Freshman center Mady Sissoko and sophomore guard Steven Izzo have both tested positive for COVID-19 and will not be traveling with the Michigan State Spartans to Iowa City on Thursday. Coach Tom Izzo went on to clarify the two players tested positive four days ago and will have to sit out of team activities a minimum of 17 days total under Big Ten policy. The two players are roommates.
Mady Sissoko and Steven Izzo have tested positive for COVID-19, Tom Izzo just announced
— Kyle Austin (@kylebaustin) January 13, 2021
As the Michigan State Spartans travel to Iowa City today to take on the Iowa Hawkeyes tomorrow, Sissoko has become an integral part of the rotation in the front court. The 6-foot-8, 235-pound freshman center has been in 10 of MSU’s 12 games so far this season. In his 5.6 minutes per game, he has averaged 0.7 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks.
Going up against Iowa, Sissoko’s absence could prove problematic if Spartan bigs get into foul trouble against Luka Garza. Sissoko and Izzo will miss at least the game at Iowa tomorrow, and will also miss home games against Indiana and Illinois on Jan. 17 and Jan. 23 respectively. The game at Rutgers on Jan. 28 would be the first game up after the 17 day minimum.
Izzo says Big Ten protocols require players who test positive to be out for 17 days. Says the clock started four days ago
— Kyle Austin (@kylebaustin) January 13, 2021
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