Izzo wanted Battier like seventh-grade girls want Justin Timberlake. This was a serious crush. To Izzo, Battier represented the linchpin, the corner-turner, the put the program on the map recruit who could make Michigan State, fresh off the NIT and led by a no-name coach in the fall of 1996, matter again. Battier, so team oriented, so well rounded, so personable, was the one that would lead to not just wins but more recruits. He was the one, the Chosen One, and Izzo had to have him.

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo wonders what might have been as he prepares for Shane Battier and Duke.(AP)

Battier, of course, signed with Duke.

But not before an intense recruitment by the Spartans, one that had Battier thinking Green and White a lot more than he ever could have imagined. Battier was the same intelligent, inquisitive kid then that he is now, so Duke, with its blend of basketball and academics, was always the heavy favorite. But Izzo sold his school's honors college and the idea that more would happen in one day on a 50,000-student campus than a month at a private school.

He and then-assistant Tom Crean pulled out all stops, decorating the Breslin Center locker room for Battier during his campus visit and never missing an opportunity to truly connect with the kid. When decision day came and Battier had to call all the coaches not named Krzyzewski and tell them no, it was Izzo he dialed last. He had to work up the nerve.

"He was the sentimental choice," said Battier.

Four and a half years later their paths cross again, not for the first time but certainly the final time at the college level. Michigan State is on one side of the Final Four bracket and Izzo is now the national championship coach. Duke is on the other, with Battier now the national player of the year.

It has been an amazing journey with a twist of fate no one would have believed on that cloudy November day when Battier chose Duke over Michigan State. At the time Battier was headed off to basketball heaven to win national championships and Dick Vitale's praise. Michigan State was going to be just Michigan State, second fiddle in its own state, middle of the pack in its own conference.

Izzo was entering his second season after succeeding Jud Heathcote and already he could read letters to the editor in the Lansing paper wondering whether he was the guy for the job. The Spartans would wind up in the NIT again that season, while Michigan remained Fab and Duke, well, Duke stayed Duke and Battier was going to make them even better.

Now, however, it is Izzo with the championship ring and Battier still seeking one. They both reached the Final Four in 1999, Duke beating MSU in the semifinals before a crushing loss to UConn in the final. State returned a season later and cut down the nets. If Battier is to ever win one, the destiny everyone figured was certain back in 1996, then it just might be Michigan State standing in the way.

"I always knew Michigan State was going to be a good program," said Battier. "It doesn't surprise me at all. Coach Izzo is a great coach."

Sometimes the recruit gets away and the sky doesn't fall in. It turned out that linchpin recruit was already on the State campus and his name was Mateen Cleaves. Which doesn't mean Izzo still doesn't dream of Battier every so often or that he hasn't watched his growth from afar.

"Shane fulfilled his dream (by going to Duke)," said Izzo. "And I am proud of him for that. It would be ironic if somehow, someway we meet in the finals."

Battier says he has no regrets about his decision, even though he could have a national championship ring now if he had stayed home. Battier is nothing if not a well-rounded person and while winning in basketball is very important to him, winning in everything is too. He is proud of what he and Duke have accomplished -- four Atlantic Coast Conference titles, two Final Fours.

"There have been people satisfied with less than I've accomplished in my career," said Battier. "I'm extremely proud and honored to have the career I've had. I'm just a very lucky player to have played at a place like Duke and see the things I've seen.

"If I don't win that championship will I be disappointed? No question. Will I be unfulfilled? No. But, that said, it would still be sweet going out on top."

A theology major, Battier thrived under the cerebral Krzyzewski and has been hailed as the modern day Bill Bradley, only this time with a personality. Rarely does a press conference go by when he isn't asked about his political aspirations (he says he has no plans, but never say never). Although he is a certain NBA lottery pick, no one asks him about his professional future, in part because for a person so multitalented, pro ball seems such a waste of time. Part of that is Duke being Duke.

"I don't think you could top this kid," said Krzyzewski, who has coached Grant Hill and others. "He's got maturity beyond his years. I look back to when I was in my early 20s and there's no way I knew anybody like him, including me. I'm going to get all the elderly people together in Campaign 2020 and get him elected. This kid ... he's the best."

In terms of coaching these past four seasons, it is Izzo who has been the best. He's led State to four consecutive Big Ten titles, three Final Fours and, perhaps, back-to-back national championships. He is 16-2 in NCAA play, an all-time best. Last year he turned down a huge contract offer with the Atlanta Hawks. It won't be the last time the pros come calling.

Battier nods at all of that and smiles a little. He genuinely likes Izzo, says he is happy for him, even cheers for the Spartans from afar. In 1998, when State was set to meet North Carolina in the Sweet 16, Battier dialed up East Lansing to wish his old recruiter good luck.

"He's a really good guy," said Battier.

Izzo returns the praise.

"Shane is just a great person," said Izzo.

Under different circumstances, perhaps different times, they would be player and coach. They would have had the relationship Krzyzewski and Battier, or Cleaves and Izzo have. Lord knows Izzo tried and Battier listened.

Neither has any regrets over a long ago decision. Both have thrived and prospered going their own directions. And if the cards -- not to mention Arizona and Maryland -- fall the right way Saturday, they'll meet again for all the marbles.

The latest act in an old basketball relationship with a championship twist of fate.