After practice Thursday, Izzo said returning to Hawaii will be "surreal in some ways," reflecting on Maui’s 2023 wildfires. He said it might be similar to when the Spartans visited New York City after 9/11.

"The Maui Classic has been very important to Maui," Izzo said. "I just hope we can bring some joy to some people who have gone through a tough time."

MSU will play Colorado in its first game of the tournament on Nov. 25 at 5 p.m. EST. The bracket can be found here.

If the Spartans beat Colorado, they'll likely play UConn (4-0). The Huskies are two-time reigning national champions and play Memphis in the first game of the invitational. 

The Spartans also have a chance to play North Carolina, the team that ended their season last March. 

The biggest struggle for MSU through fives games has been three-point shooting. The Spartans have gone 23-for-104 from three (22%), a Big Ten-worst. They went 3-for-24 from beyond the arc in a loss to Kansas and a combined 11-for-44 in narrow wins over Bowling Green and Samford. 

MSU transfer senior forward Frankie Fidler has only made three of 20 shots from beyond the arc, and senior guard Jaden Akins has made five of 23 attempts. Redshirt freshman Jeremy Fears Jr., MSU's starting point guard, has taken just two threes this season.

"I think we had a lot of great looks overall, and we’re still getting better," Fears said. "Eventually we’ll make shots, and we’re going to have a game and some days where we get hot. One good shooting game can spark us and spark that confidence, and we’ll be okay."

Fears' role is another question for the Spartans to answer in Hawaii. He’s averaged 6.2 points and 1.2 rebounds per game, leading the team with 31 assists through five games. He also leads the team in turnovers (13) and fouls (14). 

Against Samford, Fears committed a few early turnovers, helping the Bulldogs grab a 21-8 lead. Izzo said Fears is playing with more confidence, and the point guard agreed. 

"As a point guard, I have to make sure I take control and do everything I need to do to help the team out there," Fears Jr. said.

Another question for MSU is freshman guard Jase Richardson’s health status. Against Samford, Richardson went out late with an apparent ankle injury. Izzo said Richardson is alright and will be ready to play in Maui, and MSU is "lucky" the ankle didn’t swell up. 

Though only a freshman, Richardson has proved to be an immense asset for the Spartans. He’s averaged 8.4 points and five assists coming off the bench in every game. He's been one of MSU's main playmakers along with Fears and junior guard Tre Holloman in just under 21 minutes per game. 

The Maui Invitational should also be a good test for sophomore forward Xavier Booker. He didn't start the past two games, replaced by junior forward Jaxon Kohler. But in recent weeks, both in practice and against Samford, Izzo said Booker has been playing harder, a necessary step for the team’s progression.

"I thought he needed to play harder at what he did, and I thought he was more aggressive," Izzo said. "I was pleased. He made a couple of big plays when it mattered."

MSU's forte has been its tempo in transition, which will prove necessary against a team like UConn or UNC.

"If we can keep running in this tournament, we can wear some people down," Izzo said.