Michigan State basketball wasn’t perfect on Wednesday night, but they still managed to take down a struggling Oakland basketball team 67-54.
After the game, MSU head coach Tom Izzo, donning a very ugly sweater, took to the podium to speak to the media about the game and where his team currently stands heading into the holidays. Jaden Akins also gave a quick update on his overall health and endurance, and Oakland coach Greg Kampe also joked about Izzo’s sweater.
You can find the notable quotes from that presser below.
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Greg Kampe laughs about Izzo's sweater
Oakland coach Greg Kampe takes credit for Izzo's elf sweater. "Did anyone in this room ever think you'd see Tom Izzo in an ugly Christmas sweater?"
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 22, 2022
Jaden Akins on his conditioning
MSU's Jaden Akins says he felt in "better shape, game shape" against Oakland.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 22, 2022
Izzo on Rocket Watts' return to the Breslin
Izzo credits MSU fans for cheering for Rocket Watts and calls it "classy."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 22, 2022
Izzo on his sweater
Izzo says the ugly Christmas sweater "was Kampe's fault."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 22, 2022
On Pierre Brooks sitting in the first half
Izzo says Pierre Brooks "was late for some things, so he had a little spent a little extra time on the bench."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 22, 2022
Izzo on Akins' development
Izzo says Jaden Akins shot the ball well but still needs to improve his defense to get back to the same pre-surgery/injury level he was at this summer. "I like to push Jaden. He's one of the guys I think who can take it."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 22, 2022
Izzo on Keon Coleman
Izzo says he talked to Keon Coleman and plans to talk with Mel Tucker this week. Injury was a pulled groin. Went home for Christmas. Says "he might" join the MSU hoops team after he returns and thinks he "could be a pretty good player." Still in limbo right now.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 22, 2022
Izzo proud of team's grades
Izzo says he is "proud and happy" after seeing his players' grades for the semester today, particularly with the grueling November travel. "We had a pretty unbelievable semester," he adds.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 22, 2022
Izzo on Malik Hall's health
Izzo says he hopes Malik Hall can play "10-15 minutes" against Buffalo. Says there have been no setbacks with his foot injury thus far.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 22, 2022
Izzo on Steven Izzo's trash talk
Izzo said he wasn't happy with his son Steven "talking a little trash" after getting a rebound at the end of the game. "I had to tell him, 'Hey, don't do that here.' But he told me why he did it. It was entertaining in the locker room, I'll just say that."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 22, 2022
