Bill Rafrister
University basketball analyst
Michigan state Male basketball coach Tom Izzo Going out Bob Knight’s record for Bob Knight’s victories for the victories on Saturday evening, leading the 11th row Spartans to a 79-65 victory against Illinois. Rightly so, Big Ten’s first victory by Izzo, which occurred in January 1996, was on the Indiana Hoosiers in Knight.
Fox Sports College basketball analyst, Bill Rafrity, is a close friend of Izzo since his days as an assistant coach under Jud Heathcote. He called an incalculable number of Michigan State male basketball matches over the years and made a point of congratulating his friend for Knight’s record.
Here is a letter of personal congratulations REFREY written to Izzo:
Dear Tom,
Congratulations for having exceeded Bob Knight as the most winning coach in the history of Big Ten basketball. I think of all the major coaches of this sport, of which you are certainly.
Everyone who knows you and what you mean for the big basketball game are so proud of what you have accomplished. Breaking this record (Big Ten Win No. 354) is something that I don’t think you would have ever imagined when you started as an assistant coach to Michigan State under Jud Heathcote.
That day, I think back when you took the job of head coach to Michigan State. You were hungry, you were ambitious and you were relentless. Jud and I laugh, I am having fun, may benefit from a few beers, and you were all business, in the war room, by breaking down the film. You asked us to be careful (and yes, we offered you two of these beers), but it has become so clear how much you were engaged in the basketball game. It was then that I knew you would make an exceptional head coach in this sport for the years to come.
I will never forget when your Spartans played at the Iowa State for the right to go to the Final Four. Iowa state coach Larry Eustachy was expelled from this match after receiving a double technical fault. He was angry, but you went to him and you told him to leave the court. Most coaches would not have listened to, but Larry had enough respect for you that he listened to you.
In addition to respect that each coach through the country has for you, the thing that jumps to you, which has always made you special, is your simplicity and your humility. There is no better evidence of this earlier this season, when you took your team to your Alma Mater, in northern Michigan, for an exhibition match. The love and affection you have for this school, and the people involved in making this, your former teammates, the love they had for you was well above the standard. See that it was emotionally striking for me and all those who were there.
You are an exceptional coach, but you are also a real friend. We shared tender moments together, we shared difficulties and we shared successes. But when you develop confidence in someone, as we have done, there is a comfort zone there.
I want you to know that you were really a blessing for the game, Tom.
Congratulations.
– Bill
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