Tom Izzo SLAMS NCAA for ‘Ridiculous’ G League Player Decisions

BREAKING: Michigan State coach Tom Izzo has launched a fierce attack on the NCAA, calling their recent decisions regarding G League players “ridiculous.” His comments come after London Johnson, a former G League player, committed to play for Louisville, while another, Thierry Darlan, announced his commitment to Santa Clara. This development raises serious questions about NCAA eligibility rules and the future of college basketball.

During a press conference on October 31, 2023, Izzo expressed his disdain for NCAA powerbrokers, stating, “I am going to get myself in trouble, but I listen to people talk about how kids changed. Kids aren’t the problem, we’re the problem.” His comments highlight the urgent need for clarity in NCAA policies as the landscape of college sports evolves.

The NCAA has historically barred players who have competed for money in professional leagues from participating in collegiate basketball. However, recent moves have blurred these lines, allowing Johnson, who averaged 7.6 points per game over three seasons in the G League, to transition to Division I basketball. Darlan, who previously played in the NBA Academy Africa program, was the first G League player to gain such eligibility.

Izzo pointed out the troubling implications of these decisions. He stated, “Most of my people knew nothing about it,” referring to the sudden eligibility changes that could disrupt team rosters and affect high school seniors. The coach criticized the NCAA for making these decisions without consulting coaches or stakeholders, indicating a growing frustration within the collegiate coaching community.

Izzo’s concerns extend beyond his own team. He fears that allowing older G League players to compete against high school recruits could undermine the integrity of college basketball. “Someone is going to say, ‘If they go pro and it doesn’t work out, they should be able to come back,'” he argued, emphasizing the potential chaos this could create for teams and young players. “To me, it’s ridiculous. It’s embarrassing.”

The NCAA’s current stance reflects a changing narrative in college athletics, particularly with the rise of name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights, which have made the difference between amateur and professional more ambiguous than ever. Izzo challenged the NCAA to consider the “unintended consequences” of their recent decisions.

He concluded with a call for action: “The NCAA has got to regroup. They’ve got to regroup. Don’t be mad at the players anymore. Blame the adults that make the decisions.” His remarks resonate with coaches and players alike, as the future of college basketball hangs in the balance.

As this story develops, all eyes will be on the NCAA to see how they respond to the mounting criticism from influential figures like Izzo. The implications of these decisions could redefine the landscape of college sports, affecting recruitment and player development for years to come.

Stay tuned for updates as this situation evolves.