Hall of Fame coach Tom Izzo to speak at QU men’s basketball program’s Tip-Off Banquet

QUINCY — Hall of Fame college basketball coach Tom Izzo will be the featured speaker during the Quincy University men’s basketball program’s annual Tip-Off Banquet, scheduled to take place at 6 p.m. Sept. 17 in Pepsi Arena on the QU campus.

Izzo has been the head coach at Michigan State University since 1995. Izzo was elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on April 4, 2016.

“It’s not often you get a Hall of Fame coach to take time out of their schedule right before the season begins, but Coach Izzo isn’t your average coach,” QU men’s basketball head coach Steve Hawkins said in a press release. “He’s a special person and a good friend. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to hear him speak on a variety of topics. This is going to be a special night in Quincy.”

Now entering his 29th year, Izzo has compiled an impressive list of accomplishments. His teams have won the 2000 NCAA National Championship, 10 regular-season Big Ten Championships and six Big Ten Tournament titles while making eight Final Four appearances. He has won eight National Coach of the Year awards, and his teams have made a Big Ten-record 25 straight NCAA Tournament appearances.

“I’m very excited to help out my longtime friend, Coach Hawk,” Izzo said in the release. “I’m excited to meet and speak with the good people of Quincy. It will be a fun evening.”

Izzo has kept Michigan State in national prominence during his 28 seasons. His 687 coaching victories are fifth most by any coach in his first 28 seasons in the history of college basketball. His teams have won 55 NCAA Tournament games, the most for a Big Ten coach and sixth best all-time.

The banquet includes a dinner buffet and a meet-and-greet opportunity. Walk-ins will not be permitted. Individual tickets are $125. Couples tickets are $200. Tables of eight are available for $750. A meet and greet with photo opportunity is $50 per person. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

For more information, contact QU men’s basketball assistant coach and JV head coach Troy Potts at 217-440-0019. Tickets can be bought at www.quincy.edu/tipoff.