Michigan State has been without Divine Ugochukwu for about a month now, and not having him has definitely hurt the Spartans’ guard depth. They’ve been without a true backup point guard since he went down in that Minnesota loss and that’s forced Tom Izzo’s hand with Denham Wojcik.
Ugochukwu would have been able to handle backup point guard duties but instead he’s been spotted in a walking boot for a month after that foot injury.
However, he was seen warming up with the team during its pre-NCAA Tournament practices in Buffalo. He wasn’t quite moving like Kaleb Glenn has been, but he looks a lot healthier than anyone really expected this shortly after the initial injury.
Divine was ruled out for the reason, but the recent videos surfacing of him looking healthy has gotten fans’ imaginations going. What if Michigan State were to advance to next weekend? Or the weekend after? There might just be a chance he returns.
According to a conversation Ugochukwu had with the media, per Stephen Brooks of 247Sports, Ugochukwu hasn’t given up hope on a return in the NCAA Tournament.
"I'm trying to get back on the court as soon as possible. Hopefully … maybe at a Sweet 16 game, or trying to see if I could play the next week. Definitely just keep trying to make progress from there."Divine Ugochukwu on a potential return
While I think it’s unlikely, I do believe that Ugochukwu’s goal is to return if Michigan State is able to advance to the Sweet 16 or even the Final Four.
Divine Ugochukwu could be the missing piece
With Jordan Scott rising up and playing well enough as a starter, having a guy like Ugochukwu coming off the bench to spell Jeremy Fears Jr. or the freshman wing would be massive.
Ugochukwu is a more than capable backup point guard and he also provides the Spartans with another shooter. He was shooting over 40 percent from three on the season. He was one of the most consistent 3-point shooters on the team and he’s hit some clutch shots all year.
Let’s say Michigan State is able to beat Louisville and Ugochukwu gets another week of practice with the Spartans and then he gets closer to a return in the second weekend.
If he doesn’t return with Michigan State advancing to the Sweet 16, maybe he would if the Spartans won two more games after that.
There’s a “small chance” but that’s better than no chance.