Tom Izzo provides update on Malik Hall’s ankle injury, raves about versatility

Michigan State took care of business in East Lansing against Michigan on Saturday, and Tom Izzo had plenty of praise for forward Malik Hall afterwards.

Hall fought through an injury to score 15 points and pull down three rebounds over 23 minutes on the court. During his postgame press conference, Izzo provided an update on the injury Hall suffered, as well as lauding his versatility on the court.

“He sprained that ankle. That’s No. 1 negative. It was the same ankle, but it wasn’t the same spot, so it wasn’t the spot, he just sprained an ankle,” explained Izzo. “He fought through it. You’re right, he communicates. He talks. He makes it easier on people. Yet, at the end, we’re switching five and we screwed that up twice and I just laughed at him. I said, ‘Hey, you thought it was all going to come back over night.’ We don’t win that game without Malik. There are other games we could’ve won with Malik.

“I told you, he’s maybe my most versatile player. He does so many things. He keeps the other guys calm and he can drive and he can make some plays. He’s multi-skilled. As that comes back now over the next two weeks, I think that will be really important to us.”

Alas, Izzo will want Hall in the lineup more consistently moving forward, as he’s helped the Spartans get back on track after their wonky start to the season.

Michigan State began the season 5-4, but has since ripped off six straight victories. All of a sudden, Izzo’s squad is sitting pretty at 11-4, riding a wave of momentum after defeating their biggest rival on Saturday.

Up next for Michigan State is a huge game against Wisconsin, and Tom Izzo will need Malik Hall ready to rock. The Spartans are looking to continue to roll, and it’ll be tough to bet against them.