Coach Tom Izzo Weighs In on the Transfer Portal and its Implications

In the ever-evolving landscape of collegiate sports, where more and more athletes are utilizing the transfer portal to explore new opportunities, Michigan State men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo has shared his perspective on the matter. He believes that comparing the flexibility athletes now have to the choices coaches make in their careers is not entirely accurate, as it doesn’t take into account the unique financial constraints and professional experience associated with coaching changes.

During a discussion at the Big Ten media day in Minneapolis, Izzo emphasized the distinctions between players who transfer and coaches who make professional decisions. He highlighted the financial aspects, saying, “I have flexibility, I can leave. I have millions of dollars of a buyout if I leave. I’ve paid 40 years of dues to leave. Most coaches have put in their time. Most coaches will be doing that at 35 and 40 and 50, not at 20 when one guy tells you to leave because you’re unhappy.”

Izzo’s perspective includes a belief that being unhappy, whether as a coach or a player, can serve as a driving force for improvement. He added, “You know what, what’s wrong with being unhappy? I’m unhappy most of my life. Unhappy drives you. Unhappy pushes you. Unhappy makes people realize, ‘You know what? I’m not good enough. I’ve got to get better.'”

The NCAA recently reduced the notification-of-transfer window in men’s and women’s basketball from 60 days to 45 days, which allows players to transfer within 45 days once the window opens after Selection Sunday. Izzo expressed his disagreement with this change, advocating for a 30-day window instead. He believes that the extended transfer period can create challenges for coaches who need to plan their teams, stating, “Let me tell you something: This transfer portal is not going to be the best thing for the kids. You get 45 days. If you think a kid is leaving, are you going to go out and get somebody else? Because you can’t wait forever. Now it’s affecting the kids you’ve got there.”

Izzo does acknowledge valid reasons for a player to transfer, such as when a coach leaves, but he also raises concerns about potential unintended consequences, such as lower graduation rates. He expressed his concern about the future and its impact on student-athletes, particularly those who enter the portal and fail to secure scholarship offers elsewhere. According to NCAA data, 19% of Division I men’s basketball players who entered the transfer portal last year and were on scholarship at their previous schools failed to obtain scholarships at other institutions.

Additionally, Izzo underscored the importance of education and graduation for student-athletes, as only a small percentage of players ultimately turn professional. He urged everyone to consider the potential long-term effects of widespread transfers and stressed that accountability lies with the adults involved in collegiate sports. He stated, “Don’t blame the kids. Blame the adults, blame us. We’re the ones at fault, not them.” Izzo’s perspective sheds light on the complexities and challenges associated with the ever-changing landscape of college athletics.