Tom Izzo and son Steven share special moment after Michigan State's senior night win

Kyle Irving

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Tom Izzo and son Steven share special moment after Michigan State's senior night win image

How can you not be romantic about basketball?

As the 2023-24 college basketball season draws to a close, seniors are playing in their final games on their home courts. Michigan State hosted its senior night Wednesday, and this one meant a little more to head coach Tom Izzo.

The Spartans are fighting to keep an at-large bid for March Madness. The Sporting News' Bill Bender placed Michigan State as a No. 9 seed in his latest bracket prediction, and the Spartans helped their cause with a 53-49 win over Northwestern.

But Izzo's emotions weren't tied to the result. His son, Steven, is a senior at Michigan State, and he suited up for his final game at the Breslin Center.

After the Spartans picked up the win, Tom and Steven Izzo shared a special moment during the Big Ten Network's postgame interview.

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Tom Izzo and son Steven share special moment on Michigan State senior night

Tom Izzo took his son under his arm as college basketball analyst Andy Katz interviewed them both after the win.

"In a few moments, you'll be able to kiss the floor. You've been waiting five years for this," Katz said to Steven, referencing Michigan State's tradition of seniors kissing the Spartan logo at center court after their final home game.

"A lot longer than that," Steven quipped immediately as his dad laughed.

Fighting off tears, the Michigan State senior explained what that moment would mean to him as he stood at his father's side.

"I'm so thankful that he allowed me to walk on five years ago," Steven Izzo said. "It's been the greatest decision I've ever made. No matter how hard the lifts are or how long meetings go, it's all worth it at the end of the day.

"I'm just so grateful I was able to do it with you."

Steven Izzo didn't see the court on his senior night. He is a deep bench player for the Spartans, so he stayed on the sidelines throughout the narrow win over Northwestern.

He did record his first career basket earlier this season, though. He converted an and-one (and made the free throw!) in a win over Rutgers in January, sending the Sparty faithful into a frenzy.

Izzo has appeared in 43 games over his five years in East Lansing, Mich., totaling 3 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals.

Are Tom Izzo and Steven Izzo related?

Yes, the Izzos are related, but not by blood. Steven Izzo is Tom Izzo's adopted son. The Izzo family adopted him when he was a baby.

Tom Izzo and his wife Lupe also share a daughter, Raquel.

Kyle Irving

Kyle Irving Photo

You read that wrong – not Kyrie Irving. From Boston, graduated from the University of New Hampshire. Sixth season as a content producer for NBA.com's Global editions. Covering the NBA Draft has become his annual "dream come true" moment on the job. Irving has a soft spot for pass-first point guards, with Rajon Rondo and Steve Nash being two of his favorite players of all time.