Answering Your Michigan State Basketball Questions and Emails...

Hondo, my friend knows Deyonta Davis’s family and he told me that the reason he didn’t sign on signing day was that he was on campus for the MSU vs OSU

Hondo, my friend knows Deyonta Davis’s family and he told me that the reason he didn’t sign on signing day was that he was on campus for the MSU vs OSU football game and didn’t have a good visit. Said Izzo had to go to his house and really sell him on coming to MSU again. Any thoughts? Looks like football almost cost Izzo a recruit. Tom K. in Muskegon

Your friend is uninformed or the person who told him that is....100% false. He never wavered at all and loves MSU.

Hondo, I heard you on Tony Conley’s radio show saying that the 2014 and 2015 class for Izzo are two of his best back-to-back. Are you sure? No big time players other than Davis. Chris Stockbridge

Not sure what you define as a big time player. All of them are very solid players that can take coaching and have a chip on their shoulder. This is getting back to the type of recruit that got Izzo to where he was.

Hondo, I know you like Trice a lot, but I am not sold he can stay healthy. Is that the biggest key for him? Sheldon

Yes. If he stays healthy, he will be elite.

Hondo, what is Matt Costello’s biggest talent and biggest weakness? Chris West

He has a great set of physical gifts, but he can be stubborn. I am NOT saying he is unteachable, but he can be stubborn. Great kid.

Hondo, I really liked your prediction for the MSU basketball team in this last magazine. What I want to know is that if you offered Izzo that record right now, would he take it? Chris Pingell

For those that don’t know, I predicted 23-8 (12-6) and Izzo wants to go undefeated so he wouldn’t take it. When the year is over, I think he would, but NOT before.

Hondo, you mentioned on the radio show this week that you had never or at least not in a long time seen Izzo this excited about a team. Why do you think? Geoff Shelby

He has had some talented teams lately, but not great listeners and frankly not a lot but SOME entitlement. Not at all on this team. I think it is like a great cook who has an appreciative group of people to cook for. These kids are thrilled to be Spartans and want coaching. He has the enthusiasm of his youth with this crew.

Hondo, I am an Indiana fan, but love your work and love Dane Fife. Would love to see Tom Crean fired and bring back our man Fife. He is a Bobby protégé and an Indiana guy. How is he doing in East Lansing? Kyle

He is a superior coach and person. Fife is a great father and husband and a tremendous teacher. He has a terrific future and would be a natural choice to replace Crean. MSU is fortunate to have him.

Hondo, you seem more optimistic about the MSU basketball team this year. Is it because you say Izzo happens to be? Charlotte Barnes

I am sure that plays into it, BUT I really like how the basketball program is recruiting right now. I didn’t like Izzo putting so much stock in the 5 star type guys. He is back to going after his kind of guys; tough, teachable and hungry: Bright times ahead.

Hondo, if you had to pick one thing that this season hinges on for a sweet 16 NCAA run or not what would you say? C. Price

Easy, but I have to say two things. First, Bryn Forbes must play SOME defense. He doesn’t have to be a Gary Harris, but can’t be terrible at it. Second, Branden Dawson MUST stay motivated all year. He has NOT played an entire season motivated yet. If he does, MSU can go farther than the Sweet 16.

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 A Basketball in the subject line.