Michigan State big man Jaxon Kohler to miss start of 2023-24 season
East Lansing, Mich. – Michigan State sophomore Jaxon Kohler will miss the start of the 2023-24 season after receiving surgery on his left foot Tuesday, the program announced.
Michigan State said in a release that Kohler’s injury is “not season-ending” and that the team expects him to be back “before Christmas.”
The 6-foot-9, 245-pound Kohler received the surgery in Charlotte, N.C. Kohler missed Monday’s practice, sitting out with his left foot in an immobilizer, with plans for medical tests to be done on Tuesday.
Kohler figures to be a key piece in Michigan State’s center rotation, along with senior Mady Sissoko and sophomore Carson Cooper, upon his return.
A former four-star prospect from American Fork, Utah, Kohler averaged 3.0 points and 2.9 rebounds on 50.5 percent shooting last season as a freshman. He averaged 10.8 minutes per game in 34 games.
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Kohler spent the offseason reshaping his body to become a reliable post defender. He also worked to improve his shot in the event head coach Tom Izzo played him at the power forward position.
Without Kohler, Izzo will rely heavily on Sissoko and Cooper at the center position. At 6-foot-11, 220 pounds, freshman Xavier Booker will likely have a larger role in Michigan State’s frontcourt, whether it be at the four or the five.
Also available in Michigan State’s frontcourt are senior Malik Hall, who will likely start at the power forward position, as well as freshman Coen Carr, should Izzo opt for a smaller lineup configuration.
The No. 4-ranked Spartans will play two exhibition games this season, beginning with a matchup with Hillsdale College at the Breslin Center on Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. Michigan State will officially open the season against James Madison at the Breslin Center on Nov. 6 at 8:30 p.m.
