'He's the guy': Tom Izzo believes in Stan Van Gundy's vision for Pistons

When it comes to basketball in Michigan, one wizened leader has them all beat. Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, with his seven Final Four appearances and numerous other accolades, is the king of sport in the mitten state.

So for Detroit Pistons, his most recent words on record come as fantastic news. Izzo recently spoke highly of the Pistons head coach and team president, Stan Van Gundy, saying he has a lot of confidence in his ability to take the franchise back to the promised land.

"I really do think he's the guy that can turn this thing," Izzo said about Van Gundy at least week's NBA Draft combine. "It's going to take a little bit, but I really, really, honestly believe that. I don't just say that. I think it, I believe it, I live it. I just think he's going to be the guy because I don't think he's going to take a lot of crap. And I think he has enough power to change some things."

If Izzo's hunch about the Pistons' direction under Van Gundy comes true, a big part of that destiny may be seen tonight as Detroit watches the ping pong balls bounce fatefully in the NBA Draft lottery. Stay tuned to see where they end up selecting, and who might be on their radar.

(h/t Keith Langlois, NBA.com)