Answering Your Michigan State General Athletics & Olympic Sports Questions & Emails...

Hondo, can you give me any insight on the hockey team? Why have they taken a step back? Cliff Sure I can. I said when Anastos got hired that it would be

Hondo, can you give me any insight on the hockey team? Why have they taken a step back? Cliff

Sure I can. I said when Anastos got hired that it would be three completed years before we would see what Anastos could really do because of recruiting in hockey being so far accelerated than football and basketball. Last year, they WAY overachieved with perhaps one of the greatest leaders in MSU hockey history. He was to hockey what Draymond Green is to basketball and that was Torey Krug. If they had Krug on this team they would be significantly better. With 12 newcomers this year alone those young pups are performing really well. The issues on this team are those older players who are good kids, but not performing well. Like basketball, they are looking for a leader. True freshman and future NHL star Johnny Draeger is showing glimpses of being “that guy” and that can cause some friction with older players. Not saying or implying that there are issues, but I am saying the young players have really been the bright part of the season thus far. Anastos and this staff are amazing, but it does take time.

 

Hondo, I am a long time donor. I just don’t understand why the women’s basketball program takes international trips, flies to Florida to play a directional school, and most recently goes to Vegas for a trip. I always am being told that they need more of my money, so why can’t anyone use a business brain and not send a program that loses millions on trips that don’t pay. Someone actually told me because of title nine and the men going wherever they want that they have to let the women. I checked with an attorney and that is NOT true. I also asked someone in MSU athletics and they told me the men made money going to Germany. I get that they want to promote women’s sports at MSU, but using some business savvy would make it more palatable with me as a donor. Bob

Bob, you laid your opinion out pretty bluntly and I have nothing to add. I can say that I know people inside MSU athletics who agree with you, but nothing is going to change as of now. I am sure that I will get plenty of email agreeing with and disagreeing with your email and I will share it.

 

Hondo, you did a radio show with the MSU swim/dive coach a few months ago. On that show you suggested and he seemed to agree that they would do a game during the day for schools to come in. Have you heard anything else about it? I would love to bring my class. I have never seen swimming unless it is Olympics, but it sounded fun. Karen

Coach G, his athletes, and staff are amazing Karen. He should do it, he better do it, and I hope to see you there.

 

Hondo, I loved Jenison for years, but that last game made me really appreciate Breslin. Think they will ever tear it down and build a big place for so many of the sports that don’t make any money that are already there? Victor

It is ALL about $ Victor. As you said, those sports don’t make money and it is very difficult to get donors to help those sports. Care to write a check? I bet Hollis would listen.

 

Hondo, a few weeks back I turned into the radio show and you were talking about plans for new tennis courts. I didn’t catch that all. What was it? Matt

Hi Matt. They already are working a plan to move the MSU tennis courts and getting them a new set closer to their building. The real reason is so they can build some new and additional football facilities where the current courts are.

 

OK everyone, there you go, our weekly general MSU athletics Q and A article. We will continue them, so if you have a question (not about basketball or football) here is a simple way to get it here.Â

Send your questions to SpartanNationMail@yahoo.com and put in the subject line general. If it doesn’t get answered in the article you will get a personal response. Thank you!