Jaxon Kohler Speaks on the Growth and Success of Michigan State Basketball

The discussion started about how Kohler, who hails from American Fork, Utah, and is famously the first ever player from that state to make the journey to East Lansing. Came to choose the Spartans. He told Castellani he knew what he was getting into when he arrived at Michigan State in 2022. 

"I knew that Michigan State was a powerhouse, but more importantly, I knew Michigan State was a place where you go in as a kid and come out as a man," Kohler said. 

Kohler finally started to hit his peak this year after injuries derailed his previous season.  He became a full-fledged starter for Michigan State, along with averaging a career-best 7.8 points per game and 7.5 rebounds. 

Not to mention, in some of the Spartans' biggest moments, he stood out in a big way, helping lead MSU to the Big Ten Championship outright. 

Sure, he's got plenty more to prove as he prepares for his senior season. But something that can't be taken away from the Spartans' successful 2024-25 season was how much Kohler showed out in the Elite 8 loss against the Auburn Tigers. 

Kohler came to play despite the Spartans falling short of the Final Four. His 17 points and 11 rebounds certainly had to have given him confidence heading into next season. Not to mention, he showcased some outside shooting ability, going 3-4 from deep. 

It certainly seems like Kohler might be on the path to have a big senior year on par with what former Spartan big man Goran Suton had during the 2008-2009 season. 

One thing Kohler did tell Castellani, the loss against Auburn is a major driving force for him to be even better and reach farther next season.