In his first year as a nominee for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Tom Izzo also is a finalist.

The Michigan State head head coach, whose nomination was announced in December, was announced Friday as a finalist for induction, an honor he called "incredibly humbling."

"Never in my wildest dreams growing up in Iron Mountain did I imagine ever being named a Hall of Fame finalist," Izzo said in a statement. "I’m appreciative of the selection committee even considering me. I tell my players all the time to achieve success they must dream it first, but I’d be lying if I said this was something I ever dreamed."

Izzo is one of 14 finalists announced from the original group of more than 100 nominees. Former Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan also is a finalist, as are players such as Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson.

In his 21st year at Michigan State, Izzo holds a record of 515-204 with his team currently in the Top 10 with a 20-5 record. He has a national championship (2000), seven Final Fours, seven Big Ten titles and four Big Ten Tournament titles to his name.

“As a coach, you can’t achieve success without the help of so many people," Izzo said. "Today’s announcement gives me reason to stop and reflect on all the people who have helped me along the way. From the players and the coaches, to my mentors and everyone along my journey from Iron Mountain to Northern Michigan to Ishpeming High School and finally to Michigan State, my home for the last 33 years, they’ve all played a giant part in my success, and needless to say, I wouldn’t be here without them.”

There are 108 coaches already in the hall of fame. Active coaches can be nominated after 25 seasons of service as a head coach and full-time assistant. The selections will be announced at the national championship in Houston on April 4, 2016. The induction ceremony takes place in Springfield, Mass., from Sept. 8-10, 2016.