Izzo Discusses Friendship with UCLA's Cronin Ahead of Clash

Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo previews upcoming game against UCLA and talks about his long-standing relationship with Bruins' head coach Mick Cronin.

Feb. 17, 2026 at 3:15pm

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Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo discussed his team's recent struggles and their upcoming home matchup against UCLA. Izzo praised UCLA's head coach Mick Cronin, highlighting their long-standing friendship and mutual respect as two of the more experienced and hard-nosed coaches in the Big Ten. Izzo acknowledged his team's small margin for error this season but remains confident they can bounce back from their recent losses.

Why it matters

This game is an important one for Michigan State as they look to get back on track after losing three of their last four games. The Spartans are currently ranked 15th in the nation and need a strong performance against a tough UCLA team to regain their footing in the Big Ten standings. Izzo's relationship with Cronin also adds an interesting subplot to the matchup between the two veteran coaches.

The details

Michigan State is coming off a 21-point loss to Wisconsin in their last outing, but Izzo doesn't think many teams would have won on that particular night in Madison. He acknowledges his team is not the greatest he's had, but says their margin for error is small. Izzo praised Cronin's coaching style, calling him a "different bird" who holds his players accountable like no one else. The two coaches have a long-standing friendship and mutual respect for each other's tough, old-school approach.

  • The game between Michigan State and UCLA will take place on Tuesday, February 16, 2026 at 8:30 p.m. ET.
  • Michigan State lost to Wisconsin by 21 points in their last game on Friday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Tom Izzo

The head coach of the Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team, known for his tough, disciplined coaching style.

Mick Cronin

The head coach of the UCLA Bruins men's basketball team, who has a long-standing friendship and mutual respect with Izzo as two of the more experienced and hard-nosed coaches in the Big Ten.

Xavier Booker

A former Michigan State player who will be returning to face his former team in the upcoming matchup against UCLA.

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What they’re saying

“He's always done a great job. He's a different bird, but I think he does it the right way, and I think he holds people accountable like nobody I know. I mean, my press conferences are boring compared to his. I watch his [pressers] just to get excited.”

— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State Spartans (si.com)

“So, why do I like him? Because I think he says what he's supposed to say. I think he does what he's supposed to do, and I think he's tougher than nails. The kids play hard. And he's had good teams and he's had average teams --- [he] coaches them the same way.”

— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State Spartans (si.com)

What’s next

The upcoming game between Michigan State and UCLA on Tuesday, February 16, 2026 will be an important test for the Spartans as they look to bounce back from their recent struggles and regain their footing in the Big Ten standings.

The takeaway

This matchup between two of the more experienced and hard-nosed coaches in the Big Ten, Tom Izzo and Mick Cronin, adds an interesting subplot to an already important game for Michigan State. Izzo's praise for Cronin's coaching style and the mutual respect between the two veteran coaches highlights the camaraderie and shared values among the conference's top programs.