Izzo in Cleveland?

The answer to my question might be yes. According to ESPN's Mark Stein, the Cleveland Cavaliers are intense in their pursuit of the Michigan State head coach. Izzo has stated that he has no desire to leave Sparty until he delivers another NCAA championship to East Lansing. We'll see...

What qualifies Izzo as a bonafide NBA coach? He has zero NBA experience to speak of. Izzo has led the Spartans to six Final Fours, six Big Ten championships, and the one NCAA title in 2000. His record is an astounding 364-146 for a .714 winning percentage. His college coaching career is impressive. Outside of his college career, there's no record.

The main thrust of Cleveland's interest in Izzo is Cavs owner Dan Gilbert. He is also a grad of Michigan State and a longtime admirer of Izzo's. That actually may be dangerous on a few different fronts.

First, we've seen plenty of times that college coaches cannot transfer to the pro level. While it's hard enough for players to cope with the changes between college and pro hoops, it's even harder for those in the coaching ranks. In a world of "win and win now", college coaches that make the move to the NBA are not granted the time to develop a program as they are used to doing at the college level, although even that appears to be dwindling. Tim Floyd, John Calipari, Rick Pitino, Mike Montgomery and P.J. Carlisimo are just a few that have had decent college coaching careers only to find that the grind of coaching NBA players and the length of an NBA season as more than a challenge.

Second, player contracts and egos play a significant role in coaching in the NBA. College coaches are used to be front and center when on campus. It's not even close to that way in the NBA as it is a players league first and foremost. Coaches rarely, if ever, become the face of a franchise. Cleveland has been known as LeBron's team, not Mike Brown's team. The Lakers are Kobe's team and despite 10 rings, not Phil Jackson's team.

Add this. There's the unmistakable fact that the NBA and its teams are a major worldwide business. Sometimes, knowing that aspect of the NBA may prove to be too daunting for even the most seasoned college coach regardless of what program he was associated with in the college ranks. That "business", for the most part, stays stateside.

Finally, coaches have egos, too. Along the way, their own ego may take a bruising whether it be from the media, the players or even the team's owner. For the most part college coaches answer to athletic directors, boosters, and university presidents, not the players. Sure, there's the periodic outburst or exchange with the media when you're a college coach, but coaches are in it for more than just winning...or so we're supposed to believe. Then, that question could pop into their thoughts if success isn't immediate. What if I can't do this?

Could Izzo be a good NBA coach? Sure he could. He only needs the opportunity.

But sometimes, when opportunity knocks, the door is best left unanswered.