Michigan State Guard Posterized by Tom Izzo's 99-Year-Old Mom

Izzo's mother becomes an internet sensation after her son claims she can outplay one of his players.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo joked that his 99-year-old mother, Dorothy Izzo, could outplay one of his players, sophomore guard Kur Teng. This led to a poster being made depicting Dorothy Izzo posterizing Teng on the basketball court, which Izzo then sent to his mother at her retirement home. The incident has gone viral, with Izzo embracing the lighthearted moment and using it to motivate his player.

Why it matters

The story highlights the close relationship between Izzo and his mother, as well as the coach's ability to use humor and playful jabs to motivate his players. It also showcases the power of social media and fan creativity in turning a simple coach-player exchange into an internet sensation.

The details

During a January 20th game against Oregon, Izzo was caught on camera telling Teng in a huddle, "Kur, you can't guard my mother." This led to a range of reactions, including Izzo doubling down after the game by saying his 99-year-old mother "doesn't have game, and he still couldn't guard her." A Michigan State student manager then gathered AI-generated images of Dorothy Izzo posterizing Teng on the court and created a large poster, which Izzo sent to his mother at her retirement home.

  • On January 20, 2026, Izzo was caught on camera telling Teng he couldn't guard his mother.
  • On February 10, 2026, Izzo's son Steven posted a picture of Dorothy Izzo posing next to the poster her son had sent her.

The players

Tom Izzo

The head basketball coach of the Michigan State Spartans, known for his intense coaching style and close relationship with his family.

Dorothy Izzo

Tom Izzo's 99-year-old mother, who has become an internet sensation after her son claimed she could outplay one of his players.

Kur Teng

A sophomore guard for the Michigan State Spartans, who was the subject of Izzo's claim that his mother could outplay him.

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What they’re saying

“Kur, you can't guard my mother.”

— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State Spartans

“Grandma got some new wall art in the retirement home. Even at 99, she's a bucket.”

— Steven Izzo, Son of Tom Izzo (Instagram)

“It's awesome, isn't it?”

— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State Spartans

What’s next

Izzo plans to call his mother and tell her that Teng has been shooting the ball better, joking that maybe she couldn't guard him today.

The takeaway

This lighthearted incident showcases the close relationship between Izzo and his mother, as well as the coach's ability to use humor and playful jabs to motivate his players. It has also become an internet sensation, highlighting the power of social media and fan creativity in sports.