Answering Your Michigan State Basketball Questions and Emails...
Answering Your Michigan State Basketball Questions and Emails...
Hondo, how is Keith Appling doing this year? Are you impressed? Kyle
Yes, I am. You have to really look hard to find a youngster who has matured like he has since arriving on campus. He is comfortable in his own skin and finally having fun playing basketball again. I have an exclusive interview with him tonight on the radio show talking about that. I suggest you tune in.
Hondo, you, Joe Rexrode, and Matt Charboneau have always been big Travis Trice guys. I am really excited by what I am seeing this year. It took him long enough to grow up, but I am glad he did. Devon
If by growing up you mean come back from a brain infection and a concussion, I guess you are right.
Hondo, I loved your Tweet about Gavin Schilling shooting free throws long after the game when you and the media were leaving Monday night. You think we can get something from him this year? Please say yes, please say yes. Brett
Yes. Now let me tell you what I really feel: Yes. He is hungry and has the physical body. Not the same player, and a year younger than Raymar when he came, but that kind of situation. Not only is he a very good player, but a special young man. I have not met his family yet, but can’t wait. What a good job they did with him.
Hondo, you have always been a big Matt Costello and Alex Gauna guy. I love what I am seeing from both. A good rotation there sure would help. Do you think both will get meaningful minutes? Annie
I sure do. Both will get a lot of minutes and as the season progresses and Izzo shortens the bench they will have to play into that group. I expect to see them both.
Hondo, I can’t contain my excitement with Russ Byrd hitting shots. Do you think Izzo will send all the players struggling with their shot out to California to work next summer with the same teacher that fixed Russ? I love Izzo thinking outside the box. Aaron
First, Izzo didn’t send him. Russ’s father did. Secondly, it is far too early to declare Russ is back to where he was in high school. I don’t think that pressure is fair. Let’s let him take steps and come on his own. What we have seen in two exhibitions is VERY encouraging, but let’s not put undue pressure on him.
Hondo, Branden Dawson has struggled for years with his jump shot, yet you are constantly defending him. What do you see that I am not? Kye
There are a lot of fine young men on this team. There isn’t one young man on this squad that outworks him. He is a warrior. Last year if he were human he wouldn’t have been able to play, let alone how he did. Was he great? No, but coming off of that injury and still being able to play is simply amazing. He cares. This game matters to him. I love to see good people succeed and he is a great kid. He is so physically gifted. He is a freak physically and fun to watch when healthy.
Hondo, for those of us who don’t get to know these players, is Gary Harris as nice as he appears? Just curious. Allison
Yes. In fact tonight on the radio show I have an exclusive interview with him and I think you will get to see his sense of humor. He has been a joy to cover. Also, he is brutally honest, even when he is not in a real talkative mood. What you see is what you get from him.
Hondo, I know that you had a doctor on the radio show last year who had worked on many NBA players. He said that Gary Harris, based on his expertise, with the way the injury had been discussed in the media should have had surgery.  Why did MSU not have him do it? Do you know? Trevor
The decision to NOT have surgery was Gary’s.
Hondo, you mentioned that Izzo has a different job this year. I don’t get that. Care to expand on that? Harrison
Sure. He has a group of young men he won’t have to babysit. Chemistry isn’t an issue. It is already clear he is enjoying this team and having a good time. I think the maturity of this team makes this a better job this year.
There you go everyone. Another week of your MSU Basketball Q and A in the books. Make sure to send in your questions for next week. Simply email them to SpartanNationMail@yahoo.com and put weekly Q and ABasketball in the subject line.
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