2 months ago
Jaxon Kohler has a new lease on college life, and now he has a new college team, too.
Kohler, a former Michigan State big man who gained an extra year of eligibility through a Colorado federal court ruling last month, is transferring to BYU, his agent told Rivals on Thursday night. Kohler is from American Fork, Utah.
Kohler, 23, played four seasons for Michigan State, and last year, he averaged 12.5 points and 8.9 rebounds while shooting 38.9% from 3 and 50% from the floor in helping lead the Spartans to the Sweet 16.
His college career seemed to be over when he played for his hometown Utah Jazz in the NBA's Summer League, before the court order came down that granted the entire 2022 recruiting class a fifth year of eligibility.
That same court order led to Oakland point guard Brody Robinson transferring to Creighton, despite Oakland leaving a roster spot open should the courts allowed him an extra season. Robinson was among several college athletes who sued for an extra year of eligibility.
#college
Kohler, a former Michigan State big man who gained an extra year of eligibility through a Colorado federal court ruling last month, is transferring to BYU, his agent told Rivals on Thursday night. Kohler is from American Fork, Utah.
Kohler, 23, played four seasons for Michigan State, and last year, he averaged 12.5 points and 8.9 rebounds while shooting 38.9% from 3 and 50% from the floor in helping lead the Spartans to the Sweet 16.
His college career seemed to be over when he played for his hometown Utah Jazz in the NBA's Summer League, before the court order came down that granted the entire 2022 recruiting class a fifth year of eligibility.
That same court order led to Oakland point guard Brody Robinson transferring to Creighton, despite Oakland leaving a roster spot open should the courts allowed him an extra season. Robinson was among several college athletes who sued for an extra year of eligibility.
#college
2 months ago
When the courts opened up the transfer portal for players who were originally a part of the 2022 recruiting class, Kentucky basketball set its sights on a few to fill their final roster spot. One of those players was Jaxon Kohler.
Kohler spent four years at Michigan State, but was granted a fifth season by multiple judge's rulings, and he entered the transfer portal. Kentucky made their pitch, but he'll be heading to the BYU Cougars instead, per On3.
BYU has been the favorite to land Kohler since he was allowed to enter the portal. He is a Utah native, and certainly fits with what they do on offense. Mark Pope had hoped to sway him to Lexington, and he fits the Kentucky offense as well, but Kohler will head closer to home instead.
Now, Pope swings his attention to Mark Mitchell, the former LSU Tigers forward. Mitchell is expected to get clarification on his situation tomorrow from a Louisville judge. If he wins his case, the Wildcats are expected to be one of the favorites to land him.
Many will see this as another recruiting loss for Pope, and it is. However, it's one that isn't unexpected, and if Kentucky can land Mitchell, then it will have worked out just fine.
#mitchell #portal #players
Kohler spent four years at Michigan State, but was granted a fifth season by multiple judge's rulings, and he entered the transfer portal. Kentucky made their pitch, but he'll be heading to the BYU Cougars instead, per On3.
BYU has been the favorite to land Kohler since he was allowed to enter the portal. He is a Utah native, and certainly fits with what they do on offense. Mark Pope had hoped to sway him to Lexington, and he fits the Kentucky offense as well, but Kohler will head closer to home instead.
Now, Pope swings his attention to Mark Mitchell, the former LSU Tigers forward. Mitchell is expected to get clarification on his situation tomorrow from a Louisville judge. If he wins his case, the Wildcats are expected to be one of the favorites to land him.
Many will see this as another recruiting loss for Pope, and it is. However, it's one that isn't unexpected, and if Kentucky can land Mitchell, then it will have worked out just fine.
#mitchell #portal #players
2 months ago
BYU added a massive late addition to its roster as Michigan State big man Jaxon Kohler announced his commitment to BYU. Kohler is eligible to play this coming season as the state of California lawsuit he was part of received a temporary injunction allowing fifth-year graduated players college eligibility. The NCAA may appeal the decision.
The American Fork, Utah native is LDS and was one of the best big men in the Big 10 last year. Kohler spent all four seasons at Michigan State, going from bench player his first two seasons to starting 69 games his last two seasons for Tom Izzo. Kohler went from a back-to-basket big man his first two year two a stretch big his last season. As a senior, Kohler averaged 12.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, and shot 39% from three and and 87% from the FT line. Kohler was 0-5 combined his first two seasons from three, and as a senior shot 58-139. For all players listed at 6-foot-10 or taller, Jaxon was tied for sixth in college basketball last season in threes made (stat courtesy of X account CBBAnalystics). Listed at 6-foot-10 by Michigan State, Kohler primarily played the four in Michigan State's big lineup but will likely primarily play the five spot at BYU.
Had Jaxon entered the transfer portal back in April, he would be a top 10 transfer this cycle. If he would have entered the portal then, he would have been the most impactful player big man BYU could have realistically landed. Just look at what Kohler did when Michigan State played at Michigan, the national champion with three lottery big men in their frontcourt. Kohler scored 23 points and grabbed 8 boards on 10-13 shooting from the floor and 2-4 from three. He led the Spartans in points and rebounds against the vaunted Wolverine front line. Kohler had 12 double doubles last season and was top 5 in the Big 10 and offensive and defensive rebound percentage.
Kohler takes BYU to a fringe top 25 team to a Big 12 **** le **** le contender. I have Jaxon as the best offensive big man in the Big 12 and one of the three best bigs in the league along with Arizona's Mo Krivas and Houston's Jo Tugler.
Jaxon is not a shot blocker, and I have questions about BYU's defense. He does bring effort and great rebounding prowess on that end, however, and should make BYU one the nation's top offenses. No big that is elite on both ends of the floor stays in college more than one year. Jaxon is a fifth-year senior that will be one of the top big men in college basketball. Out of any big man that BYU has pursued this offseason, none would have been more impactful or lead to more wins that Kohler will.
#michigan #last #college
The American Fork, Utah native is LDS and was one of the best big men in the Big 10 last year. Kohler spent all four seasons at Michigan State, going from bench player his first two seasons to starting 69 games his last two seasons for Tom Izzo. Kohler went from a back-to-basket big man his first two year two a stretch big his last season. As a senior, Kohler averaged 12.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, and shot 39% from three and and 87% from the FT line. Kohler was 0-5 combined his first two seasons from three, and as a senior shot 58-139. For all players listed at 6-foot-10 or taller, Jaxon was tied for sixth in college basketball last season in threes made (stat courtesy of X account CBBAnalystics). Listed at 6-foot-10 by Michigan State, Kohler primarily played the four in Michigan State's big lineup but will likely primarily play the five spot at BYU.
Had Jaxon entered the transfer portal back in April, he would be a top 10 transfer this cycle. If he would have entered the portal then, he would have been the most impactful player big man BYU could have realistically landed. Just look at what Kohler did when Michigan State played at Michigan, the national champion with three lottery big men in their frontcourt. Kohler scored 23 points and grabbed 8 boards on 10-13 shooting from the floor and 2-4 from three. He led the Spartans in points and rebounds against the vaunted Wolverine front line. Kohler had 12 double doubles last season and was top 5 in the Big 10 and offensive and defensive rebound percentage.
Kohler takes BYU to a fringe top 25 team to a Big 12 **** le **** le contender. I have Jaxon as the best offensive big man in the Big 12 and one of the three best bigs in the league along with Arizona's Mo Krivas and Houston's Jo Tugler.
Jaxon is not a shot blocker, and I have questions about BYU's defense. He does bring effort and great rebounding prowess on that end, however, and should make BYU one the nation's top offenses. No big that is elite on both ends of the floor stays in college more than one year. Jaxon is a fifth-year senior that will be one of the top big men in college basketball. Out of any big man that BYU has pursued this offseason, none would have been more impactful or lead to more wins that Kohler will.
#michigan #last #college
2 months ago
It has been reported for a while that BYU was the frontrunner to land Michigan State transfer Jaxon Kohler, and now it is official, as he committed to the Cougars on Thursday, according to On3's Joe Tipton.
Kohler had a Zoom meeting with Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats coaching staff on Wednesday, but BYU ultimately won out.
The decision makes sense for Kohler, as he could not return to Michigan State because the Spartans had a full roster. Instead, he decided to return to his home state of Utah and become a Cougar.
Pope previously recruited Kohler out of high school when he was at BYU, but Michigan State ultimately won out. Pope tried to recruit him again this offseason, but he was unsuccessful in landing the 6-foot-10, 245-pound forward.
Kentucky fans likely will not have to worry too much about playing against Kohler or BYU, as the most likely way the two teams would meet would be during the NCAA Tournament.
#kohler #state #cougars
Kohler had a Zoom meeting with Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats coaching staff on Wednesday, but BYU ultimately won out.
The decision makes sense for Kohler, as he could not return to Michigan State because the Spartans had a full roster. Instead, he decided to return to his home state of Utah and become a Cougar.
Pope previously recruited Kohler out of high school when he was at BYU, but Michigan State ultimately won out. Pope tried to recruit him again this offseason, but he was unsuccessful in landing the 6-foot-10, 245-pound forward.
Kentucky fans likely will not have to worry too much about playing against Kohler or BYU, as the most likely way the two teams would meet would be during the NCAA Tournament.
#kohler #state #cougars
2 months ago
On Tuesday, news broke that Michigan State forward Jaxon Kohler would officially enter the transfer portal after a judge granted a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the NCAA in California.
Now, according to Jack Pilgrim of KSR, Kohler will have a Zoom meeting with the Kentucky Basketball staff on Wednesday.
The 6-foot-10, 245-pound forward has spent all four years of his collegiate career with the Spartans and is now fighting to receive a fifth season of eligibility. This past season, he averaged 12.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game while shooting 38.9% from deep.
Kohler also showcased his talent against Kentucky in the State Farm Champions Classic, finishing with 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting, including 2-for-2 from 3-point range, while adding five rebounds, two ******* ists and one block in Michigan State's 83-66 victory.
If Kentucky ultimately pursues Kohler, he could fill a role similar to the one Andrew Carr played under Mark Pope. Carr, a 6-foot-9 forward, averaged 10.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.7 ******* ists while providing floor ******* ing and versatility during his lone season with the Wildcats.
#kentucky #forward #rebounds #state
Now, according to Jack Pilgrim of KSR, Kohler will have a Zoom meeting with the Kentucky Basketball staff on Wednesday.
The 6-foot-10, 245-pound forward has spent all four years of his collegiate career with the Spartans and is now fighting to receive a fifth season of eligibility. This past season, he averaged 12.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game while shooting 38.9% from deep.
Kohler also showcased his talent against Kentucky in the State Farm Champions Classic, finishing with 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting, including 2-for-2 from 3-point range, while adding five rebounds, two ******* ists and one block in Michigan State's 83-66 victory.
If Kentucky ultimately pursues Kohler, he could fill a role similar to the one Andrew Carr played under Mark Pope. Carr, a 6-foot-9 forward, averaged 10.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.7 ******* ists while providing floor ******* ing and versatility during his lone season with the Wildcats.
#kentucky #forward #rebounds #state
2 months ago
Michigan State basketball has reportedly lost Jaxon Kohler to the transfer portal, officially. After an announcement on Tuesday, it appears that the expected is totally coming true, and Kohler will be moving on upon receiving an additional year of eligibility.
After the announcement that Kohler would be entering the portal upon receiving a fifth year of eligibility, popular college basketball reporter Jon Rothstein took to X to announce the four schools that Kohler is considering.
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisville
#portal #receiving #year #state
After the announcement that Kohler would be entering the portal upon receiving a fifth year of eligibility, popular college basketball reporter Jon Rothstein took to X to announce the four schools that Kohler is considering.
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisville
#portal #receiving #year #state
2 months ago
For Kentucky Basketball's 15th and final roster spot, Mark Mitchell is priority No. 1 for now, while names like Jaxon Kohler and Keyshawn Hall are other potential transfer candidates to fill that spot.
We now have another name that's worth monitoring for the Wildcats.
On Tuesday, On3's Joe Tipton reported that Yale forward Nick Townsend would enter the transfer portal. The 2026 Ivy League Player of the Year instantly becomes one of the best available players following a four-year career with the Bulldogs.
Now, there's been nothing connecting Kentucky to Townsend just yet, but on paper, he looks like someone who Mark Pope should be taking a hard look at.
A 6-foot-7, 240-pound native of Chappaqua, New York, Townsend averaged 16.3 points on 51.1% shooting (46.3% on 3.2 3-point attempts per game), 7.4 rebounds, 4.3 ****** ists, and 1.1 steals across 33.4 minutes per contest. He shot 48.3% from deep on 1.9 attempts per outing in the 2024-25 season. A big man who can ****** e the floor is something Pope loves having, especially when said player is hitting nearly half of his 3-point attempts.
#townsend #spot
We now have another name that's worth monitoring for the Wildcats.
On Tuesday, On3's Joe Tipton reported that Yale forward Nick Townsend would enter the transfer portal. The 2026 Ivy League Player of the Year instantly becomes one of the best available players following a four-year career with the Bulldogs.
Now, there's been nothing connecting Kentucky to Townsend just yet, but on paper, he looks like someone who Mark Pope should be taking a hard look at.
A 6-foot-7, 240-pound native of Chappaqua, New York, Townsend averaged 16.3 points on 51.1% shooting (46.3% on 3.2 3-point attempts per game), 7.4 rebounds, 4.3 ****** ists, and 1.1 steals across 33.4 minutes per contest. He shot 48.3% from deep on 1.9 attempts per outing in the 2024-25 season. A big man who can ****** e the floor is something Pope loves having, especially when said player is hitting nearly half of his 3-point attempts.
#townsend #spot
2 months ago
While Kentucky Basketball is focused on landing Mark Mitchell to round out the 2026-27 roster, there are a few other contenders for that final spot, namely Michigan State forward Jaxon Kohler.
On Tuesday, On3's Joe Tipton reported that Kohler was officially entering the transfer portal now that he's been granted a TRO against the NCAA as part of the California lawsuit vs. the NCAA.
Not long after, CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein reported that Kentucky was among the schools Kohler is now considering. Joining the Wildcats at Kansas, BYU, and Louisville.
For what it's worth, Tipton and Pete Nakos previously reported that BYU was the favorite to land Kohler, so Kentucky may just be window dressing on the list at this point. The Utah native grew up about 15 miles from BYU's campus, so this would be a homecoming of sorts if it comes to pass.
Still, if things don't work out with Mitchell, Kohler is someone Kentucky should make a run at. The 6-foot-10, 245-pound forward averaged 12.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game last season while shooting 38.9% from deep on 4.3 attempts per game.
#kentucky
On Tuesday, On3's Joe Tipton reported that Kohler was officially entering the transfer portal now that he's been granted a TRO against the NCAA as part of the California lawsuit vs. the NCAA.
Not long after, CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein reported that Kentucky was among the schools Kohler is now considering. Joining the Wildcats at Kansas, BYU, and Louisville.
For what it's worth, Tipton and Pete Nakos previously reported that BYU was the favorite to land Kohler, so Kentucky may just be window dressing on the list at this point. The Utah native grew up about 15 miles from BYU's campus, so this would be a homecoming of sorts if it comes to pass.
Still, if things don't work out with Mitchell, Kohler is someone Kentucky should make a run at. The 6-foot-10, 245-pound forward averaged 12.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game last season while shooting 38.9% from deep on 4.3 attempts per game.
#kentucky
2 months ago
BYU's Fall Semester is 2.5 weeks away from starting, so hopefully this will be the last of these offseason notebooks I write focusing on this coming season's roster. BYU has two open roster spots, and all eyes are on the potential addition of Michigan State big man Jaxon Kohler to potentially fill out the roster.
Jaxon Kohler
I've already wrote extensively about Jaxon. The 6-foot-10 Michigan State big man would be a huge addition to BYU's roster and put BYU in contender status for a Big 12 ****** le. Jaxon would be one of the top big men in the Big 12 and single-handedly raise BYU's ceiling to a team that could go deep in the NCAA Tournament. Jaxon can score on the block, is one the best big man shooters in college basketball, and is a high-level rebounder. No other big BYU pursued this offseason would raise BYU's ceiling more than Jaxon Kohler. He would lead BYU in rebounding and probably be the favorite to be second in scoring behind Rob Wright. I'd have Jaxon as the best offensive big man in the Big 12 and one of the three best bigs in the league along with Arizona's Mo Krivas and Houston's Jo Tugler.
As it stands right now due to various state-level court injunctions, Jaxon Kohler can play a fifth year but can only do so at Michigan State. He and several other players are part of a California injunction that, if granted, would allow him to enter the transfer portal. All other state-level injunctions such as Ohio and Tennessee have granted in favor of the players and allowed them to play a fifth year and enter the transfer portal. Odds are high that the court will rule in the players favor and Jaxon will be able to enter the portal. The NCAA has maintained its stance that it opposes the courts rulings, and we should get a federal ruling early next week from the tenth circuit in the Colorado case that was recently ruled on. If the courts rule against the NCAA again in that case, that could force the NCAA to finally back off.
Based on several conversations I've had, I have BYU as the favorite to land Jaxon if he is indeed eligible to play. Schools such as Kentucky, Kansas, Louisville and several others have made a strong push, but BYU has stood above the rest. Kevin Young has made a very positive impression on Jaxon and there is a strong pull for Jaxon to stay close to home for his final season of college. Additionally, BYU has been able to raise its NIL offer in the past couple weeks to be more competitive for Jaxon, which was the last big hurdle. BYU has all the basketball and home stuff in its favor, now they have made the money less of a blocker. While BYU is not the highest bidder, BYU is in the ballpark to not have such a wide gap versus other schools. As it stands today I see Louisville as the strongest opposition to BYU due to a strong NIL offer they recently proposed, but BYU has done all the right things here. Once Jaxon gets eligibility, I anticipate he would commit to a school shortly after. That could come as soon as this week.
Jaxon Kohler
I've already wrote extensively about Jaxon. The 6-foot-10 Michigan State big man would be a huge addition to BYU's roster and put BYU in contender status for a Big 12 ****** le. Jaxon would be one of the top big men in the Big 12 and single-handedly raise BYU's ceiling to a team that could go deep in the NCAA Tournament. Jaxon can score on the block, is one the best big man shooters in college basketball, and is a high-level rebounder. No other big BYU pursued this offseason would raise BYU's ceiling more than Jaxon Kohler. He would lead BYU in rebounding and probably be the favorite to be second in scoring behind Rob Wright. I'd have Jaxon as the best offensive big man in the Big 12 and one of the three best bigs in the league along with Arizona's Mo Krivas and Houston's Jo Tugler.
As it stands right now due to various state-level court injunctions, Jaxon Kohler can play a fifth year but can only do so at Michigan State. He and several other players are part of a California injunction that, if granted, would allow him to enter the transfer portal. All other state-level injunctions such as Ohio and Tennessee have granted in favor of the players and allowed them to play a fifth year and enter the transfer portal. Odds are high that the court will rule in the players favor and Jaxon will be able to enter the portal. The NCAA has maintained its stance that it opposes the courts rulings, and we should get a federal ruling early next week from the tenth circuit in the Colorado case that was recently ruled on. If the courts rule against the NCAA again in that case, that could force the NCAA to finally back off.
Based on several conversations I've had, I have BYU as the favorite to land Jaxon if he is indeed eligible to play. Schools such as Kentucky, Kansas, Louisville and several others have made a strong push, but BYU has stood above the rest. Kevin Young has made a very positive impression on Jaxon and there is a strong pull for Jaxon to stay close to home for his final season of college. Additionally, BYU has been able to raise its NIL offer in the past couple weeks to be more competitive for Jaxon, which was the last big hurdle. BYU has all the basketball and home stuff in its favor, now they have made the money less of a blocker. While BYU is not the highest bidder, BYU is in the ballpark to not have such a wide gap versus other schools. As it stands today I see Louisville as the strongest opposition to BYU due to a strong NIL offer they recently proposed, but BYU has done all the right things here. Once Jaxon gets eligibility, I anticipate he would commit to a school shortly after. That could come as soon as this week.
3 months ago
Tom Izzo has a clear idea of who will be starting at power forward for the Spartans this season. But he wouldn't completely commit to that spot being locked down during a recent interview.
Izzo joined national college basketball ****** yst Jon Rothstein on his show on Tuesday to discuss a number of things surrounding the Spartans and college basketball as a whole. During the interview, Izzo stated sophomore Cam Ward "should be" the starting power forward for the Spartans this season. But there's still room for improvement.
"(Ward) still gotta keep improving his shot," Izzo said during the interview. "But he's really improving his ability to put it on the floor, defend people and become a much better rebounder."
Michigan State has an opening at power forward with senior Jaxon Kohler not expected to be with the Spartans this upcoming season. He may end up having a fifth year of eligibility, but he is reportedly being pursued by BYU, Kansas and Kentucky as a transfer addition.
As a true freshman, Ward showed signs of being the next great Spartan at power forward. He ended the season averaging 5.1 points, 4.2 rebound and 0.5 blocks across roughly 15 minutes per game.
#interview #college #Basketball
Izzo joined national college basketball ****** yst Jon Rothstein on his show on Tuesday to discuss a number of things surrounding the Spartans and college basketball as a whole. During the interview, Izzo stated sophomore Cam Ward "should be" the starting power forward for the Spartans this season. But there's still room for improvement.
"(Ward) still gotta keep improving his shot," Izzo said during the interview. "But he's really improving his ability to put it on the floor, defend people and become a much better rebounder."
Michigan State has an opening at power forward with senior Jaxon Kohler not expected to be with the Spartans this upcoming season. He may end up having a fifth year of eligibility, but he is reportedly being pursued by BYU, Kansas and Kentucky as a transfer addition.
As a true freshman, Ward showed signs of being the next great Spartan at power forward. He ended the season averaging 5.1 points, 4.2 rebound and 0.5 blocks across roughly 15 minutes per game.
#interview #college #Basketball
3 months ago
A former Spartan will pursue the opportunity to play again at the college level, and he has some teams in mind for where he could end up.
Former Michigan State Spartans forward Jaxon Kohler will reportedly explore a return to college basketball for a fifth season, with a trio of new teams in the mix. According to college basketball insider Jon Rothstein, Kohler is receiving interest from Kansas, Kentucky and BYU. A return to Michigan State is also considered as "possible" by Rothstein.
Jaxon Kohler tells me that he will explore a return to college for a fifth year and is receiving interest from the following programs:
Kansas
Kentucky
BYU
Kohler averaged 12.5 PPG and 8.9 RPG last season at Michigan State.
A return to East Lansing is also possible.
Kohler wrapped up his four-year career with the Spartans this past season, averaging 12.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game to help Michigan State reach the Sweet 16. He was not selected in the 2026 NBA Draft but competed with the Utah Jazz in the NBA summer leagues.
Kohler has been rumored to be in close contact with BYU so the ****** umption is that if he doesn't return to Michigan State then it'll be with the local Cougars. Without any inside information, I would be surprised if he doesn't end up playing for BYU next season (assuming things work out in his favor where he gets to play another season of college hoops).
#season #kansas
Former Michigan State Spartans forward Jaxon Kohler will reportedly explore a return to college basketball for a fifth season, with a trio of new teams in the mix. According to college basketball insider Jon Rothstein, Kohler is receiving interest from Kansas, Kentucky and BYU. A return to Michigan State is also considered as "possible" by Rothstein.
Jaxon Kohler tells me that he will explore a return to college for a fifth year and is receiving interest from the following programs:
Kansas
Kentucky
BYU
Kohler averaged 12.5 PPG and 8.9 RPG last season at Michigan State.
A return to East Lansing is also possible.
Kohler wrapped up his four-year career with the Spartans this past season, averaging 12.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game to help Michigan State reach the Sweet 16. He was not selected in the 2026 NBA Draft but competed with the Utah Jazz in the NBA summer leagues.
Kohler has been rumored to be in close contact with BYU so the ****** umption is that if he doesn't return to Michigan State then it'll be with the local Cougars. Without any inside information, I would be surprised if he doesn't end up playing for BYU next season (assuming things work out in his favor where he gets to play another season of college hoops).
#season #kansas
3 months ago
Of the many shocking moments in Michigan State athletics this decade, perhaps the most surprising was the decision of MSU basketball star Tre Holloman to leave Michigan State by way of the transfer portal for NC State. Holloman was a beloved Spartan, and MSU fans were in uproar over the decision in what became an extremely divisive moment in MSU basketball history.
Now, Tre Holloman is back in Lansing, where he lives and raises his daughter, and was in attendance at this week's Moneyball Pro-Am. Naturally, Holloman was asked about the decision to leave, along with a potential return if the NCAA allows players like him and Jaxon Kohler to have one more year of eligibility.
Holloman laughed and said 'no comment' when asked if he regretted his decision to leave, and said that if there was a good plan for him at MSU, he would love to come back for one more season if he had the chance. You can watch the full clip below:
Contact/Follow us The SpartansWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Andrew Brewster on Twitter IAmBrewster.
This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Tre Holloman discusses decision to leave MSU, potential return
#state #Basketball
Now, Tre Holloman is back in Lansing, where he lives and raises his daughter, and was in attendance at this week's Moneyball Pro-Am. Naturally, Holloman was asked about the decision to leave, along with a potential return if the NCAA allows players like him and Jaxon Kohler to have one more year of eligibility.
Holloman laughed and said 'no comment' when asked if he regretted his decision to leave, and said that if there was a good plan for him at MSU, he would love to come back for one more season if he had the chance. You can watch the full clip below:
Contact/Follow us The SpartansWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Andrew Brewster on Twitter IAmBrewster.
This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Tre Holloman discusses decision to leave MSU, potential return
#state #Basketball
4 months ago
A former Spartans center will begin his professional career later this week in NBA Summer League action in Salt Lake City.
Carson Cooper will make his NBA debut (sort of) with the Memphis Grizzlies later this week as NBA Summer League gets going. Cooper and the Grizzlies will be playing their first game on Saturday against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and then will play another former Spartan in Jaxon Kohler and the Utah Jazz on Monday.
Cooper went unselected in this year's NBA Draft but quickly found a landing spot with the Grizzlies following the draft. He signed a two-way deal with the Grizzlies that'll allow him to also play for their G-League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle.
Cooper was a four-year player for the Spartans, becoming a starter by his senior season this past year. He started all 35 games for the Spartans, finishing the season averaging 11.1 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game.
The NBA Summer League will be a great opportunity for Cooper to show his continued progression and give him a chance to remain with the Grizzlies long term.
Carson Cooper will make his NBA debut (sort of) with the Memphis Grizzlies later this week as NBA Summer League gets going. Cooper and the Grizzlies will be playing their first game on Saturday against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and then will play another former Spartan in Jaxon Kohler and the Utah Jazz on Monday.
Cooper went unselected in this year's NBA Draft but quickly found a landing spot with the Grizzlies following the draft. He signed a two-way deal with the Grizzlies that'll allow him to also play for their G-League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle.
Cooper was a four-year player for the Spartans, becoming a starter by his senior season this past year. He started all 35 games for the Spartans, finishing the season averaging 11.1 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game.
The NBA Summer League will be a great opportunity for Cooper to show his continued progression and give him a chance to remain with the Grizzlies long term.
4 months ago
A former Spartan is set to begin his professional career in the NBA Summer League later this week with the Utah Jazz.
Former Michigan State big man Jaxon Kohler has been officially announced as a member of the Utah Jazz's NBA Summer League roster. Kohler will play with the Jazz in the Salt Lake City Summer League that tips off in a few days.
Kohler, who is from American Fork, Utah, was an undrafted signing by the Jazz following the NBA Draft last month. He'll now have the opportunity to play his way onto his hometown team during the summer league games.
Kohler wrapped up his four-year career with the Spartans this past season. He posted his best numbers of his career during his senior season, finishing with 12.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game during the 2025-26 campaign.
The Jazz will play their first summer league game against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
Former Michigan State big man Jaxon Kohler has been officially announced as a member of the Utah Jazz's NBA Summer League roster. Kohler will play with the Jazz in the Salt Lake City Summer League that tips off in a few days.
Kohler, who is from American Fork, Utah, was an undrafted signing by the Jazz following the NBA Draft last month. He'll now have the opportunity to play his way onto his hometown team during the summer league games.
Kohler wrapped up his four-year career with the Spartans this past season. He posted his best numbers of his career during his senior season, finishing with 12.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game during the 2025-26 campaign.
The Jazz will play their first summer league game against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
4 months ago
After going undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft, as expected, the starting frontcourt of the 2025-26 MSU Basketball Team each were signed by NBA teams.
Carson Cooper earned the more promising of the two offers. The former Spartan center continues the pipeline from East Lansing to Memphis as he signed a two-way contract with the Grizzlies. A two-way contract means a player can play for both an NBA team as well as its G-League affiliate, in this case the Memphis Hustle. Per NBA rules, players on two-way contracts can play up to 50 NBA games, but are not eligible for the playoffs unless they receive a standard contract.
During the Tom Izzo era, other big men to go straight from MSU to Memphis include Zach Randolph, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Xavier Tillman, though all three of them were drafted. The Grizzlies roster also includes former Purdue star Zach Edey as well as recent Detroit Pistons player Isaiah Stewart (traded during the draft) at the center position.
Jaxon Kohler signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Utah Jazz, his home state team. This type of contract allows a team to have a player on their training camp roster. Basically, this means that Kohler will get to play with Utah on their Las Vegas Summer League team, which runs in July. If Kohler can impress in Vegas, he can earn a two-way or even a regular contract, otherwise he can just be put on the Jazz’s G-League roster, the Salt Lake City Stars. There is also the possibility, ever so small, that Kohler does not do well with this opportunity and doesn’t even get on the G-League team, in which case he will have to find another team to sign with, domestically or abroad.
The Utah Jazz feature former Spartan (and former Memphis Grizzly) Jaren Jackson Jr. as their starting power forward. They also have depth with Kyle Filipowski and Blake Hinson who have two and one years of NBA experience, respectively.
Carson Cooper earned the more promising of the two offers. The former Spartan center continues the pipeline from East Lansing to Memphis as he signed a two-way contract with the Grizzlies. A two-way contract means a player can play for both an NBA team as well as its G-League affiliate, in this case the Memphis Hustle. Per NBA rules, players on two-way contracts can play up to 50 NBA games, but are not eligible for the playoffs unless they receive a standard contract.
During the Tom Izzo era, other big men to go straight from MSU to Memphis include Zach Randolph, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Xavier Tillman, though all three of them were drafted. The Grizzlies roster also includes former Purdue star Zach Edey as well as recent Detroit Pistons player Isaiah Stewart (traded during the draft) at the center position.
Jaxon Kohler signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Utah Jazz, his home state team. This type of contract allows a team to have a player on their training camp roster. Basically, this means that Kohler will get to play with Utah on their Las Vegas Summer League team, which runs in July. If Kohler can impress in Vegas, he can earn a two-way or even a regular contract, otherwise he can just be put on the Jazz’s G-League roster, the Salt Lake City Stars. There is also the possibility, ever so small, that Kohler does not do well with this opportunity and doesn’t even get on the G-League team, in which case he will have to find another team to sign with, domestically or abroad.
The Utah Jazz feature former Spartan (and former Memphis Grizzly) Jaren Jackson Jr. as their starting power forward. They also have depth with Kyle Filipowski and Blake Hinson who have two and one years of NBA experience, respectively.
4 months ago
For the third time in the last four years, Michigan State basketball didn't have a single player selected in the NBA Draft.
The second round of the NBA Draft wrapped up on Wednesday night without a Spartan being selected by any team. This marks the third time in the last four years this has occurred, with the lone selection during that stretch being Jase Richardson in the first round of last year's NBA Draft.
Michigan State didn't come into this year's NBA Draft with many expectations of any selection occurring. Both Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper got some buzz from NBA teams with pre-draft workouts but neither were expected to be selected. It is **** umed both will get a chance to play their way onto a G-League roster through the NBA Summer League.
While the statistic of going without a Spartan drafted often in recent years may be surprising, it actually is somewhat expected given the new nature of college basketball. For instance, both Jeremy Fears Jr. and Coen Carr would have most likely entered the draft and been selected as at least second round picks had NIL not existed. But, there is no longer the need to risk leaving early for financial gains if you aren't certain you'll be a first round pick.
It'll be interesting to see what next year's draft looks like considering Michigan State should have a few players in position to be selected. I would anticipate this recent trend to flip next year for the Spartans.
The second round of the NBA Draft wrapped up on Wednesday night without a Spartan being selected by any team. This marks the third time in the last four years this has occurred, with the lone selection during that stretch being Jase Richardson in the first round of last year's NBA Draft.
Michigan State didn't come into this year's NBA Draft with many expectations of any selection occurring. Both Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper got some buzz from NBA teams with pre-draft workouts but neither were expected to be selected. It is **** umed both will get a chance to play their way onto a G-League roster through the NBA Summer League.
While the statistic of going without a Spartan drafted often in recent years may be surprising, it actually is somewhat expected given the new nature of college basketball. For instance, both Jeremy Fears Jr. and Coen Carr would have most likely entered the draft and been selected as at least second round picks had NIL not existed. But, there is no longer the need to risk leaving early for financial gains if you aren't certain you'll be a first round pick.
It'll be interesting to see what next year's draft looks like considering Michigan State should have a few players in position to be selected. I would anticipate this recent trend to flip next year for the Spartans.
