Terry's Town: For Michigan State's Tom Izzo, getting to 400 wasn't a one-person job

East Lansing -- The players bounced into the postgame news conference, giddy after an historic night.

They held a basketball commemorating their coach's 400th victory.

And one by one, they shook the hand of Tom Izzo, singing his praises.

"Chief! Chief!"

Izzo's face turned red. You knew this was an emotional moment for the Michigan State coach who tried to hide his emotions Wednesday after the 68-52 victory over Minnesota.

"This was a special moment for me, and I am sure it was a special moment for him as well," Spartans guard Keith Appling said.

Four hundred isn't about a number for Izzo. It's about people.

The people who molded the coach, and the ones who formed a bridge to allow him to reach this plateau.

Izzo thought about Jud Heathcote, the fiery coach who guided him and stuck his reputation on the line pushing for Izzo to succeed him.

Izzo thought of Antonio Smith, his first enforcer.

And Mateen Cleaves, his first captain.

And he thought of Steve Smith, his first recruit who helped turn Michigan State into a big-time program and continues to help his alma mater financially.

"Any time you accomplish something that is a milestone, you should take time to appreciate the people that got you there," Izzo said. "There is no question that if Jud did not stick up for me I would not be here. I am appreciative of that. It meant a lot.

"I struggle because there are so many guys that won so many more games. But I am proud we stayed consistent."

Toughness a hallmark

There is a culture that has been passed down at Michigan State.

You need to be tough to survive, and you can't let words determine your place in life.

It's not easy.

Players are broken by Izzo, and then built up the right way.

This program's not for the faint of heart. If a player wants to be pampered and coddled, don't bother coming to Michigan State.

But if a player wants to grow — as a player and a person — and learn to deal with adversity, Izzo's the man.

But it wasn't always like that.

Izzo, the simple guy from the Upper Peninsula, saw "Tom Fizzo" written across campus when things didn't start out so well. (The Spartans went 16-16 and 17-12 his first two seasons and did not reach the NCAA Tournament, instead settling for the NIT).

Still, those words continue to motivate Izzo because he knows if he lets up, other programs are poised to take Michigan State's place in the pecking order of college basketball.

Talking titles

There, however, still remains a challenge for Izzo.

Sure, he's a four-time national coach of the year, won six Big Ten regular-season titles and two Big Ten tournament championships. And, he's been to the NCAA Tournament 14 consecutive seasons, reaching the Final Four six times and winning the 2000 national title.

But he wants to do what only 13 other coaches in history have accomplished: Win two or more national titles.

It's a special fraternity, one that includes the likes of Mike Krzyzewski, Bob Knight, John Wooden, Henry Iba, Dean Smith and Roy Williams.

Izzo wants to crash that party with his worn basketballs and shoulder pad mentality.

"I would like to do something special with this group," Izzo said.

And there's a chance.

Michigan State (17-4 overall, 6-2 Big Ten) is locked in a tight conference race with Ohio State and Michigan, and has two games against the Buckeyes and one home game against the Wolverines remaining.

His players are talking Big Ten title — and national championship. It's the only language they know in East Lansing.

And it's all because of Izzo, the little guy with the loud voice and big dreams.

terry.foster@detnews.com

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