Is Mark Byington related to Tom Izzo? Learn more about the relationship between Vanderbilt and Michigan State coaches

Vanderbilt coach Mark Byington is not directly related to legendary Michigan State coach Tom Izzo. However, there is a notable connection between their coaching staff through a family tie.

Matt Bucklin, an assistant coach under Byington at Vanderbilt, happens to be Izzo’s nephew, adding an intriguing dynamic to the relationship between these two basketball programs. Bucklin’s familial link to Izzo comes through his mother, Mary, who is Tom Izzo’s sister. Bucklin has carved his path in the coaching world and has been part of Byington’s staff since their time together at James Madison.

While at the Dukes, Byington and Bucklin achieved significant success, including winning the Sun Belt Conference championship and securing an NCAA Tournament victory. When Byington took over as coach at Vanderbilt in March 2024, he brought Bucklin along to join his coaching team.

This connection gained attention in November 2023 when James Madison, led by Byington and with Bucklin on staff, faced Michigan State in an exciting matchup.

The game turned into a memorable moment as James Madison pulled off an overtime upset, marking a rare occasion where Tom Izzo coached against a team featuring his nephew on the opposing bench.

The victory was not only a significant milestone for Mark Byington and his program but also a unique family affair that underscored the interconnectedness of the college basketball world.

Although Mark Byington and Tom Izzo are not directly related, the presence of Matt Bucklin creates a familial link between their programs, providing a fascinating subplot whenever Vanderbilt and Michigan State basketball are mentioned together.

Byington, who has built a reputation as a successful and dynamic coach, continues to strengthen Vanderbilt’s basketball program with his trusted staff, including Bucklin, whose ties to Izzo add a layer of interest to their shared professional narrative.

This connection illustrates how family ties can weave through the competitive world of college basketball, blending personal relationships with professional rivalries.

Tom Izzo points out defensive issues despite Spartans’ impressive form

The Spartans went into the holiday season riding high on a five-game winning streak, which boosted their overall record to 10-2. Along the way, Michigan State notched notable victories, including a win over North Carolina and dominant performances against Minnesota and Nebraska.

Yet, as pleased as Tom Izzo is with his team’s progress, he sees room for improvement, particularly on the defensive end. The Michigan State coach has one key concern for his team despite its impressive early-season performance.

“I think we’ve got to really clean up some things,” Izzo said after the Spartans’ victory over Florida Atlantic. “We’ve just got to get better. We have not been as good defensively since our offense has gotten better. We’ve still got to be able to guard.”

While Michigan State has been solid defensively overall, ranking 48th nationally in defensive efficiency, Izzo’s comments underscore his drive to fine-tune the team’s performance as the season progresses.

The Spartans are currently allowing 67.5 points per game, placing them 66th in the country. Though respectable, Izzo knows there’s potential to be even better.

Michigan State’s defensive lapses haven’t been catastrophic, with the team surrendering 80 or more points only once this season. That instance came in a thrilling 94-91 overtime victory against North Carolina in late November.

Still, Izzo’s focus on tightening defensive efforts highlights his commitment to elevating the Spartans from a solid squad to a potential contender.

Early in the season, they held their own against powerhouse Kansas, even though the Jayhawks have since faltered slightly. With no ranked opponents on the schedule until Jan. 19, when it faces No. 24-ranked Illinois, Michigan State has a golden opportunity to build momentum.

Currently ranked 18th after starting the season unranked, Michigan State has exceeded expectations. While championship contention might still seem a stretch, the Spartans’ resilience and growth are evident.

If the Spartans can refine their defensive game while maintaining their offensive surge, they could position themselves as a formidable force in the Big Ten and beyond. Tom Izzo’s commitment to balance and discipline will undoubtedly be key to Michigan State’s success in the coming weeks.