Absolutely, but Izzo is one of the few figureheads in the sport that could affect change should he wish to play his cards in such a way. Until he does, they're just empty words.
I agree with him and being in the tournament will probably be the highlight of the basketball careers of many of these players. They should enjoy the moment. I think the portal should not open after after the tourney. We had the same thing in football where a team could not play a bowl game because too many players had entered the portal. Makes no sense.
I give KD a lot of the credit as well for getting us established. Also, as I understand it, UMass will also be able to bring quite a bit of NIL funding to bear on the MAC starting next season.