May 19, 2006

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Tom Izzo will return to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait May 23-29 with Operation Hardwood II. Izzo is one of six coaches, including Alabama's Mark Gottfried, South Carolina's Dave Odom, Charlotte's Bobby Lutz, Indiana's Kelvin Sampson and ESPN basketball analyst Jay Bilas, returning to Camp Arifjan after taking part in "Operation Hardwood - Hoops With The Troops" last August. They are joined for the second tour by Texas' Rick Barnes, U.S. Military Academy's Jim Crews, U.S. Naval Academy's Billy Lange, Kentucky's Tubby Smith, Maryland's Gary Williams and former Air Force coach Reggie Minton from the NABC. The participants will coach teams featuring the best military players who will compete in a championship tournament. Fox Sports broadcaster Leeann Tweeden is accompanying the tour participants on her 8th United Service Organization (USO)/Armed Forces Entertainment (AFE) tour.

On Friday afternoon, Izzo answered some questions as he anticipates his second trip to Kuwait.

Q: Was it an easy decision to go back to Kuwait?
A: It really was a no-brainer. There are a couple of different things that we're going to do. One, we are going to stay right on base, probably in tents. So that will be interesting. And I guess they are having a cold spell right now. Last year, it was 130 every day and the prediction is 112 every day this year. That's the advantage of going in May.

Q: Are you bringing the trophy? (Last August, Izzo led Camp Arifjan to the Operation Hardwood championship.)
A: I don't know. I don't know what kind of team I'll have this year. Last year's team was a little loaded. Last year, we had just come off a Final Four. I'm trying to think who they'll give that to, maybe Rick Barnes.

Q: When you think of the experience last year, do you expect this experience to be any different now that you've been there once?
A: I don't think there's anything like the first time, but at the same time, I think in a way it will give us a better idea what to expect and what we can do and how we can spend our time a little bit better. I think staying right on base will be even more enjoyable and entertaining.

Q: How about the travel?
A: It's long. Last year it took almost 28 hours to get there. That's a long time. But I just look at it as one small way to give back a little bit.

Q: Of all the gyms you've been in, I imagine you never thought your coaching trail would take you to Kuwait a couple of times.
A: I honestly didn't. I really believe that this is one of the more unique places. I've been to Australia and different places in Europe, but an army base is not one that I ever thought I'd get a chance to coach in. For all of us that golf, those sand traps are huge over there. It is a great experience.

Q: Will you try to do or see anything different than what you did last year?
A: They talked about getting on an aircraft carrier, so some of it will be as it goes once we get there. We also will be going to downtown Kuwait and doing some clinics, which we did last year, but I think we're going to do a little more of that this year.

Q: With what you learned last year, what can you share with Rick Barnes, Tubby Smith and some of the other first-year coaches?
A: Last year, when I came back, it was hard to explain to people what it's really like because it's different for each guy. We called Gary Williams from over there last year because he was supposed to be with us, but his daughter got married. I think we are going to have a lot of fun with those guys. It will be fun to be with some guys who you can look at from our standpoint, and watch their reaction to different things that go on. I think they are really looking forward to it, too.

Q: Last year when you returned, you mentioned that the troops felt the media coverage didn't show the whole story of the situation in Kuwait and Iraq.
A: I think our troops in general just felt that the coverage is a bit distorted some times. First of all, there is a lot more good going on than we get to see. Really, all the troops are looking for is some positive things and some support from all of us over here. I think that's one of the things all of us coaches came back with and said "don't worry about sending them stuff, just send them your support." That will mean more to them than anything. I think it's still that way. I heard things are getting a little crazier over there so I don't know what it will be like this time, but I am honestly looking forward to the trip.

Q: Last year, you called it a "life-changing experience." Now that you've been over there once, do you think it will be less so or do you need another reminder?
A: I think I need a reminder. I think we all need reminders. Sometimes we complain about everything and I'm no different than any of you. And yet, it will be a good reminder because it will be fresh in my mind. You watch things differently throughout the year. I talked to some of the troops from over there throughout the year on the phone or through email. Some of the local National Guard units here have stopped by and that is always a lot of fun. You feel like you are on the outside, but still a small part of their military family and I've appreciated and enjoyed that.