Top 15 Players that have Played for Head Coach Tom Izzo

Michigan State Basketball: Top 15 Players that have Played for Head Coach Tom Izzo

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 18: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans walks off the court after being defeated by the Syracuse Orange 55-53 in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 18, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 30: Gary Harris #14 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts after hitting a three pointer late in the first half against the Connecticut Huskies during the East Regional Final of the 2014 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 30, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

10. Drew Neitzel – Michigan State Spartans (2005-2008)

Career stats: 11.1 ppg 2.0 rpg 4.2 apg

A guard with a knack for shooting the three-pointer well, Neitzel was an All-Big Ten player his junior season, averaging 18.1 ppg on 41% shooting from deep. That 2007 Spartans team had little offensive talent, but the 6’0 sharpshooter picked up the slack to keep the NCAA Tournament streak alive.

9. Gary Harris – Michigan State Spartans (2013-2014)

Career stats: 14.9 ppg 3.3 rpg 2.0 apg

A rare early entry into the draft for Izzo, Harris had a big sophomore season to catapult him into the pros. He led the 2014 team in scoring at 16.7 ppg on the way to the Elite Eight, including 22 in a hard-fought loss to UConn in his last college game.

8. Paul Davis – Michigan State Spartans (2003-2006)

Career stats: 13.2 ppg 7.0 rpg 1.4 apg

The 6’11 center was one of the best big men in the Big Ten between 2004-2006, ranked in the top five in both points and rebounds. He had a huge 2005 NCAA Tournament, averaging around 15 ppg and 12 rpg. Davis was a throwback big who operates in the post, the kind that Izzo likes.

7. Miles Bridges – Michigan State Spartans (2017-2018)

Career stats: 17.0 ppg 7.6 rpg 2.4 apg

One of the best scorers that Izzo has ever coached, Bridges led Michigan State in points and rebounds both years. The 6’7 wing/forward was at times unstoppable on offense, while being a quality defender on the other end. Him playing just two years, combined with the lack of postseason success hurts the sophomore with this list.

6. Morris Peterson – Michigan State Spartans (1996-2000)

Career stats: 11.5 ppg 4.7 rpg 0.9 apg

If it wasn’t for an injury his freshman year, Peterson wouldn’t have been around in 2000. Things worked out for everyone involved, with the forward winning Big Ten Player of the Year and leading the team to Izzo’s only National Championship.

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