Spartan Nation

Tyson Walker delivers on promise to Tom Izzo

The Spartans got their trip to New York City off to a great start...

Matthew Lounsberry

In this story:

Michigan State shooting guard Tyson Walker scored 23 points to lead the Spartans to an upset of No. 2 seed Marquette on Sunday, but head coach Tom Izzo wanted a little more from the senior and New York native.

In a postgame interview with CBS, Izzo revealed a promise that Walker made to the head coach if Michigan State reached the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament's East region, which will be hosted by Madison Square Garden in New York City.

"We're going home, and I told him two things: If you get me there, I want a cab ride and one of them big slices of pizza," Izzo said. "So, that's what Tyson owes me. He can pay for it with his NIL money."

Michigan State, the No. 7 seed in the East, traveled to the Big Apple on Tuesday night in preparation for their matchup with No. 3 seed Kansas State on Thursday night. At the team dinner, Walker delivered on at least the second half of the promise to his head coach.

"New York style," Walker confirmed.

With that promise out of the way, Walker just needs to deliver on that cab drive, and I'm sure Izzo wouldn't mind if he scored another 20-piece on Thursday when the Spartans battle the Wildcats for a spot in the Elite Eight. 

Despite being the lower seed, Michigan State is a two-point favorite over Kansas State in various sportsbooks. Win that game, and you can be sure their will be more locker room celebrations like the one we saw after the Spartans took down Marquette.

Published
Matthew Lounsberry
MATTHEW LOUNSBERRY

Home/Basketball