For those sports journalists who think we know everything about the games we watch, write about and critique (and believe me, it's a high percentage), Tom Izzo gave us our shot.
Last week, the Michigan State men's basketball coach gave members of the MSU media a chance to go through one of the widely-popular coach's practices. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity after covering the team last season in its run to the Sweet 16.
The day began with a short film session in the team's theater in the locker room once we were fully decked out in MSU garb.
It didn't matter who it was — young, old, man, woman — Izzo and his staff took the practice seriously and certainly didn't coddle any of us journalists. We went through all the drills the team endures on a daily basis, from ballhandling to shooting and even participated in a full-court scrimmage.
After the scrimmage, coach Izzo brought everyone together for a group photo and then we all wolfed down a huge meal, entirely erasing any calories we'd burned that afternoon.
All in all, it was an experience that I'll certainly never forget and kudos to coach Izzo and his staff for keeping up with the transparency that he's always exhibited — we need more coaches like him in this world.
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