Espo

Just heard from a source in Tucson that Tom Izzo has contacted the UofA athletic department to express his desire to take over the Arizona basketball program in next season. This source also had the Lute Olson retirement and the Chase Budinger story right this summer.

If true Izzo could help save the program and he and Sendek could have some great battles in recruiting and on the court. As a UofA alum I really hope it proves to be true.

http://phoenix.fanster.com/2008/11/1...r-arizona-job/

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Columnist, SBNationArizona.com

Lefty

If the UofA could get Izzo, that would be so huge. I never thought they had a chance at him but wow, that would be great.

Espo

I agree. Izzo's hiring would change the fortunes of this program. He could really make things very interesting in Arizona hoops with ASU on the up swing. I don't think I've been this excited about a UofA basketball rumor in years.

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nathan

Place of birth Iron Mountain, Michigan

Playing career
1973–1977 Northern Michigan
Coaching career (HC unless noted)

1977–1978 Ishpeming HS
1979–1983 Northern Michigan (asst.)
1983–1995 Michigan State (asst.)
1995–present Michigan State


If he hasn't left the state of Michigan by now, would he ever? Is there trouble at MSU, or is he in need of leverage for a contract extension?

MaoTosiFanClub

First off, any coach UA hires hould not have recruiting "battles" with the likes of Herb Sendek and ASU considering the paycheck he'll be earning. An Arizona program with stability has every advantage over ASU in the basketball recruiting world, let's notlower ourselves to such standards. Competing with UCLA should be the goal.

Secondly, I personally don't buy the Izzo rumors. In my opinion he's using the UA job as leverage for a much deserved raise ($1.7 annually is not nearly enough in the current landscape for a guy with 4 Final Four's and a ring) at MSU. Arizona should focus on coaches who actually have interest in leaving their current situations such as Calipari and Dixon. Yeah, we could probably offer Izzo $2.5 but there's no reason MSU could not match that and all things equal I'm assuming he'll stay home.

Diamondback Jay

Bingo.

I can't see Izzo leaving Michigan State anytime soon, least of all for U of A.

Now Calipari may be a different story.

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Rest in Peace Jim, Tim and Danny.

overseascardfan

I don't know about that. Calipari's team is going to be a powerhouse for awhile, MSU isn't the program it once was, Izzo may be looking for a change of scenery.

It makes alot of sense for U of A, Izzo is only 53 years old, 2 years older than Howland so it isn't like he's a dinosaur. The guy has a NC on his resume, something guys like Calipari don't. He would probably be cheaper than Calipari and unlike Dixon and Few, he isn't in the beginning of a new deal that would require a large buyout. He is the perfect replacement for Lute, and if he accepts right away he could probably get Hill & Moser back, and maybe Gaddy unless he signed a LOI.

MaoTosiFanClub

Michigan State is #6 in the country and just a few years removed from a Final Four, not sure how that translates into MSU not being the program it once was. Sure it's not Memphis but it's still a powerhouse.

Mr. Boldin

I can see Izzo making contact with Arizona, but I dont think he leaves MSU.

Izzo would be a great hire, but Izzo's history in Michigan and love for MSU leads me to believe he is a longshot.

Black Jesus

I'd love Tom Izzo or Calipari. Tom Izzo would have U of A making their FTs again, where as Calipari would have the best athletes who can't hit FTs for their life.

DWKB

It's nice to see that every program has irrational fans that irritate the rational ones. Makes me feel better about my teams fans.

Arizona's Finest

Whether he is using it as leverage or not I like to see that he considers to be a role worth reaching out for and he would jump to the top of my list if he really is interested.

In terms of him never wanting to leave Michigan - sometimes things run their course. Even in your hometown. Rich Rodriguez anyone?

I am not saying its likely or even probable but it's nice to see this level of name being mentioned.

I can't wait for the next coach to be named personally.

And Mao is absolutely right. Because ASU is getting hype right now doesn't mean we should be "competing" with them - LOL - Hell frozeth over...

UCLA should be the barometer.

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Russ Smith

I think it's a salary leverage thing but who knows.

Anybody know the status of UA suspending as many as 5 players because of improper benefits from the Cactus Classic? ESPN is saying they probably have to declare them all ineligible and then hope the NCAA reinstates them in time for the first game. In some cases it's as little as $50 but it has to be repaid.

This is the end result of that story awhile back where a letter got sent out with Lute's signature asking for money to keep the Cactus Classic going, the NCAA investigated and apparently decided several players in the past got money in excess of the allowed limit, money in the form of transportation, lodging or clothing, not cash payments.

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“Your expectations always exceed outside expectations. I feel like you just can’t stop working, can’t stop getting better, because I’ll be a failure in my eyes before I’m a failure in someone else’s eyes.” -- Arron Afflalo

Black Jesus

Russ Pennell said no players are going to be recieving any NCAA sanctioniong based on his knowledge. They will be suited up tonight! Does the game really start at 9?

Renz

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