Tom Izzo comments on the Sweet Sixteen, Transfer Portal, and the Big Ten's title drought

After a tough-fought win over New Mexico on Sunday in the NCAA Tournament's Round of 32, Michigan State basketball and Tom Izzo will get a rematch years in the making against Chris Beard, who is now at Ole Miss.

Beard was the coach of the 2019 Texas Tech team who eliminated that MSU squad from the Final Four.Aside from the Sweet Sixteen, it's a crazy week in college basketball as the transfer portal just opened up, which definitely feels a little awkward and disadvantageous for teams who are still playing in the tournament.Izzo commented on the Sweet Sixteen, transfer portal, and also made some interesting comments about why the Big Ten has struggled to win an NCAA title in the last 25 years in his press conference on Tuesday.

You can see what he had to say, and watch the full video, below:Summary:Izzo opens up talking about how the ability to practice this week after surviving the opening weekend of the tournament is a privilege and something that he always appreciates.Izzo says Ole Miss is 'very well coached' and that Chris Beard's teams are 'tougher than nails.'Izzo raged about the transfer portal for several minutes, saying it cheats the student-athletes and he also hilariously called it 'the urinal' at one point.Izzo gave his thoughts on why the Big Ten has a 25-year NCAA title drought, saying he thinks some of it is matchups.

He also admitted he has been a part of that drought with six Final Four appearances since the 2000 championship, but added, 'I'm gonna try to change that.'When talking about what has made this team so successful, he complimented a lot of the individual growth made by his players but also noted the connection between the players.Full Video.oembed-frame {width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;border:0;}Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan state news, notes, and opinion.

You can also follow Andrew Brewster on Twitter @IAmBrewster.This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Tom Izzo speaks to the media ahead of the Sweet Sixteen.

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