Izzo Encourages Rutgers Freshmen to Stay Put

Michigan State coach praises Rutgers' young talent and head coach Steve Pikiell

Jan. 29, 2026 at 7:15pm

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After Michigan State's overtime win against Rutgers, legendary Spartans head coach Tom Izzo publicly encouraged Rutgers' four freshmen - Harun Zrno, Lino Mark, Kaden Powers, and Chris Nwuli - to stay with the program and continue developing under head coach Steve Pikiell, who Izzo believes is a very good coach.

Why it matters

Roster turnover is a constant challenge in college basketball, with players frequently transferring in the age of the transfer portal. Izzo's public endorsement of Rutgers' young talent and coaching staff could help the Scarlet Knights retain their promising freshmen and build continuity for the future.

The details

Izzo praised Rutgers' game plan and the way Pikiell utilized his young players, saying "If he keeps those four freshmen, they'll be like Jaxon Kohler, (Carson) Cooper, Jeremy (Fears Jr.), and Coen (Carr). That's what makes great teams." Izzo also complimented the Rutgers fans, saying "the fans were awesome tonight." The two teams will face off again on March 5th in East Lansing.

  • Izzo made the comments after Michigan State's 88-79 overtime win over Rutgers on January 24, 2026.
  • Rutgers and Michigan State will play again on March 5, 2026 in East Lansing.

The players

Tom Izzo

The legendary head coach of the Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team.

Steve Pikiell

The head coach of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights men's basketball team.

Harun Zrno

A freshman guard for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

Lino Mark

A freshman guard for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

Kaden Powers

A freshman guard for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

Chris Nwuli

A freshman forward for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

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What they’re saying

“If he keeps those four freshmen, they'll be like Jaxon Kohler, (Carson) Cooper, Jeremy (Fears Jr.), and Coen (Carr). That's what makes great teams. So I'm gonna publicly tell those kids stay put, you've got a good coach, fans were awesome tonight. That team is gonna get better. We had a veteran team, and they had a rookie team, and those rookies played their tail off.”

— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State Spartans

“I thought it was a brilliant move the way he played those guys and the way they ran things. I was really impressed.”

— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State Spartans

What’s next

Rutgers and Michigan State will face off again on March 5, 2026 in East Lansing.

The takeaway

Izzo's public endorsement of Rutgers' young talent and coaching staff could help the Scarlet Knights retain their promising freshmen and build continuity for the future, which is crucial in an era of high roster turnover in college basketball.