Michigan State basketball: Jaxon Kohler making his debut this weekend?

Michigan State basketball is close to getting Jaxon Kohler back and according to Tom Izzo, it’s likely to happen by the Northwestern game.

If you want to see Jaxon Kohler play, you won’t have to wait much longer. According to Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo, Kohler played participated in Tuesday’s practice. This is a good sign and it means that he is playing very soon.

Jaxon Kohler played part of Michigan State's Tuesday practice. Tom Izzo said he's doubtful for Thursday vs. Penn State but should be back by Sunday at Northwestern or next week

— Kyle Austin (@kylebaustin) January 2, 2024

That date, while unknown, is either on Sunday against Northwestern or next week at Illinois. Izzo did say that Thursday’s game against Penn State is doubtful so fans should not expect to see Kohler at home. What does this mean for the basketball team?

This means that fans might get their answer when it comes to scoring at the center position. Michigan State fans have wanted a consistent scorer at the center position and Jaxon might be the answer to that request. While he doesn’t blow you away with his physicality, he also has reshaped his body this year. Not only should this help offensively, this should help him on the defensive end as well.

While asking Jaxon to come in and contribute is a lot, he’s going to have to come in and start scoring for this team. Michigan State needs to get more points down low and with his footwork and touch, he can provide that. He also started shooting more outside shots, which should provide more room in the lane for AJ Hoggard and the other guards. While we don’t know the exact player that Kohler will be to start the year, he is going to provide spacing, shooting and footwork that this team has really missed.

While this is a lot of pressure to put on one player, if Kohler can be the player he was during Moneyball or make a big jump offensively and defensively, this team might continue to get better and more in the post, which the team drastically needs more of.