Tom Izzo rips NCAA decision to allow ex-G League players in college basketball

Michigan State men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo said “the NCAA needs to regroup” after learning that a player could play in the NBA G League for two or three seasons and be eligible to play in college.

Izzo told reporters Tuesday after practice that he recently learned that London Johnson, a 21-year-old point guard who spent the last three seasons in the G League, committed to Louisville. Johnson is expected to be granted two years of eligibility, beginning in the 2026-27 season, according to On3.

“I do not know anything about it. I cannot believe this was sprung on us (Monday),” Izzo said. “And if it was done earlier and I didn’t know about it, then shame on me. But my compliance officer didn’t know. There are people in this league that didn’t know. The NCAA has got to regroup.

“This just goes to show you how ridiculous people that are in power make decisions. I’m not real excited about the NCAA or who’s making these decisions without talking to us; (they’re) just letting it go because they’re afraid they’re going to get sued.”

“To me, it’s ridiculous. To me, it’s embarrassing.”

Tom Izzo’s thoughts on Louisville signing a player with multiple years of G League experience.

Question via @chrissolari @wilxTV https://t.co/0ywBGQKouE pic.twitter.com/rLIOpeCjdF

— Ben Shockley (@BenShockley_) October 22, 2025

Johnson’s commitment comes roughly one month after the NCAA ruled former G League player Thierry Darlan eligible. Darlan, who was the first player to be granted NCAA eligibility after playing professionally in the G League, is committed to Santa Clara. The 21-year-old from the Central African Republic spent two seasons in the G League and was granted two seasons of college eligibility.

The NCAA does not comment on specific eligibility cases, but the organization has loosened its once-strict amateurism requirements since the Supreme Court’s 2021 ruling allowed college athletes to earn money from the rights to their name, image and likeness. Several European players with professional experience have been granted NCAA eligibility in recent years, which could have created the precedent for G League ex-pros to play college ball.

Izzo expressed sympathy for players who decide to turn pro and then discover they aren’t ready for the highest level of competition. However, he pointed out how catering to the interests of ex-pros could harm the careers of high-school prospects and college underclassmen, who might commit to a program that then decides to recruit older and more experienced players over them.

“To me, it’s ridiculous, it’s embarrassing,” Izzo said. “I love my job, (but) I don’t respect my profession. And I don’t respect … whoever made those decisions because they’re afraid a lawyer is going to sue them. Sooner or later, you’re gonna have to fight the fight. I’ll never agree to that stuff. I think we’re really hurting the seniors in high school, giving (professional players) a chance.”

“What’s the age limit now?” Izzo added. “Is it 30? If you have three beards and two mustaches, are you not allowed to play? What is it gonna be?”

The 70-year-old Spartan coach addressed the NCAA transfer portal window earlier this spring when Michigan State advanced to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Men’s Tournament. Izzo, at the time, shared his thoughts about the portal window opening for players while his team was still in the tournament.

“I’m going to worry today about the guys I got in this program that have done an incredible job this year, and that’s it,” Izzo said in March. “If that costs me later, then so be it. But Tom Izzo isn’t cheating the people that have been loyal to him for this chaos that is going on out there. These guys that gave me everything they could give me are going to have a chance, and I’m not gonna screw it up by spending any other time on other stuff.”

Izzo told reporters Tuesday that they hit a “sore spot” when they asked about Johnson. The traditional-minded coach then described his frustrations with the frequently shifting landscape of NCAA eligibility guidelines.

“We have no rules, and now we’ve taken ‘no rules’ and added some more ‘no rules,’” Izzo said. “I’d feel bad if a kid came out early (from high school or college). Maybe we shouldn’t come out early,” Izzo said. “Maybe we should do a better job of helping kids make decisions.

“I’m not going to be mad at the players; I’m going to be mad at the adults in the room. So, don’t blame the players anymore. Blame the adults that make the decisions that allow some of these ridiculous things to happen and the unintended consequences that hurt kids that are trying to do it the right way.”