Tom Izzo concerned by skyrocketing transfer numbers

Add Tom Izzo to the list of people questioning the toughness of millennials.

The Michigan State coach pointed to skyrocketing transfer numbers Tuesday on "The Drive with Jack Ebling" as proof that this generation lacks the toughness of previous ones.

"We're up to over 700 players transferring (in the country this year) already, and I've heard we're going to go over 800," Izzo said. "We're creating a system that we're never teaching a kid how to fight through (tough times). Three-quarters of the kids are transferring because they didn't get enough shots, didn't get enough ball, didn't do this or that. We're helping to create a society of, when the going gets tough, you bolt and leave."

Ten years ago, the number of players transferring per year hovered around 200. The 61-year-old didn't blame players for the high transfer numbers, though, pointing to the constant turnover of coaches as the primary cause.

"You wonder why players do what they do, when ADs are firing people who aren't successful in one year," Izzo told Ebling. "I wonder if Tom Izzo would still be here today going into year three back when I missed the tournament my first two years. I know Mike Krzyzewski wouldn't have been. We wonder why kids are feeling that way? It's our society that's creating that. It's not the kids."

Izzo is certainly a rarity in the college game, having spent 21 seasons with the Spartans. Michigan State has thrived in such a stable situation, making 19 consecutive trips to the NCAA tournament.