Michigan State's Tom Izzo approaching Big Ten wins record: 'Supersedes all my dreams'

When asked what he would have said had someone told him on Nov. 4, the opening day of the college basketball season, that his team would be 16-2 and sitting atop the Big Ten standings after winning 11 consecutive games, Tom Izzo didn't hold anything back.

"You must be on something," Izzo said.

For a Spartans team that was chosen fifth by the media in the Big Ten preseason poll and lost its top three scorers from last season, it was fair to think that it could take some time for Michigan State to figure things out and get on track. But for the 30th-year head coach, Hall of Famer and 2000 national champion, the process has been accompanied by winning because of the depth of his team. 

"It's hard to know every single year what your team is and what they're going to be, but it's really hard to know about other teams," said Izzo, whose Spartans beat No. 17 Illinois 80-78 on Sunday to go to 7-0 in the Big Ten for the first time since the 2018-19 campaign. "So, you really don't know what you're going against after so many teams go through the offseason chaos. But our team has gone through this journey really well to this point, and our group has really found a way to enjoy one another."

The Spartans have one of the more unique rosters in the nation, with 10 players averaging 14-plus minutes per game and only one who averages double-digits in points – senior Jaden Akins.

"We may not be as talented with a top 3-4 guys that just overwhelm you, but it's been a talented group of 10 guys that have come together," Izzo said. "We work really well together, we've worn some people down and most importantly, we've done the things we need to do to win. It's been a really fun group to coach." 

All of that depth and production has led