Tom Izzo Shooting Quotations

Now that we've got our lineup straightened out the last month, our rotation may be similar to some of our real good teams, ... We're not as good defensively, we're not as good a rebounding team, but we're a much better shooting team. It's different, but it's got some similarities in areas that are key to winning championships.

I felt bad for him missing those free throws because he's been shooting so well from the line. And yet, it goes to show that you can't take a lot of time off and feel like you're still the same player.

I think he's really improved his three-point shooting and just his awareness of the game. I'd say he is one of the more improved players I've seen in this league.

I was proud of my team, staff and assistant coaches, it was a heck of a job. They were a good basketball team and put more pressure on us than Wisconsin. Our shooting and rebounding was very good, and it helps when we only turn the ball over three times in the second half.

We didn't execute as well in the last three minutes. We were shooting almost 50% against a good team, we just couldn't get it done down the stretch.

I wanted to make a point to Paul that he has to take the ball to the basket instead of shooting those fade shots. I guess I haven't done a very good job of that this year, and so I reverted back to a way I know best.

Sometimes you look like, 'Who's coaching that team?' because you're not doing anything on the post guy. But when you have four three-point shooters that are shooting 50 percent or better, it's hard to double down on them. They're a tough team to beat. They have so many weapons.

You have to pick your poison. We just tried to stay up on the shooters and not sag as much on the inside. Dials did hurt us, but he didn't beat us. On that day, they missed some shots that I think were contested. And I think they missed some shots that weren't. They weren't on a hot streak like they are now. They were still shooting well. But, lately, they've been on just a barrage. Bruce (Weber) has one of the best defensive teams in the league, and if they can do that to Illinois, that's scary.

He's one of the more improved players in the league. I loved him as a freshman. Now he's putting the ball on the floor and shooting threes. He's a tough cover because he grew up an inside four-man and is starting to be a three man. He can do both.