Things You Can't Unsee: Tom Izzo in Full KISS Makeup

((ht: btn.com))

Okay, so it appears this year, College Basketball coaches around America are trying to one up each other.

Quite honestly, we didn't think anything could top Tubby Smith, dressed as Shaft, driving into the Texas Tech gym on a motorcycle and then wiping out could be topped.

But we may have been wrong.

Check out Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo.

Not only did he have KISS in the house to rock and roll all night, he actually dressed up with them and performed, albeit with an accordion...

Tom Izzo's best Midnight Madness performance yet? Watch the @MSU_Basketball coach make a KISS-inspired entrance! http://t.co/SxXAfw0DO4
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) October 25, 2014

MSU Holds Vigil For "Princess Lacey"

((HT: WLNS-TV))

It started with an idea among students... going to paint the rock in memory of Lacey Holsworth on the Michigan State University campus. Her memorial service is set for the 17th in Lansing and she will be remembered for her impact in touching others while she fought cancer.

Surprising no one, really, Spartans head coach Tom Izzo and some players showed their support to the MSU student body by spending time at the impromptu ceremony.
WLNS TV 6 Lansing - Jackson | Your Local News Leader

The Story Of Princess Lacey

((HT: BTN))

Lacey Holsworth taught more to a lot of folks about handling cancer than we may ever know...

Diagnosed with Neuroblastoma a few years ago, the disease finally took her from her friends and family at the age of 8. You may remember her story in association with her relationship with Michigan State basketball and, specifically, Adreian Payne.

Here was one of the looks from the Big Ten Network


Lacey was also Payne's escort for Senior Night


And even made it to the weekend in Dallas to see Payne in the Dunk Contest
((HT: ESPN))


A message was posted to her "Princess Lacey" Instagram account around 3AM today:

Princess Lacey has achieved the ultimate victory. She now dances among angels.... The world is a better place because you were in it. Our hearts are broken. We love you Doll. Dance all night... Mommy and Daddy, Will, Mitchell, and Luke💞 #LoveLikeLacey

Joe Rexrode, from the Detroit Free Press, has early reaction from Lansing:

It inspired emotion from MSU basketball coach Tom Izzo, who said in a phone interview: “I’m supposed to be a guy who leads men, and now an 8-year-old has impacted my life like this. … the impact on all of us will be lasting, and that’s especially true for Adreian (Payne).”

It inspired ESPN analyst Dick Vitale to call Lacey’s father, Matt Holsworth, and tell him he’s going to donate $250,000 in her name, with fund raising starting now at dickvitaleonline.com.

“I can’t believe it,” Vitale said of Lacey’s death in a phone interview before sobbing for several seconds. “This rips my heart out, man.”

Rexrode also found out that Izzo talked to Payne around 7AM this morning and he is taking the news with "the class and dignity that she taught him."

Drew Sharp wrote another tremendous piece in the Detroit Free Press as the March tournament started that goes into their relationship as well...

Obviously, the HQ is not in the minority here, but our thoughts and prayers are to her family, supporters, and friends

Tom Izzo In a Cannon? Or Is He?

((ht: michigan state))

Okay, this was pretty good. And the deception may have worked had Michigan State coach Tom Izzo not given it away at the end.

Check out the kickoff to Michigan State's "Midnight Madness", 1st "official" basketball practice of the upcoming season.

The video shows the legendary MSU coach beginning his day of preparations before building up to the beginning of Friday night/Saturday mornings event.

That's when Izzo appears to crawl into a cannon before being shot and launched into a net set up on the court. The "person" dressed as Izzo then does a neat front flip off the net before being surrounded by the cheerleaders....then Izzo emerges.

He thanks everyone for coming and then introduces the raucous crowd and proceeds to give away the gag. It happens at about the 4 minute mark.

Bravo for the creativity, though we wish they stayed with the joke at least until the next day.

A Night Of Screwjobs: Violence Out Of The Question

First was the thought that Wisconsin sent their game with Michigan State into double overtime, but they didn't...

Upon review... here's David Kmiecik...
((HT: NBC15 Madison))


But violence is out of the question for Ryan...
((HT: shipjumper99))


And Virginia Tech had a lot of confidence pools messed up with their overtime reversal... thanks, New Orleans...
((HT: ESPN on ABC/mgovideo))


With the appropriate amount of Beamer postgame...
((HT: mgodisney))


What say you...???