After more than three decades at Michigan State, Tom Izzo has seen just about every type of player come through his program. But when it comes to pure effort, sophomore guard Jordan Scott is making the Hall of Fame coach search deep into his memory for a comparison.
"I've got to go back a way, way, way, way, way long time ago to get a guy who plays harder consistently," Izzo said following Michigan State's win over Toledo.
For Scott, no possession is taken off. Whether he's fighting for rebounds, disrupting passing lanes or diving for loose balls, the sophomore has built his game around the kind of relentless effort Izzo has demanded throughout his coaching career.
Now in his second season, Scott has emerged as a key piece of Michigan State's starting lineup, taking on greater responsibility on both ends of the floor. He finished with 12 points, nine rebounds, and five assists against Toledo, but his impact extends well beyond the box score.
"We've got to get him a little more rest because he goes so hard he almost burns himself up," Izzo said. "Wow, that kid works so damn hard...
