Not that it comes as any great surprise but Tom Izzo has spurned overtures to become the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, opting instead to stay at Michigan State where he will continue on as the best coach in the nation. He declared he will never again entertain an NBA offer.
Apparently this was some tough decision for Izzo, leading many to believe there are problems inside the university's athletic department that were turning him off. But in staying, Izzo probably flies past Jud Heathcote in the Michigan State legendary scale, a place he already should be given that he has already accomplished a lot more than his mentor ever did even though he has never had a player even remotely comparable to Earvin Johnson.
No one believed Izzo would leave until LeBron James declared he would stay in Cleveland. In that sense, it's somewhat surprising that he made his intentions known now, although it definitely is best for Michigan State that they know who their coach is going to be. The Cavaliers head coaching search won't conclude until around July 10, at which point James should have a team picked out. Three other suitors (Bulls, Knicks, Nets) have their coach, a fourth (Clippers) is waiting it out and the incumbent probably won't be able to make a hire until they know if James is in the fold or not.
Most presume Byron Scott is now the first choice for the Cavaliers but one has to believe Scott would prefer to wait and see not only about James but also about the Lakers coaching job. Many have speculated Scott as a natural fit to replace Phil Jackson should Jax retire.
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