Tom Izzo is prepared for San Jose State: 'We haven't done anything'

The No. 17-ranked Michigan State men’s basketball program is off to a 2-0 start this season, fresh off the heels of a major non-conference win against then-No. 14 Arkansas.

The ultra-talented Razorbacks were led by a pair of five-star freshmen in Darius Acuff Jr., a Detroit native and former MSU target, and Meleek Thomas. Coached by John Calipari, Arkansas entered with the same talent, athleticism and confidence that some of his best Kentucky teams had, and in the end, Tom Izzo proved what he’s been proving for decades.

Culture triumphs all.

Now, Michigan State is preparing for a home game against San Jose State. For MSU, the Spartan against Spartan matchup is sandwiched between games against Arkansas and Kentucky. 

For many programs, the goals in spots like this are to keep your group of 18-to-24-year-olds focused and not to let them overlook an opponent. For Izzo, that thought process is “embarrassing." Every opponent matters.

“Yeah, it’s almost embarrassing that we even talk about it,” Izzo said. “You win a game, you know? I mean, there’s banners over there. We haven’t done anything.

"So, you know, is it a trap game? Well, of course, you've got Kentucky on one side and Arkansas on the other. But at the same time, they’re well-coached.”