Great Lakes Wire

Northern Michigan University has announced that Tom Izzo's #10 Wildcat jersey will be retired and displayed in Vandament Arena, alongside those of Ted Rose and Gene Summers. The announcement was first made by Steve Mariucci, Izzo's lifelong friend, during a surprise video at the Breslin Center on October 4.

NMU President Brock Tessman expressed pride in having Izzo as an alumnus, stating, "We're so proud to count Coach Izzo as a Wildcat alum. He's certainly an ambassador for this institution." Athletic Director Rick Comley shared similar sentiments: "We're thrilled that Tom is coming back. He's had such great success and we are thrilled with everything he's done and everything he will do."

Men's Basketball Head Coach Matt Majkrzak highlighted Izzo's journey from player to iconic coach: "Starting with being a tremendous player and continuing on to becoming one of the iconic coaches in college basketball history, he's shown former and current student-athletes what can be accomplished after leaving Northern Michigan."

Izzo played as a ball-handling guard for the Wildcats from 1974-76 under Coach Glenn Brown. He was a two-time team captain who led his team to a 57-47 record. In 1976, he achieved career-highs by scoring 16 points against UW-Green Bay and recording 14 assists against Hillsdale.

In his senior year, Izzo was named NABC Third Team All-American and All-GLIAC Second Team member while setting records for minutes played. He ended his playing career with 367 points and shot .430 from the floor.

Izzo began his coaching career at NMU as an assistant coach before moving to Michigan State in 1983. His contributions to sports were recognized when he was inducted into the Northern Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1990.