MSU game brings back memories for Crean

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Tom Crean has gotten his share of applause during pre-game introductions this season. But Saturday’s ovation wasn’t from a Hoosier crowd in Assembly Hall; it was coming from the Michigan State fans. 

One student in the “Izzone,” Michigan State’s student section, even quoted Crean’s famous phrase, “It’s Indiana,” during the game, before quickly adding, “They’re terrible.”

Although it’s been almost a decade since Crean left his post as assistant coach at Michigan State, his contributions have not been forgotten. Spartan coach Tom Izzo, members of the press and even the fans warmly welcomed Crean back to East Lansing.  

“I was really overwhelmed,” Crean said. “There were cheers, and that meant a lot.”
During Crean’s time at Michigan State the Spartans reeled off back-to-back Big Ten championships.

Although he was no longer an assistant coach when Michigan State won the national championship in 2000, Izzo made sure Crean got a ring. 

“I don’t like ever facing my assistants,” Izzo said. “I don’t make any bones about that, and he’s one of the guys I like facing the least because I believe some of the banners up there he deserves just as much credit as me.”

Both Izzo and Crean reminisced about the state of the Spartan program when they first started, and while Crean’s task at Indiana might be more daunting than what Izzo first dealt with at Michigan State, if Crean would look to a blueprint for guidance, it would be Izzo’s. 

“We just kind of worked countless hours to get it to kind of where it is today,” Izzo said. “So I have a special relationship with him. I have no doubt, no doubt that he will have tremendous success at Indiana.”

One of the similarities between the two men’s philosophies is the community atmosphere Crean is trying to implement in Bloomington. Izzo insists that having a hand in all aspects of the program – from interaction with students to improved attendance – is important for coaches who want to have a long tenure. 

“Knowing Tom like I do, it won’t be just a basketball program that he builds down there,” Izzo said. “It’ll be all these kinds of things.” 

There are also similarities between how Michigan State played in their 75-47 trouncing of the Hoosiers and how Crean wants his team to play. Rugged defense, dominating the boards and an efficient fast break offense are points of emphasis at both Michigan State and now IU. 

Freshman Tom Pritchard, whose high school teammate Delvon Roe plays for Izzo, said the two coaches also share practice habits.   

“Me and Delvon talk a little bit, but we do some drills that they do,” Pritchard said. “And you know he’s got that aggressive mentality and the defensive mentality that Coach Izzo has.”

Aside from that pre-game ovation, it was a typical game for Crean. He animatedly paced the sidelines, he barked plays to his team and worked the officials. But no matter how many more trips he makes to East Lansing, they will always remind Crean of his time as an assistant under Izzo and how much he valued it. 

“Greatest memories of my life,” Crean said. “It really was.”