Jaxon Kohler has a chance to prove everyone wrong this season

Two years ago when Michigan State basketball landed Jaxon Kohler in its 2022 class, everyone was ecstatic that the Spartans got a guy with great footwork and who was dubbed "Baby Jokic".

Obviously when you're compared to one of the greatest basketball players in the world, the expectations are going to be sky-high, but Kohler had a tough time living up to the hype as a true freshman. He just wasn't in the greatest shape and Tom izzo didn't quite trust him yet. He averaged 10.8 minutes per game which isn't actually bad for a freshman under Izzo, but he put up just 3.0 points and 2.9 rebounds on 50.5% shooting.

Before his sophomore season, everyone was hoping for a breakout with Mady Sissoko looked at as a quality backup but not starting material. But Kohler's injury changed the outlook of the season.

Kohler played in just 21 games and averaged 9.2 minutes with 2.0 points and 2.0 rebounds per game on a paltry 43.5% shooting. That's not exactly what you want to see from a guy who was supposed to be the next star in the post. He took a step back from his quiet freshman season but it had a lot to do with his foot injury.

Now, he's back for his junior year and people are already doubting.

Kohler isn't the tallest (6-foot-9) or most athletic big man, but he has a skill set that not many have at his position. He can back a guy down and pull off a spin move to get an easy look at the bucket, but he needs to work on finishing at the rim and also his vertical. His inability to get off the ground last season was one of the main reasons he couldn't seem to get his offense -- or rebounding -- going.

But we've seen players receive a ton of doubt before only to come back instead of transferring and become stars. We've actually seen two in the past couple of seasons.

In 2022-23, it was Joey Hauser. He was considered a disappointment of a transfer when he came in from Marquette and struggled in his first season, but he ended his MSU career on a high note and it's safe to say Spartan fans everywhere miss him.

In 2023-24, it was Malik Hall. He was often criticized for his inconsistent play throughout his Michigan State career and then budded into a star this past season before heading to the professional ranks.

Now, it could be Kohler. He still has plenty of time to turn his career around and win fans over and he has the skills and potential to do so. It's all going to depend on how bad he wants it.