Jaden Akins holds Pro Day workout with Tom Izzo in attendance (Video)

Tom Izzo was on hand to support Jaden Akins in his Pro Day workout this week as he continues to pursue his NBA dream.

Michigan State star Jaden Akins held his Pro Day workout May 17. This gave him the chance to showcase his skillset to NBA scouts to see if he gets noticed by any professional teams. And Tom Izzo was there to show his support.

SpartanHoops’ DK shared the video on Twitter.

Akins’ Pro Day workout. Coach Kelley and Coach Izzo both on hand to support him. If he decides to return to college (which I lean towards as the likely outcome), sky’s the limit next year ? pic.twitter.com/Hz5Bo8TPDq

— DK (@SpartanHoops_DK) May 18, 2023

On April 21, Akins entered his name into the NBA draft while also leaving open the possibility to still return to MSU for his junior season. I believe Akins is mainly testing the NBA waters to receive feedback from scouts on what he needs to improve on with his game. However, there is always the chance he decides to keep his name in the draft, thus ending his career at MSU.

Unfortunately for Akins, he was not selected as a participant for either the NBA or G-League combines, meaning he misses out on that key feedback from NBA scouts. However, on Wednesday, he held his Pro Day workout where he was able to showcase his skillset in front of NBA representatives.

In the video posted by DK above, you can see Jaden flying high above the rim with some monstrous dunks as well as calm floaters around the rim. He is also seen showcasing his elite dribbling and moves off the pick n roll and his explosiveness off the dribble.

He was not shown in the video showcasing his jump shot, but we all know how talented he is on that front as he shot a blistering 42 percent from 3-point range this season. His ball handling, pick-and-roll game and finishing around the rim is what he needs to showcase most as he did not have many opportunities to show that at MSU this season. I believe that is the next step needed in his game that would put him in position to have a very successful NBA career.

With Tyson Walker and likely AJ Hoggard returning next season, those opportunities may be hard to come by, but I hope Izzo is able to work those chances into Akins production so he can showcase his skillset there as well.

DK also shared that Thomas Kelley was there along with Izzo, supporting Akins during this workout. Justin Thind confirmed that this is not a common occurrence for coaches to attend a workout for a player debating leaving the program. This, to me, just shows how much Izzo cares about his players and the amazing culture that he is built at MSU.

Jaden has until June 1 to make his final decision regarding the NBA draft, and I, as well as all of Spartan Nation, hope to see him back in East Lansing for one more season.