When Izzo gets mad, people learn. That’s a good thing for a freshman like Aaron Henry.
Tom Izzo screamed at freshman Aaron Henry during yesterday’s win against Bradley, and those who don’t get it are putting Izzo on blast.
Henry is a 19-year-old kid who wasn’t getting back on defense with enough energy, and Izzo let him know in no uncertain terms, that is not acceptable.
ESPN.com’s headline recounting the incident reads, “MSU’s Izzo doesn’t apologize for yelling at Henry.” I’ll take Idiotic Headlines for $600, Alex!
Not only should Izzo not apologize, Henry and his parents should thank Izzo for investing the energy necessary to re-boot Henry’s hard drive and correct a behavior that if left unchecked could cost him millions of dollars.
Two things happened yesterday because Izzo screamed at Henry – he became a better player, and he became a better man.
Izzo reminded Henry that he has a responsibility to his teammates, coaches, and university to bust his ass at all times. He did it in a way that has a chance at sticking.
And the best part of the whole deal is that Cassius Winston backed up his coach by taking Izzo’s loud and emotional message, and repeated it in a calm tone so Henry understand both Izzo’s passion and the message.
College students are in a constant state of trying to figure out who they are and how they fit. Yesterday, Henry learned a good deal about both.
Was it difficult in the moment? Of course. Was it hard for Henry’s family to watch? You bet. But last night, Henry went to bed a more mature young man than when he woke up that morning.
That’s Izzo’s job, and he does it as well as anyone in coaching in any sports at any level.
When asked about the incident, Izzo asked his own question, “What’s wrong with challenging a kid that makes some mistakes?”
Damn right.
I don’t think Izzo needs to apologize, but he was borderline out of control and had to be restrained by his own players. That is not a good look. A coach should always be in control. Yell at the kid, sit him on the bench for a while, those are valid techniques. But having to be restrained is not an effective coaching technique in my book.