UM search will look at Izzo’s tree…

UM search will look at Izzo’s tree… Make no mistake, when UM made the decision to fire Tommy Amaker; a big reason was what continues to happen in East

UM search will look at Izzo’s tree…

Make no mistake, when UM made the decision to fire Tommy Amaker; a big reason was what continues to happen in East Lansing. I can tell you this fact: their final decision on a replacement may not be a member of the Izzo coaching tree, but those people will be looked at closely. Very closely!

UM recognizes that they have to get someone in the state of Michigan that can at least attempt to stop some of Izzo’s thunder. Alex Legion and Manny Harris are two of the recruits that UM has coming in and Izzo wanted neither guy after great consideration. That is not a slam; it was simply that he (Izzo) had the opportunity for guys that he wanted that didn’t include them. He gave them both long looks, and both are good kids and good players. UM wants to at least be in the hunt for the guys Izzo wants. Not his seconds.

One source at UM told me on Saturday, “Of course it is frustrating knowing that your best kids, were not wanted by your biggest rivals. Who better to look at than guys who have been trained in his (Izzo’s) system? Assistants who recruited for him in this state already have the MSU respect and can sell they will build the same type of thing in Ann Arbor. You have to ask yourself if telling a kid that you helped make MSU’s program and being able to tell that same recruit now he can expect the same results in Ann Arbor would appeal to them?”

I know this. UM will at least talk to Tubby Smith. That is a fact that I have been told by someone who is part of the process. Second, they will take a long hard look at Jim Boylen the current assistant MSU coach.

If Boylen had been a head coach there would be no concerns; he would be the guy! The issue being debated in A2 is taking a look at Crean and Izzo. Both had no head coaching experience before their current great success and Boylen is the most respected assistant that Izzo has had since Crean. It is also no secret that Boylen was brought back to MSU with an eye on the future and what a coup for UM to possibly take the man that many feel would be the successor to Izzo. Boylen is from Michigan, has Michigan ties and understands the rivalries. He understands how this state works and the dynamics involved. Something my friend Amaker did not at first, and it hurt him. Boylen grew up attending UM and MSU sports and he is the most logical choice. UM could get him for what Amaker was paid so they would not have to pay more (that is a concern at UM) and they would immediately hurt the Spartans by taking Izzo’s right hand man. I can tell you that he is going to be considered and although not a good fit from a Spartan perspective, he is the best fit for UM.  Boylen is the highest paid assistant in college basketball and those dollars are only shelled out to guys that have head coach respect.

 They will look at others on the tree and I know for a FACT that they are salivating to have the chance to bring in Tom Crean. My source at UM that was critical on Saturday for me to have broken the firing of Tommy Amaker told me early this morning; “they would do cartwheels for Crean. Izzo has praised and built him up so high and of course, look at what he has done. I can tell you that the perception here is that Crean would end Izzo’s cherry picking of the state and the attention that MSU basketball gets. The problem of course with getting Crean is that he makes reportedly $2 million dollars already; he is the big dog at his school and has great facilities. All three things that have to make you feel he isn’t a likely choice here.”

My dad always taught me that imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. I guess the Spartan Nation can sit back and enjoy this. If UM decides to get serious however, you at least think maybe things will get a whole lot tougher. This will be very interesting.