Magic Johnson Congratulates Tom Izzo on Historic Win

Michigan State’s Coach Tom Izzo made history this past Saturday, securing his 354th Big Ten victory with a decisive 79-65 win over Illinois. This remarkable achievement surpasses the long-standing record held by legendary coach Bob Knight, who had 353 conference wins.

Magic Johnson Shares Heartfelt Praise for Izzo

NBA legend Magic Johnson took to X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate Coach Izzo on this career milestone. In a heartfelt post, Magic expressed his admiration for Izzo, sharing that he and his wife, Cookie, personally visited the coach to congratulate him on the achievement.

“Cookie and I want to congratulate MSU’s Basketball Coach Izzo on his record-breaking 354th win last night against Illinois, surpassing Bobby Knight as the Big Ten’s winningest coach in history,” Magic wrote. “I have great respect and admiration for him, and no one deserves this achievement more. Go Green and Go White!”

Magic Johnson’s words added to the celebration of Izzo’s incredible accomplishment, highlighting the respect and admiration between the two.

A Look at Tom Izzo’s Legacy

Izzo’s achievement isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about the lasting impact he has had on Michigan State basketball. Earlier in the year, he discussed his plans to continue the coaching legacy at Michigan State, hinting at potential future conversations with alumni like Magic Johnson, Mateen Cleaves, and Draymond Green. His goal is to keep the culture of Spartan basketball alive for future generations.

“I got no interest in getting out of it,” Izzo said on the College Hoops Today podcast. “When I’m done, I’m going to talk to Mateen Cleaves, Steve Smith, Magic Johnson, and Draymond Green. I don’t want to lose the culture that I’ve seen for 40 years.”

Magic Johnson’s Michigan State Roots

Magic Johnson’s connection to Michigan State goes beyond his recent praise for Izzo. The Lakers legend played two seasons with the Spartans from 1977 to 1979, leading the team to incredible success. In his freshman year, Johnson helped Michigan State secure the Big Ten title, and in his sophomore season, he guided them to a national championship win over Indiana State and Larry Bird in 1979.

Johnson’s incredible performance throughout the tournament earned him the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player award. That victory would become the beginning of an illustrious NBA career for Magic, who went on to dominate in the professional ranks, cementing his place as one of the greatest players in basketball history.

A Legacy of Excellence

Izzo’s 354th win is just another milestone in the storied legacy of Michigan State basketball. Both he and Magic Johnson are symbols of excellence for the program, and their admiration for each other speaks volumes about their respect for the game and the school.

Tom Izzo’s leadership continues to shape the future of Spartan basketball, while Magic Johnson’s words of praise remind us of the strong bonds that tie together the world of college basketball and the NBA.

What are your thoughts on Tom Izzo’s historic win? Do you think Michigan State will continue to dominate under his leadership? Let us know in the comments!