"We really like him": Michigan State HC Tom Izzo teases what's on the horizon for big man Szymon Zapala

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo is seemingly excited about the potential of his newest player — Szymon Zapala. The 7-foot, 240 lb big joined Michigan State in the offseason from Longwood Lancers.

Izzo, who enters his 30th season in East Lansing, has built an impressive legacy during his tenure, leading the Spartans to eight Final Four appearances and a national championship. However, last season was not as memorable, finishing tied for sixth place in Big Ten standings and being eliminated in the second round of the NCAA tournament.

To strengthen the squad for the upcoming season, Tom Izzo added new players from the transfer portal — Frankie Fidler and Szymon Zapala. Izzo shared the outlook on the Polish center while speaking to CBS Sports' Seth Davis.

"Zapala was a kid that didn't play much early, like a lot of big kids. We've been as impressed with him as anybody. I mean, he could start, and he's seven foot, he can run, he's smart, he's tough. He's from Poland -- even though he's been in the states. We really like him."

After spending three years at Utah State, Zapala committed to Longwood last summer. He played a season with the Lancers averaging nearly ten points per game, before making a move to Michigan State this April.

"I'm excited for this year. Nothing's guaranteed, nothing is given, we've got to fight for it and take it," Zapala shared his excitement about joining the Spartans [via Sports Illustrated].

"I think what is the most exciting is that the goal is not just to get there, the goal is to go there and win there and show what Michigan State is about. ... I'm pumped up about it; I can't wait to play."

Tom Izzo plays down retirement possibility

Hall of Fame coach Tom Izzo turns seventy in four months. He has been in East Lansing since forever. He joined the Spartans as an assistant coach in 1983 and was appointed a head coach a decade later.

In a recent interview with Seth Davis, Izzo said he is not ready to hang up his whistle just yet. He said people predicted the end of his coaching career since he interviewed at Atlanta 25 years ago.

"Believe it or not, I had hip replacement surgery this year. I actually feel healthier than I did in the last five years. I'm 100% ready to go," Tom said. "It will not be age or hopefully illness that gets me out of anything."