Jay Bilas on Tom Izzo

From Jay Bilas from ESPN:

Who wouldn't want to play for Tom Izzo? While he is an extraordinary coach, teacher and strategist, he always makes it about the players and he has a humility to him that is incredibly refreshing. I was fortunate to go with Izzo to the Middle East twice to coach U.S. Servicemen for Operation Hardwood, and the soldiers that Izzo coached told him that they would take a bullet for him. They absolutely loved him. He told them that a charge would be more than enough.

Actually, the first year we were in the Middle East, Izzo's team was unbeatable and ripped through the tournament without a loss. The second year, his team was not quite as good. After a loss, Izzo had his team on an outdoor court, in 120 degree heat, practicing! Even in the Middle East, it was about working hard and winning. Nobody appreciated the troops more than Izzo did, and nobody was affected by the experience in a more profound way.