UPDATE: Michigan State coach Tom Izzo has launched a fierce critique against the NCAA following recent eligibility changes allowing former G League players to transfer to Division I schools. Izzo expressed his discontent during a press conference on October 17, 2023, stating he does not “respect” the NCAA’s decision-makers who enabled these moves, calling the situation “ridiculous.”
Izzo’s comments come after London Johnson, a former four-star recruit and G League player with a career average of 7.6 points per game, announced his commitment to Louisville. Just last month, Thierry Darlan, another G League player, committed to Santa Clara. These decisions challenge the NCAA’s longstanding rules that previously barred players who had received compensation at the professional level from participating in college sports.
“This was sprung on us again yesterday,” Izzo said, criticizing the lack of communication from NCAA officials. He noted that most coaches were unaware of these shifts in eligibility rules. The NCAA has historically prohibited any athlete compensated beyond basic expenses from competing in college basketball, but it has recently bent these rules for international players, further complicating the eligibility landscape.
Izzo emphasized the potential implications of these changes, warning that they could lead to significant disruptions in college basketball. He pointed to the uncertainty for high school seniors who may lose their spots to G League players, urging the NCAA to consider the “unintended consequences” of their decisions.
He remarked, “College basketball has ‘no rules’ right now,” further stating that the current environment could encourage more young players to enter the transfer portal, which could destabilize established teams. Izzo’s passionate remarks highlight a growing frustration among coaches regarding the NCAA’s handling of eligibility and transfer rules.
The recent cases of Johnson and Darlan are seen as groundbreaking. Johnson’s commitment raises concerns about the influx of older players into college programs, potentially displacing younger talent. “What about the freshmen you recruited there? That’s somebody’s son,” Izzo argued, underscoring the human impact of these decisions on young athletes.
Izzo concluded by calling for the NCAA to “regroup,” asserting that the focus should shift from blaming players to holding accountable those making the decisions. “Be mad at the adults in the room,” he stated, urging for a reevaluation of the current policies affecting college athletes.
As the debate over NCAA rules continues, basketball fans and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story.
