John Beilein or Tom Izzo? Who's your Big Ten Coach of the Year?
The Big Ten season is nearing a conclusion, and a pair of bosses from the state of Michigan sit toward the top of the league's Coach of the Year conversation.
Didn't we just go through this in November?
With three regular-season games remaining, Michigan basketball coach John Beilein and Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo have realistic shots at winning the 2012 Big Ten Coach of the Year award.
Here's a case for both:
A case for Beilein
John Beilein's Michigan basketball team is 21-7 overall, 11-4 in the Big Ten.
File photo
Following Michigan's loss to Duke in the second round last March, most immediately pointed to the Wolverines' 2011-12 squad as a group to watch. Then, Darius Morris opted to cash in his final two years of eligibility for the NBA Draft, and all bets seemed off.
Beilein entered this season with a solid nucleus of sophomores and two top-notch senior leaders (Zack Novak and Stu Douglass), but had a freshman point guard in Trey Burke.
Michigan was supposed to be good this season, but this good? The Wolverines have matched last season's win total, and have a shot at winning their first Big Ten title in 26 years. Michigan has nine top 50 RPI victories and holds its highest national ranking since the 1996-97 season.
Burke has answered every question, making most Michigan fans forget about Morris, and Beilein certainly deserves credit for a great deal of that.
He's been able to put Burke in successful situations from the start and has shown great confidence in his young floor leader even when times got rough.
Moreover, Michigan went through the month of January with two of its top players, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Evan Smotrycz, stuck in shooting slumps. Despite all that, the Wolverines sit at 21-7, 11-4 in the Big Ten and one game out of first place with three to play.
Should Beilein win the the award, he'd be the first Michigan coach to do so since Bill Frieder in 1985.
In addition, it would mark the second time in school history that Michigan earns a Big Ten Coach of the Year in football and basketball in the same year, as Brady Hoke won the honor in November.
The last time the Wolverines pulled the double-dip was 1985, with Frieder and Bo Schembechler.
A case for Izzo
Tom Izzo's Michigan State basketball team is 23-5 overall, 12-3 in the Big Ten.
Associated Press
The 2010-11 campaign went down as one of the most disappointing years of Izzo's Michigan State tenure. And, heading into this season, expectations were relatively tepid.
The Spartans had Draymond Green, but what else?
With the graduation of Kalin Lucas and the exile of Korie Lucious, Michigan State entered the season without a proven point guard, as sophomore Keith Appling was forced to make the switch from the two to the one.
But after opening the season with losses to North Carolina and Duke, Michigan State has gone 23-3. The Spartans have the inside track to an outright Big Ten title, they hold a serious shot at a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament and they've got folks in East Lansing wondering if this isn't Izzo's best club since the 2000 national champs.
Appling's transition has been just fine, as Izzo's helped him average 12 points and 3.9 assists per game. As for Green? Well, he's a Big Ten Player of the Year candidate, averaging 15.5 points and 10.3 rebounds.
After going through a nightmare a year ago, Izzo has been able to re-dedicate his program to the two factors that made it successful in the first place: defense and rebounding.
Michigan State leads the Big Ten in rebounding margin (+9.5) and ranks third in scoring defense (58.7 points per game).
Thanks to that renewed focus, Michigan State has seven wins against Top 25 RPI foes and has the second-best RPI in the country, per CollegeRPI.com.
Should Izzo win the award, it'd be the third of his career. He earned the honor in 1998 and 2009.
Other candidates
Tom Crean, Indiana: Crean's team won't win the Big Ten, and its not playing its best basketball of the season right now, but no one can ignore the turnaround the Hoosiers have made.
Indiana is a virtual lock for the NCAA tournament, and Crean has as many Big Ten victories this season (eight) as he did in his previous three combined.
Bo Ryan, Wisconsin: Ryan brought back Jordan Taylor this season, but he had to replace just about everyone else.
Jon Leur was gone, as was Keaton Nankivil and Josh Gasser. And, despite his Badgers starting the Big Ten season 1-3, Wisconsin sits at 20-7, 9-5 in league play. It could've been a whole lot worse in Madison this year.
Sky High: No. 6 Michigan State (23-5, 12-3)
The Spartans continue to hold the inside edge as the Big Ten race inches toward the finish line.
Michigan has an easier remaining schedule, but if Michigan State wins out, the outright title goes to East Lansing. Additionally, the Spartans are fighting for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament.
Rock bottom: Illinois (16-12, 5-10)
When is this trainwreck going to come to a rest?
The Illini have lost nine of their last 10, and have officially played themselves out of the NCAA tournament. And now, after firing Ron Zook following the football season, Illinois athletic director Mike Thomas likely will have another coaching search on his hands in a few weeks.
Big Ten team with unbeaten home records this season, Michigan and Michigan State.
Indiana's team 3-point field goal percentage, 28 games into the season. It leads the Big Ten and is fourth nationally.
Quality RPI wins by Northwestern this season. The Wildcats are 16-12, and in danger of once again missing the NCAA tournament.
Win, in 12 tries, for Tubby Smith against Michigan State during his five seasons at Minnesota.
Quotable
“It would have been a really good win. But it wouldn’t have assured us of anything and doesn’t knock us out of the box either.”
— Northwestern coach Bill Carmody after his team's overtime loss to Michigan on Tuesday
Nick Baumgardner covers Michigan basketball for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2514, by email at nickbaumgardner@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @nickbaumgardner.
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Comments
genetracy
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 3:26 a.m.
Judging by the outcome of the Purdue game on senior night, perhaps Beilin should dress up as Ronald MacDonald for the next game.
rocco
Sat, Feb 25, 2012 : 6:02 p.m.
Izzo hands down. Beilein stumbled into the recruitment of Trey Burke. Trey would have gone to OSU if Aaron Craft hadn't tied down the point guard position. In five years, he's managed to recurit MAC quality players. As much as we love Stu, he was recruited by Harvard, not exactly a basketball powerhouse. I think Beilein gets the most out of his players, which is a sign of good coaching. He also is a good game coach, making timely substitutions in critical situations. His players have confidence which I also attriibute to coaching. That said, he's about on par with Northwestern's coach. They almost beat us this year with less talent than we have. I might rank the Indiana coach ahead of Beilein because of wins over top rated teams. Remember too, that Michigan was rated highly in the preseason so they're exactly where everyone expected them to be.
SalineBob
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 6:03 p.m.
Coach Izzo is a clown? Every guy who has played for him has been to a Final Four. Six times! Getting to the Final Four is hard! He is one of the most highly respected coaches across America. When Beilein arrived on the scene Izzo invited him up to East Lansing to get acquanted and show him around the facilities. You folks who call him a clown and a whiner were obviously born yesterday. And a choker? Because he has only one national championship. Laughable. Many of his Final Four teams got there with guts and good coaching and with less talent than other national program teams loaded with McDonalds All Americans. Pay attention and do your homework before you come up with stupid comments that are an insult to stupid people. Coach Beilein is an excellent coach and a real gentleman and he'll be very successful. I'd like to hear examples of Final Four games where MSU choked. I'm waiting...
aarox
Sat, Feb 25, 2012 : 12:26 a.m.
Well said. That's kind of what I meant above when I said comparing Beilein to the likes of Izzo or Coach K was rather absurd. But its fun to live the dream.... And that's the way it is (sorry to steal your line :)
Peaches
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 3:28 p.m.
Izzo is so passionate! If his wild sideline actions and facial expression makes him a clown to other, envious "fans", then so be it. But, I would gladly have any of my kids play for him, in any year. MSU is so lucky to have him. He is a master at coaching these kids.
Forever27
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 1:31 p.m.
between these two options, Beilein is the clear favorite. However, i think that Tom Crean at Indiana has to be the winner of this award. The turnaround he made between last year and this year is remarkable.
Cliff
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 3:14 a.m.
It's really amazing how blind and ignorant Michigan supporters are when another team or coach is better then their own. They are so engrossed in themselves and their university that they can not admit that they are not always the best or most envied.
Kevin Shabinski
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 9:37 p.m.
Fail. Look up the word "ironic" then try again.
Cliff
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 5:37 p.m.
Nothing I said is really ironic at all.
Forever27
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 1:34 p.m.
ironic coming from a spartan fan. win something and we'll take you seriously
Terry Star21
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 2:51 a.m.
I agree it is a homer article, but geesh - give msu something to chirp about. They have lost the last three out of four in basketball and lost four out of ten in football and football recruiting, they don't have a prayer. I will agree with one thing though, izzo is a clown, seriously. Watch him on the sideline, his rants, his facial expressions, begging to the official, looks like he is weeping and crying most of the time - funny stuff.....'izzo the clown' ! The msu basketball team is quickly winding down, they had their time and it's run out. The football team has been on thin ice for four years, and summertime is coming fast. Let us allow the msu slappies to spout off here, that is what they are best at. LOL MgoBlueForTiM.......Paul is happier in A2 where he belongs
genetracy
Mon, Feb 27, 2012 : 3:27 a.m.
Izzo a clown? When was the last time MSU choked on a senior night?
Kevin Shabinski
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 9:40 p.m.
What a joke. Win games, then talk. Future looks bright, but doesn't it always when the the past can't get any worse?
Cliff
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 5:39 p.m.
I'll take a "clown" that is a consisten and proven winner over a guy that has been average 95% of his career.
aarox
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 2:25 a.m.
This is just a homer article. To compare Beilein with Izzo or Coach K for that matter is just absurd. But we are making progress.
aareader
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 1:21 a.m.
A look at the two pictures in the article should give an idea. The simple answer may be if you were a basketball player which coach would YOU want leading your team?
Terry Star21
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 2:54 a.m.
I agree, Look at the facial expressions, 'izzo the clown' !
aarox
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 2:22 a.m.
I agree. Just wish we could figure out how to get him over here. Kind of a no-brainer. Ditto for Dantinio
azwolverine
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 12:07 a.m.
I think Izzo should be coach of the year. Any coach that can topple Beilein and his Michigan squad 50% of the time this season is undoubtedly deserving of all honors that come his way.
Terry Star21
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 2:57 a.m.
Yes AZ, but only 25% of then most recent times. Beilein's time has come, izzo's is going !
Cliff
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 12:59 a.m.
Izzo has toppled more coaches than belein this year and every other team in the B1G so far, which can be seen in their record.
GoBlue2009
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 11:59 p.m.
For all of the MSU fans who crow about "SIX FINAL FOURS, SIX FINAL FOURS!" That's nice to say, but they aren't tangible things like hardware. Granted, Michigan has a long way to go, but you can also make that case that MSU choked in many of those Final Fours. It's all about the hardware. Tom Izzo has won as many National Championships as Steve Fisher and Jud Heathcote did: ONE. I'll take Beilein's composure, class, and (soon-to-be) success over Izzo's 6 Final Fours (with one title to show for it), wild gesticulating, and whiny mannerisms any day of the week.
jojojo
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 12:54 p.m.
So, GoBlue, since he never won any national championships, how would you evaluate Bo?
Terry Star21
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 2:59 a.m.
Agree GoBlue, izzo had a lot of talent but choked when he needed to come through big - sign of a coach going down....
Cliff
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 12:57 a.m.
Let me remind you that your King Lloyd Carr only had one national chamionship. So all the bowl games Michigan has gone to under Carr weren't really that big of a deal??? Absurd. I guess your team would actually have to get to the Final Four for you to understand and appreciate the difficulty of getting there.
Johnny2x2x
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 11:06 p.m.
There is no doubt that Izzo is the coach of the year, he took this young team from unranked to Top 5. Beilein took his team from preseason top 15 to top 15. Michigan has performed about as expected. They've been able to win a lot of close games and that's a credit to Beilein. 2 good coaches who did a good job this year, but there is no doubt that Izzo has been the coach of the year, maybe in all of the NCAA. His team has played a top 3 schedule and gone 23-5, they are a couple bounces away from being 25-3 in what was supposed to be a rebuilding year.
azwolverine
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 12:14 a.m.
And it is Beilein who has led to Michigan not only HAVING high expectations in hoop once again, but MEETING them as well. A masterful job by a top notch coach.
AANative
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 10:55 p.m.
At this point I'd have to go with Izzo, Michigan started out the season ranked ahead of Michigan State, it's too early to make the call, the season is not over. Bellein is an excellent coach and I don't in any way want to down play the outstanding job he's done with this Michigan team. However, Izzo has done an even better job this year, a total commitment, that he made with Green and his players at the begining of the season. Either way this is really fun, can't wait till Saturday.
a2baggagehandler
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 10:02 p.m.
H to the Izzo
David Vande Bunte
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 9:53 p.m.
Using the same criteria that I did when it was football season, I would probably say that the most deserving B1G coach to win is Bo Ryan, not Beilein, not Izzo. What I look for in a coach of the year candidate is improvement vs. expectations. We expected Michigan to improve on last years record, we expected MSU to rebound from last year, where they seemingly forgot how to play basketball. But, Izzo is expected to have MSU at the level they are at, so just living up to expectations isn't good enough. Looking at what Wisconsin had to replace, Bo Ryan has had the toughest job of trying to put together a consistently winning team. The fact that he has succeeded in doing so while replacing so many players is what makes me want to give him the nod.
Tom
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 8:59 p.m.
"MSU has the better team, but Beilein is the better coach." Scott says "Izzo is a clown"...while Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeline "oozes class". LMFAO!!! What outrageous statements. Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeline has ZERO Final fours. Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeline was 40-40 in conference play in the Big Least and is 41-45 in the BIG! Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeline has the 2007 NIT Championship to his credit...that got him his job in Ann Arbor...LOL! IZZO and MSU fans would be HORRIFIED to play in the NIT. I can't remember MSU EVER PLAYING IN THE NIT! Nick - It is hilarious that there is a single Michigan fan who thinks that Belein is a better coach than Tom Izzo. But let's give it to Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeline just for grins! He and Hoke can have their COY awards. While they're at it, we'll take the conference and division championship hardware back to East Lansing and put it right next to Paul Bunyan. Paul isn't going anywhere soon!
Terry Star21
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 3:01 a.m.
Tom is too funny here, maybe from watching his clown's side line antics.....funny stuff. LOL
XTR
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 2:52 a.m.
Tom, Tom Izzo, better enjoy the last year of your wins because this is the last year, Next fall and winter, MSU football and basketball will be back in the middle of the Big Ten. You know it and the nation knows it. Spartan Tears Tastes like Sugar! hahaha
GoBlue2009
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 12:01 a.m.
Um...you been paying attention to football news lately? Of course you have, and it frightens you. I'll take The University of Michigan over Michigan State University. That says it all.
bluemax79
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 8:47 p.m.
the poor job izzo did last year is what has him looking like a great coach now. izzo coaches to get himself on TV Coach B does it to help kids become better players. Coach B Deserves it, especially once we win the B1G
Kevin Shabinski
Tue, May 29, 2012 : 8:09 p.m.
At least he doesn't choke in a opening round game against a bush league team.
Cliff
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 5:43 p.m.
I'll gladly take a coach that gets to the Ncaa finals over a coach that watches the finals from home every year.
Terry Star21
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 3:02 a.m.
Agree Blue, but has talented players to save him, he chokes badly in then big finals.....
j
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 10:31 p.m.
Izzo helps kids become better people, ask derrick nix or other former players
Kevin Shabinski
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 9:17 p.m.
Being #6 in the nation is what makes him look good. Its facts that substantiate a observation. You are a complete Homer and can't see the ridiculousness of you statements. "to get himself on TV" what the H does that even mean? He coaches NCAA Bball with a nationally ranked and NC caliber team, uh yeah, they want to televise that.
jojojo
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 8:17 p.m.
Unless you see the world exclusively through Maize 'n Blue glasses, this one really isn't hard at all to figure out. Both are great coaches. One took a team that was projected to be somewhere in the bottom 10 of the top 20 to be, well, in the bottom 10 of the top 20. One took a team that was projected to be nowhere (and possibly not even in the NCAA, for the first time in 14 years) to leading the Big 10 and somehere in the top 5 (and in the mix for a 1 seed in the NCAA). This is in no way intended as a criticiasm of Beilein, who has done a solid job, but when compared to Izzo there really is no comparison.
Tom
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 9:21 p.m.
If MSU should beat both Ohio and Indiana, then the question gets closer, but I think they might win one of those games. Think MSU will win one of those games? LOL! MSU has lost 3 games in the BIG by a total of 9 points (with a 7 point loss to NU). The game at U of I was ridiculous for both teams. The announcers and Illini players both felt that they were playing with a ball that was overinflated...Izzo and MSU never said a word. MSU is the Illinois' biggest rivalry game. For some reason or other that team has quit on Weber. They are stil very dangerous....very dangerous. They handled TOSU at home as well. As was the case in football, MSU is playing the tougher BIG schedule and has the better BIG record. This team has Final Four and national championship potential. Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeline has only made it past the Sweet Sixteen once in his career.
johnnya2
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 9:05 p.m.
One, so because Michigan was rated higher at the beginning of the season they get the nod. Why not look at why MSU was ranked so low preseason. Was it because the coach was just not that on top of it last season. This is not comeback of the year award. MSU was projected to compete for the Big Ten title pre season and has. UM was not projected to compete for it and is. How about we look at common opponents: Both lost to Duke, both on neutral courts They each beat the other at home, that is a wash UM beat Northwestern twice, MSU lost to them in their meeting UM beat Illinois, MSU lost to them in their meeting UM losses (Virginia on road a 21-6 team), Duke ( loss to a 23-4 team), Indiana (by 2 on the road against an NCAA team) Arkansas (on road 17-9 team). Their only bad loss was to Iowa MSU losses (UNC, DUKE both good teams) Northwestern and Illinois (the Illini only win in the last 10 games) If MSU should beat both Ohio and Indiana, then the question gets closer, but I think they might win one of those games.
bluemax79
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 8:54 p.m.
the reason they were projected to be so low is because izzo sucked last year. state has a talented team he just really had a bunch of bad characters last year that he couldn't get through to. Once Michigan wins the B1G there will no longer be any questions.
Kevin Shabinski
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 7:42 p.m.
Nice Homer question to pose to a captive audience based in Ann Arbor. Izzo is by far the better coach. As far a doing more with less- Izzo was behind the 8ball just as much as Beilein. This was a rebuilding year for MSU, but somehow they are #6 in the country and soon to be #4. Beilein is a good coach and a classy guy, but Izzo has the success and records to back him up. People expect this from Izzo, so I guess if you are asking if Beilein should get the most unexpected success award, then yes, he should. Coach of the year? No, that is easily Izzo's.
Kevin Shabinski
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 9:24 p.m.
Yes Izzo is a classy guy. However, since you were looking through steamed up Blue and Rage glasses, you didn't see that didn't say that- or you just didn't read. I said Beilein was a classy guy.
bluemax79
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 8:56 p.m.
WHoA WHOA WHOA izzo is a classy guy>???? when he is winning, he was a total idiot when M beat them in A2 in January. Izzo UNDER achieved last year with a loaded team, that is why they were not expected to do much this year.
fjord
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 7:40 p.m.
I'd give Beilein the edge over Izzo this year, because his results are nearly as good despite considerably less talent. However, my vote for Big Ten Coach of the Year would probably go to Tom Crean.
heartbreakM
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 7:33 p.m.
they both deserve it. Look at the talent on either roster. Is it really that much better on MSU than on UM? Burke is better at guard than anybody MSU has. Hardaway Jr is supposed to be as good. Draymond Maize (sounds better than green) is much better than Morgan. Appling is like Novak, reliable and occasionally a high scorer. Izzo gets it simply because of the road record, IMO, but a case could be made for both. And who in the world calls Izzo a clown? Sometimes he says dumb things but he is classy overall and I'd have my kid play for him any day. (Except it is, well, State).
Kevin Shabinski
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 7:43 p.m.
Nice comment. I could roll with a tie on this one.
juanabe
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 7:32 p.m.
Coach Beilein gets my vote for coach of the year. He made the most out of coaching his players. He used his own guys, stayed away from JuCos and is really getting the job done in Ann Arbor. I hate the concept of a "rent a player." A 5th year athlete who has completed his degree who transfer to a different school and instantly becomes eligible. I wish Coach Izzo, who holds claims to hold himself to a higher standard, would not have succumbed to temptation and this type of player. For this reason alone, he cannot win a "coach of theyear ballot" (and neither can Fred Hoiberg, but that is a different subject). If Indiana could have won a few more B1G TEN road games, I would have been happy to nominate Tom Crean for COY. The Hoosiers shocked the basketball world with their great start and their huge win against Kentucky. Unfortunately Verdell Jones III has just not developed into the kind of leader that IU needs to pull that team along. Jordie Hulls, the hometown kid who stayed in Bloomington, gives them a lift sometimes, but he is so inconsistent and disappears for such long stretches at a time that IU stills needs someone to be "the guy."
Tom
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 9:05 p.m.
I hate the concept of a "rent a player." Juanmotime...what you REALLY hate is the concept of "Little Sister". Wood is a role player at MSU after averaging 17 PPG over 2 years at Valpo. Can you spell R-U-S-S-E-L-L W-I-L-S-O-N. That 5th year player cost MSU a trip to Pasadena in 2012...you don't hear MSU fans whining about it. A lyin' "Cheetah" from Columbus did the same by playing ineligible players in 2010 to earn a co-championship with MSU and the BADgers. MSU returned only 3 players who averaged 10 minutes per game in 2010-11...Draymond Green, Keith Appling and Adreian Payne. Expectations were at an all time low in East Lansing...but, of course, an Izzo all-time low is apparently COY material for Beilein....FUNNY! Don't forget...Crean is an Izzo guy! "Hey Little Sister...what have you done?" - Billy Idol
Cliff
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 7:11 p.m.
I wouldn't expect anybody to say Izzo on a UofM website. Izzo has taken a team that was in shambles last year and turned them back into a national power. This was done with younger talent too (i.e. Trice, Dawson, Kearney, Wood (older but new to the system) ) . Just because a coach is successful year in and year out , does not mean he should be any less deserving of an award.
azwolverine
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 12:24 a.m.
Tom, Way to bring up football. You know as well as anyone that the time to talk is now, because the 4 game streak was accumulated against the worst teams in UM history and at your place against a first year coach. No way MSU beats UM in the Big House next year. No way. Further, with UM's new staff and a year to develop under them, as well as top 10 recruiting (it's already happening again for 2013!), I don't foresee MSU beating UM with any consistency any time within the next 15-20 years...as usual. Then we can completely focus on our true rival ohio and get back to our meaningful wars with them.
j
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 10:27 p.m.
Really? Izzo takes low character kids? Even if he may, Izzo tries to build character in those kids, and if they do not start living up to expectations, he won't stand for it. ie. lucious, allen
Tom
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 9:12 p.m.
MSU won more than 20 games in 2010-11....a shambles? Shambles...see Michigan football team. Last conference championship in 2004! Sparty rolling on with a 4 game winning streak that is not going to end anytime soon! Funny stuff here!
Cliff
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 9:10 p.m.
you're missing the point. Regardless of why his team was in shambles, it was still in shambles. Whatever the reason was should not affect him his candidacy for coach the year for this season.
bluemax79
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 8:59 p.m.
they were in a shambles last year because? because he takes low character kids that couldn't play well together. Who's responsible for that? izzo
Cliff
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 7:58 p.m.
Regardless of what they were ranked preseason last year, they were still in shambles. To take a team with less talent (on paper) and less experience than last years team to where they are now should get recongnition. If MSU wins the B1G this year and Izzo does not get the B1G coach of the year, it is a damn shame. again... it seems Izzo is a victim of his own success.
juanabe
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 7:37 p.m.
Last year MSU was ranked preseason #2 and what did the head coach do? Sorry but they were shambles for a reason last year, and if you want to point the finger at Allen and Lucious, then go ahead but we all know that the Cavaliers were a huge distraction last season. Just because they were in shambles last year doesn't mean you get votes this year for that reason.
Teebob
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 7:01 p.m.
Beilein should get coach of the year. He has done an awesome job this year.
Ignatz
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 6:57 p.m.
MSU has the better team, but Beilein is the better coach. He's done more with less. The less is getting more, though.
bluemax79
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 9:01 p.m.
i would say they have 1 kind of player that M does not green, M has nobody that can dominate inside like him. he has really pushed himself to be a great player, sad that msu took him at the last minute out of High School just to keep him from M thinking he would never amount to much.
j
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 6:54 p.m.
seems an easy comparison that was missed, but in preseason rankings Michigan was 18th in both polls, MSU was 27th (if they actually kept counting after 25), and 28th (ditto) respectively. However, the B1G projected MSU to finish 3rd and Michigan is not listed (only because the B1G only shows the top three, I'll assume Michigan was close and probably 4th) SO nationally Michigan was projected better, and form the B1G Michigan St Additionally the road records are a good indic a of coaching, and whole program preparation. Michigan is 4-6 and MSU is 7-3 (I may have messed up it was a quick count, <a href="http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/130/michigan-wolverines" rel='nofollow'>http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/130/michigan-wolverines</a> )
MQual
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 8:46 p.m.
that response should have been on the comment by Ignatz - sorry.
MQual
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 8:45 p.m.
This is a tough comparison. as far as doing more with less. Isn't part of coaching include recruiting? If he has less than MSU isn't that a negative as much as it is a positive? Having said that you are correct. MSU has great athletes and a good 7 or 8 solid players. Both teams are very young so both coaches deserve a lot of credit. If they end up tied at the end of the season it'll make that even tougher - however if one wins it out right that might be the decision maker.
j
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 6:54 p.m.
<a href="http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/102711aaa.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/102711aaa.html</a>
scott
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 6:44 p.m.
I'd take Beilein in a heartbeat over izzo, izzo is a clown..... Beilein oozes class and wins so many games that coaching is the reason they're winning.
Terry Star21
Fri, Feb 24, 2012 : 3:06 a.m.
Scott..very observant. The izzo has a thousand funny faces on the sideline, begging, crying, pleading, complaining - he's a comedian. Hard to find a straight picture of the izzo, as evidenced by the above shot. LOL
j
Thu, Feb 23, 2012 : 6:59 p.m.
hahahaha, It would be easy to make an argument that Izzo is the best basketball coach in the nation, not so much with Beilein (and I like Beilen, he is an extremely nice guy, and a very good coach.) You just can't discount the things izzo has done and does i.e. 6 final fours, bond established with his players, promotion of the entire university . . . I haven't made a judgment on Hoke yet, but he seems to be doing the same typo of thing that Izzo does up at state; embrace the university as a whole