Michigan State basketball: Tom Izzo hints at Jaxon Kohler return

Michigan State basketball could be getting Jaxon Kohler back sooner rather than later, according to Tom Izzo.

We finally have some good news regarding Jaxon Kohler’s injury status. The Michigan State basketball sophomore big man has been out all season with a foot injury, but a return for Jaxon could be on the horizon.

Here is what Tom Izzo shared in a press conference Thursday afternoon regarding his sophomore big man.

Tom Izzo provides an update on Jaxon Kohler

Detroit Free Press reporter Chris Solari shared what Izzo had to say regarding Kohler in the below post.

Tom Izzo also said F Jaxon Kohler could begin practicing for MSU next week. Has been going through some of the individual and shooting drill work since returning from Christmas.

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 28, 2023

You read that right, Jaxon could become a participant in practice again next week. This is also the first I’ve heard of Kohler doing individual on-court work as well, which is a major development as well.

Recovering from an injury like Kohler had always takes time. You also never want to rush the player back because that could just cause him to re-injure himself again. This may have already occurred once, because Izzo shared a week and a half ago that Kohler had a minor setback in his recovery. It sounds like “minor” was the correct word, because Jaxon’s already back on the court doing some small drill work.

Jaxon’s return will be a welcomed site

The ceiling of this Michigan State basketball team will go up a lot once Kohler returns. He brings something in the post that nobody else can on this team. Carson Cooper and Mady Sissoko aren’t the best as post up players, but that’s where he thrives.

He arguably has the best footwork on the team and is someone who can create their own shot down low. Malik Hall is the only other player who regularly creates his own shot in the post, so Kohler will be extremely beneficial in that aspect.

Last season as a freshman, Kohler averaged 3.0 points and 2.9 rebounds in 10.8 minutes per game. Jaxon had an elite two-game stretch at the end of January last season, beginning against Rutgers at home. This game is his only career double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. He then followed up that performance with a solid nine point, six rebound game at Indiana.

My best guess for Kohler’s first game back is Jan. 11 at Illinois. However, the game after that might be a better option which is at home against Rutgers on Jan. 14. Rutgers is an easier opponent than Illinois and I always feel more comfortable about someone’s first game back being at home.

Regardless, Jaxon Kohler should be on the court again soon and I can’t wait.