[QUOTE] And Izzo had a field day getting on Slovenian Erazem Lorbek. Lorbek chose Michigan State to get tougher, to learn how to rebound so he could make an attempt at an NBA career. During the first week of practice, Lorbek was getting blown around like tall, dry grass in a stiff breeze. Izzo had to remind him that he had to hit someone, not push, or lightly tap 'em, but really throw his weight around.

"He was pretty surprised that first day," Ballinger said of Lorbek.