Kohler Appreciates His Journey at Michigan State

By Jada Mohon
For msuspartans.com

Michigan State forward Jaxon Kohler is one of four captains for this year's basketball team, a milestone in a long journey that started with him trying to fit in as a freshman.

He's evolved from playing as a reserve over his first two years to now being a standout senior growing into one of the best players in the Big Ten.

The journey has been challenging, marked with moments of questioning and responses of resilience as a Spartan. Kohler's journey began when he made the move across the country three and a half years ago to be the first player from Utah to play for Michigan State.

He embraced a new atmosphere in Michigan and the high expectations that come with the jersey he represented on and off the court.

"You know what?," Kohler said. "It wasn't easy [the move] and there are times to this day where it still isn't."

Kohler's move across the country made him adjust to a new environment, a different region of the country and a higher level of competition. He improved his game while embracing strength and independence away from his family and friends, as well as balancing a new life in the Midwest.

Through the tough and unsure times, he leaned on his Spartan family.

"I'm just thankful and blessed that there's a coaching staff and a team who has accepted me for who I am outside of basketball," Kohler said.

This openness allowed Kohler to develop a genuine bond with every coach, staff member, and teammate. Now, as a senior, he credits those connections for his overall development.

"As a senior here now, I love every single coach, player, and staff member because they've helped me in so many different ways, more than most people I've met in my life," Kohler said.

Kohler's support from the program crossed over into how he leads his teammates, setting a standard through his daily habits and approach to the game. His work ethic and dedication to the game does not go unnoticed, especially by his younger teammates, such as Jesse McCulloch and Cam Ward.

They have looked to Kohler as a leader since their arrival in East Lansing. Both said Kohler's work ethic inspires them, driving the players to improve.

"He's in the gym doing the same thing over and over again so as far as me personally, I find ways to get in the gym because if he can do it, why can't I?" Ward said.

Kohler's time at Michigan State has required patience, as an offseason foot injury and resulting surgery forced him to sit out the first 14 games of his sophomore season. Missing that stretch of games was a difficult blow, but the setback forced him to rely on mental toughness, determination, and hope.

"That experience still continues to drive me today," Kohler said. "No matter how bad it may look or no matter what situation I'm in, I can always find the bright side and the positives and I can't get too caught up on the negatives."

Kohler finished his sophomore season averaging just 2.0 points and 2.0 rebounds per game, but these numbers never defined who he was, nor demonstrated the long hours, late nights and early mornings Kohler sacrificed to make up for the lost time. Coming back required patience and adaptation, but he saw the injury more as a foundation for his future.

As a junior, Kohler played in every game, moving into the starting lineup early in the season, averaging 7.8 points per game and a team-leading 7.5 rebounds per game. He reached milestones in his career, including a career-high 23 points against Illinois and a double-double against Auburn in the Elite Eight.

Now, near the end of the regular season for his senior year, Kohler is second on the team in scoring with 12.4 points per game and leads the team with 9.2 rebounds, which is second in the Big Ten Conference.

Kohler credits his injury for his success, adding that he will always be grateful for it, even though it is an odd thing to be grateful for, solely because it gave him so much in return.

His progress has also benefited the team, providing a more consistent, versatile presence on the court. And per Head Coach Tom Izzo, his development has not gone unnoticed.

"I think Jaxon is the perfect Spartan because he's gotten better every year. He's had to overcome some things," Izzo said. "He's this year's version of a Draymond Green, that he just kept getting better every year,"

Kohler's consistent development, according to Izzo, exemplifies what Michigan State basketball is about – perseverance, determination, and consistent growth. Kohler's drive to improve and overcome injury has not only enhanced his game, but has become an example for those to come after him.

"He's gonna be a folk hero here because everybody loves what he does and I know I love what he does," Izzo said. "I think the best part about him is that he's earned it."

Michigan State University Athletics

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Jaxon Kohler

Jesse McCulloch

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