Tom Izzo won’t play prospects if they aren’t ready to handle ample minutes. Moving into B1G play, perhaps he feels more confident in the production of freshman Jaxon Kohler.

Izzo said Tuesday following Michigan State’s win over Nebraska that he’s been pleased with the improvements to Kohler’s game. The 6-foot-9, 240-pound power forward finished with 10 points in 17 minutes of action off the bench while also nabbing 3 rebounds.

“I don’t know how ready he is for the next 17 games, but he’s definitely made some progress,” said Izzo. “He’s getting in better shape. He still gets tired. His offense, he’s starting to feel more comfortable offensively, which he really is a good offensive player. He’s starting to do a few things defensively. I think the one area that I’d like to see him improve on, because he’s a very good rebounder – he got three tonight – but I thought a couple of those … he has a knack for getting rebounds even though he doesn’t jump high. I’m very pleased with Jaxon.”

Kohler has averaged roughly 13 minutes per game in a rotational role this season, and currently is averaging 3.2 points per game. In the previous 2 outings, however, the Utah native has seen his production and minutes increase. Prior to the win over the Huskers, Kohler logged 16 minutes against Brown and scored 7 points against Buffalo.

Izzo said that the freshmen have been “on fire” as of late, and expects a bigger role for both Kohler and Carson Cooper moving into the heart of B1G play.

“We’re gonna play Carson a little bit more because of the problems we had with their size – or their athletic ability more than their size,” said Izzo. “Probably of the three guys, Carson’s the best athlete, so probably could’ve played him a little more.”

The Spartans will face in-state rival Michigan this Saturday at 2 p.m. E.T. on FOX.

(H/T 247Sports)