Tom Izzo Isn't Satisfied With Michigan State's 30-Point Win Over Toledo

Tom Izzo had plenty to say following Michigan State’s 91-61 victory over the Toledo Rockets.

Yet, in typical Tom Izzo fashion, even a 30-point victory wasn't nearly good enough. Instead, Izzo focused on the mistakes and emphasized how this team is still a work in progress.

That was evident early in Thursday's game when Izzo played 11 different players in the first half alone. Not only did that showcase the depth the Spartans have this season, but it also highlighted how much tinkering Izzo still has to do with his roster.

With Duke on the docket, Izzo doesn't have much time to tighten up the loose screws before Michigan State faces one of its biggest early-season tests.

Following the Spartans' victory, Izzo dropped a few Izzo-bites.

Some of his best sound bites came when discussing the mistakes Michigan State still needs to clean up, particularly its free-throw shooting. Michigan State shot 57% from the free-throw line in its season opener and improved to just 61% Thursday night.

Izzo made it clear that the final score wasn't going to change his expectations.

"Can't miss that many free throws," Izzo said.

He continued by emphasizing that he wasn't entirely satisfied with the overall performance.

"Not what I was hoping for in the performance. Forget the score, the score doesn't matter. Lots and lots of work in progress."

When asked about the depth of this year's team, Izzo expressed his excitement about the different pieces available to him.

"I love the pieces on this team. It's my job to put the puzzle together."

He also made it clear that he expects more from some of his top players, specifically Jeremy Fears and Coen Carr. Izzo quickly turned the conversation back toward the mistakes the Spartans need to correct, including their 14 turnovers.

"You hate when it's effort-related mistakes."

Izzo started his conclusion by highlighting freshman center Ethan Taylor and the aggressive performance he put together Thursday night.

"I was really inspired by Ethan Taylor tonight."

However, Izzo wrapped up his thoughts by emphasizing that Michigan State's guards still have plenty of room to improve on both ends of the floor.

"Guards need to play better defensively and offensively. Rome wasn't built overnight."

Izzo will never give his players too much credit, especially this early in the season. He expects the utmost perfection from this team, knowing full well that it can never actually be achieved. But the only way to improve and win each day is to continue striving for perfection.

Even in a 30-point victory, Izzo knows his team has a long way to go. It starts with making free throws and extends to taking better care of the basketball. The Spartans may have cruised past Toledo, but Izzo knows there is plenty of work left to do before this team reaches its potential.