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Tom Izzo provides update on rehab progress of Jaden Akins
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Tom Izzo isn’t expecting Jaden Akins back quite yet.
Jaden Akins is expected to be a factor for Michigan State’s roster entering the 2022 season, but when will he return to the court?
Izzo told reporters Thursday that Akins did not practice once again. According to the veteran coach, Akins must participate in “4-5 consecutive practices” before being cleared to play.
The Spartans open the season on Nov. 7 at home against Northern Arizona.
Jaden Akins didn’t practice today. Izzo said he won’t play in a game until he can practice for 4-5 consecutive days. Season starts in 11 days.
— Kyle Austin (@kylebaustin) October 27, 2022
Akins, a sophomore guard from Farmington, has been recovering from surgery for a stress reaction in his left foot since Sept. 10. Currently, he is out of a walking boot and seems to be trending in the right direction to go full speed.
Izzo’s comments on the practice reps put Akins’ status for the season opener in jeopardy. The Lumberjacks arrive in East Lansing in 11 days, and the Spartans seem to be moving ahead with the intent of resting Akins until he is at full strength.
Last season, the 6-foot-4, 190-pound rangy shooter averaged 3.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, 0.7 assists and 0.6 steals in 14.8 minutes a game. In 36 games, he shot 39.4% overall and 38% on 3-pointers, finishing a plus-20 thanks to quick feet and hands on defense.
Michigan State will start the season unranked for just the 6th time in the Izzo era. Last season, the Spartans finished 23-13 overall, and 11-9 in B1G play.
Cole Thompson is a freelance writer for Saturday Tradition who has covered college football and the NFL for multiple websites. Thompson is currently based in Houston, Texas, and also can be heard daily on SportsMap National Radio's 'Just Sayin It' from 3am-6am.