Spartan Nation is fortunate to have one of the most storied programs in college basketball, led by a legendary Hall of Fame coach in Tom Izzo.
The heritage is fantastic. He has multiple national titles, 26 consecutive NCAA appearances and a lineage of players who are genuinely the who’s who of the sport. Additionally, during his time as head coach of the Spartans, no one has more Final Fours than Tom Izzo.
So today I set out to answer some of your questions about the basketball program.
Hi Hondo, I’m so glad you’re answering questions. Was Frankie Fidler the biggest Spartan news this offseason? I’m so excited to see it. Curtis G.
Was that a big move for Tom Izzo and Michigan State? Of course. Was it the biggest? Are you kidding me? That’s like comparing a big bass to catching a great white shark. Fidler is a key and important player, but the signing of Saddie Washington was absolutely huge.
Hondo, I can’t put into words what it was like for Tom Izzo to leave the family and hire Saddie Washington. Can? Vicente T.
I’m not sure because I 100% disagree with the premise of your question. A Lansing native whose father is a Spartan Nation great? Is Raised Green and White out of the family? He didn’t work for Tom and has some outside influence, but I wouldn’t call Saddie out of the family. He’s more like a cousin who lived 100 miles away, but, make no mistake, he’s a Spartan.
Hondo, which player will have the biggest impact this season? It has to be Fidler, right? Dolores C.
Xavier Booker without a doubt. He is literally the X factor 2024-2025.
Hondo, what season was Tom Izzo’s best coaching job? I have a bet with my father-in-law and you are the one who decides it. Carlos L. Laguna Beach, California
This is the easiest question ever and I bet none of you have asked it this season. If any of you do it, I’ll pay for dinner. Drew Neitzel’s junior season. 2006-2007. Drew put that team, which had no business being in the NCAA Tournament, on his back, and he and Tom Izzo wished the team was there.
That team not only made the NCAA Tournament (and didn’t have to), but beat Marquette in the first round and lost to North Carolina in the second round in Winston Salem, North Carolina.
On the other hand, when my career is over and I write my book, I will tell the story of how four North Carolina fans ended up in the middle of the Spartan cheering section.
It was by far Tom’s best coaching job. Showing that in some seasons your best work doesn’t end in a title is another reminder of how some don’t really appreciate Izzo’s 26 consecutive years in the NCAA tournament.
Hondo, do you think Frankie Fidler is real and can have a significant impact for Tom Izzo in 2024? Kara B.
Yes and yes. It is very important and can have a great impact. It will be interesting to see how it develops.
Hondo, can you tell us what Tom Izzo did to keep Xavier Booker from leaving? I know he wasn’t happy during the season and I’d love to know how Izzo kept up with him. Nicolas H.
I would love to know how you “KNOW” some of your assumptions. That was all pure nonsense. Were you excited with how quickly your game was progressing? No, was he angry or did he blame Izzo? You are welcome. He loves Tom, Tom loves him and they trust each other. Tom didn’t have to do anything. Xavier knows the plan and is well aware of the vision Tom has for him, including a long and successful career in the NBA. Xavier is a very intelligent young man who sees a grand vision, not the fleeting impulse of the present. Tom didn’t do anything different and, admittedly, neither did Booker. He’s been engaged and locked in and is a fantastic young man.
Hondo, I can’t express how excited I am to have you answer Michigan State’s questions. I have always trusted you and your inner gaze is exceptional. I know you and Izzo are friends. Do you have something about him that maybe people don’t know and that’s why they maybe disrespect him so much? I hate seeing the reviews. kelly w.
What a great question Kelly. I have a fantastic relationship with Tom and I can tell you that people don’t understand how communicative he is. People act like their players don’t or don’t understand it. They may not always like what he says or how he says it, but they know it. The coach always has time for them (before, during and after they are here).
I’ve seen players who did very poorly years later still be able to count on a callback when they leave a message.
He is a blue-collar millionaire and understands that the two most important things in life are the harsh world and time. Tom invests and people, and sometimes outsiders don’t see it or understand it, and some insiders are too young to appreciate it.
I want to tell you a story that illustrates this well.
Years ago, Michigan State played a game at noon. After my job, I came up with a plan to give a lecture in another state. After we talked, I flew back that night, and when my driver pulled up to the Breslin so I could get my car, Tom was sitting on the couch in his office STILL visiting with a player who was going through some personal problems. We’re talking almost 13 hours later.
You or anyone else may not like what or how Izzo says something, but I can tell you this. It’s sincere. Tom Izzo, like you and me, is not perfect, but he is genuine and I admire him for that.
If you have any questions about football, basketball or the Michigan State athletic program in general, please send them to SpartanNationMail@yahoo.com and when you have them, put MSU Q&A in the subject line.
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