It’s plain for all to see that Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is a passionate, expressive character – and he proved it again at Friday’s basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Green was present at the event to witness the induction of his former college coach, Tom Izzo, who coached him for four years at Michigan State. The 2014-2016 NBA champion considers the Spartans coach as somewhat of a mentor and was clearly pleased for him when speaking to The Undefeated’s Marc J. Spears on the night.
“Just to be there for him at the stage, a big moment,” Green said. “I can't remember a big moment in my life that he hasn’t been a part of. When there is a tough time in my life, he is there for me. For me to sacrifice a few hours for one of the biggest moments of his life is a no-brainer for me. That's a guy I know would do anything for me. To see him get inducted into the Hall of Fame, I wouldn't miss that for anything.”
Under the leadership of Izzo, Green’s game expanded greatly as he benefitted from the coach’s man management skills and tactical savviness. He went from being a freshman that hardly made it onto the court to a Big Ten Player Of The Year during his senior year.
When asked about the strength of the relationship between Izzo and Himself, Green made it clear what kind of bond they share.
“We do have a father-son type of a relationship,” Green said. “We have a friendship. We still have a coach-player relationship. That's what makes it so special, because he is all of those things.”
This year, Tom Izzo is part of an unbelievably strong Hall of Fame class, with entrants including Allen Iverson, Yao Ming and Shaquille O’Neal. There can be no doubt that Izzo has earned his spot alongside these legendary icons, due to his highly successful head-coaching career spanning over twenty years.
Follow Us
Subscribe