Michigan State Spartans Head coach Tom Izzo and Oakland Golden GrizzliesK Greg Kempe decided to show off his playful side by donning a festive Dr. Seuss-inspired outfit at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday night.
Longtime friends spread holiday cheer in Grinch sweaters, complete with the iconic green character’s grumpy face and mischievous smile. The light-hearted gesture highlighted the synergy between two coaching legends who have been cornerstones of Michigan’s basketball scene for decades.
Izzo, with eight Final Four appearances and a 2000 national championship, and Kempe, the winningest coach in Golden Grizzlies history, shared a moment during the game that transcended their competitive personalities.
“It’s respect for me, it’s good for our state,” Izzo said of his rivalry with Kempe. In 2019. “It’s become a little rivalry. It’s not Michigan-Michigan State. … Every one of them is packed. That thing is packed every year, no matter where we play, and credit to that. Give, because they are always competitive.”
With their Grinch-themed fashion statement, Izzo and Kampe showed that sometimes the best way to celebrate the holiday season is with humor, friendship, and of course, hoops.
Michigan State HC Tom Izzo and Oakland HC Greg Kampe wearing Grinch sweaters 😂 pic.twitter.com/8msyE23SRw
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 18, 2024