time they get knocked out of the tourney! FINAL FOURS ARE NOT RINGS!!!
wh.....why are you yelling?
That was not luck! We found our shoot now. Go Blue!!
It looks bad now. Lol
He beat Roy this year.