Michigan State basketball: 5 bold predictions for December 2022

Nov 30, 2022; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Jason Whitens (43) guard Tyson Walker (2) and guard A.J. Hoggard (11) prepare to start the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at the Purcell Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

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PORTLAND, OREGON – NOVEMBER 24: Jaxon Kohler #0 of the Michigan State Spartans shoots the ball over Noah Clowney #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half at Moda Center on November 24, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images) /

4. Jaxon Kohler takes a big leap

Through eight games in his freshman season, Jaxon Kohler has looked like just that: a freshman.

And that’s OK. No one expected him to come in and dominate right away, but he needs to show that he’s learned from his first month of college hoops.

Through eight games, Kohler is averaging 2.5 points and 3.4 rebounds in 12.3 minutes per game while shooting a mere 36 percent from the floor. That just isn’t going to be enough if Michigan State wants to contend for a Big Ten title. He needs to be averaging over 5.0 points and likely around 5-6 rebounds per game. Maybe more.

Also, he needs to be better around the rim. Kohler has short-armed a number of shots this season which shows me he’s thinking too much and needs to just play his game.

Kohler’s going to have a nice bounce-back month and really prove he’s worthy of more time.

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