Michigan State basketball loses Jaxon Kohler to foot injury

Michigan State basketball has lost sophomore big man Jaxon Kohler to a foot injury which he just had surgically repaired.

Death. Taxes. Foot injuries to Michigan State basketball players.

On Wednesday, Michigan State announced that Jaxon Kohler had foot surgery earlier this week and he will miss some time. He’s expected to return to action by Christmas.

Jaxon Kohler had surgery on his left foot on Tuesday, MSU announces. The program is expecting him to be back before Christmas.

— Kyle Austin (@kylebaustin) October 18, 2023

This news shouldn’t come as a major shock because, well, it happens darn near every year.

Last year, it was Jaden Akins along with Malik Hall who suffered foot/ankle injuries. It’s almost like an annual Michigan State basketball tradition. It’s always a surprise when it comes to which player it is, but it’s the most predictable injury that affects the program.

Tom Izzo has to be frustrated by this regular occurrence. He’s just trying to prepare for one of the most anticipated seasons in recent memory and he can’t seem to keep everyone healthy. If this is the only injury the Spartans suffer before the season, though, he can live with it. Kohler is going to be a solid role player this season and he seemingly had a really good summer, but there are other options at center.

Mady Sissoko is going to have to step up again and Carson Cooper needs to take that next step. We’ll see a lot more of Cooper, in my opinion.

As for Kohler, we just have to hope this doesn’t affect his confidence. He has shown flashes of being a really solid offensive big in East Lansing and he could be a go-to post scorer for this team. If he misses all of conference play, that puts him behind but he could still make up for lost time with a strong start to Big Ten action.

You have to feel bad for Kohler who was staring down a breakout year, but hopefully he’s back soon.