During Tuesday night’s game, Michigan State men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo chastised one of his players, Kur Teng, saying he wouldn’t be able to lock down his 99-year-old mother on the court. Kur Teng stated he was dead serious after the final buzzer.
During a stoppage in the Spartans’ game against the Oregon Ducks, a humorous moment—possibly not for Teng—occurred in the huddle when FOX cameras and microphones caught the jab.
Izzo stated:
“Kur, you can’t guard my mother,” “My Mother”
“We’re all flying back to East Lansing and [Kur Teng] is flying to Appleton. Check USA Today tomorrow him and my mom will be going at it in a nursing home gym…”
Tom Izzo on telling Kur Teng he couldn’t guard his mother during MSU’s game at Oregon. pic.twitter.com/WAoMTjJxY8
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) January 21, 2026
The 70-year-old was questioned about the remark following the Spartans’ 68-52 victory, and a reporter questioned whether it implied that his mother had some skill.
When asked if he does this to attempt to lighten the mood in the huddle so they can unwind and concentrate on the game… Izzo claimed that he truly wants his players to become enraged. He said:
“Maybe he’ll play better angry because some of it was unstomachable,” “And I haven’t said that much all year.”
The Spartans will now focus on the University of Maryland, which will visit East Lansing on Saturday to play. But before going back to school, Teng will make a stop, according to Izzo.
