SUMMARY
- Steven Izzo has been a walk-on player for the Michigan State University Spartans, contributing to the team despite his limited playing time on the court.
- In the 2022-23 season, as a senior, Steven appeared in eight games, showcasing his catch-and-shoot skills.
Steven Mateen Izzo, son of renowned Michigan State University (MSU) Head Coach Tom Izzo, has been a familiar face on the Spartans’ bench for several seasons. Steven joined as a walk-on player for the team.
Standing at 5’8″ and weighing 150 pounds, Steven is the shortest and lightest member of the Spartans’ roster. His vertical leap and wingspan data are not publicly available. His journey as a Spartan started in the summer of 2019. Although he has limited playing time on the court, Steven is known for his solid catch-and-shoot skills and his hard work.
In the 2022-23 season, as a senior, Steven appeared in eight games, registering a season-high of 2 minutes twice. He contributed defensively by grabbing a defensive rebound against Oakland and an offensive rebound against Nebraska. Steven is also good in academics as he was selected as an Academic All-Big Ten and recognized as the Scholar-Athlete Award Winner for the team.
Throughout his Spartans career, Steven has been a vocal presence on the bench. Despite facing criticism on social media for his addition to the team, Steven’s father, Coach Tom Izzo, has defended his decision to have his son join the roster as a walk-on. Coach Izzo stated that Steven did not take a scholarship spot from anyone and that he values having his son around as a way to make up for the family time sacrificed due to his coaching career.
Steven Izzo was a two-year varsity player at Lansing Catholic High School
Before Steven Izzo joined the Spartans his basketball journey started at Lansing Catholic High School. He was a two-year varsity player at Lansing Catholic High School.
During his senior year, Steven appeared in 24 games, averaging just 1.5 points in under five minutes per game. His presence on the court and dedication to the game set the stage for his future as a Spartan.
“When I talked to him, he said that he would gladly take me in and help me out with that if I did my job in school and on the basketball court,” Steven said. “If I just did everything that I needed to, worked hard, then I would have a spot. I did so it all worked out.”
Steven’s decision to join the Spartans was motivated by more than just his familial ties. Two years prior to joining the team, he made a request to his father, Coach Tom Izzo. Steven said he wanted to play basketball for Michigan State since he saw other college coaches’ sons playing for their dads.