The Spartans are coming off an exhibition game against Grand Valley State, a 73-56 win on Tuesday. Head coach Tom Izzo said he was still disappointed with his team’s performance in that game.
The players had the day off on Wednesday before resuming training on Thursday afternoon.
“After having 15 out of 17 really good workouts, I think we’re in canine times right now,” Izzo said.
Second-year goaltender Jaden Akins underwent foot surgery in September. Akins began to become more and more involved in the practice.
“That’s all he’s done (since the injury),” Izzo said of training Akins.
Izzo noted that if Akins can practice throughout the weekend, he could play Monday in the season opener against Northern Arizona. Izzo also said he wasn’t going to dwell on Akins’ injury.
MSU G Jaden Akins practiced today and says he hopes to play Monday against N. Arizona. Tom Izzo says Akins needs about three painless practices to determine if he’ll play then or hold it for Gonzaga next Friday.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) November 3, 2022
“I feel great,” Akins said when asked about his recovery. “It was really good to be back with the guys.
“I just know I’m progressing,” Akins said. “Monday (against Northern Arizona) is in the air.”
Jaden Akins on his foot injury and if he will play on Monday: “I just know that I am progressing. Monday is in the air.
Michigan State opens its regular season against Northern Arizona on Monday, November 7.
— The Only Colors (@TheOnlyColors) November 3, 2022
The regular season begins in a few days as Michigan State opens against NAU at the Breslin Center on Monday, November 7 at 7 p.m. EST.
“We looked at a few teams that we are going to play in the future,” Izzo said. “We didn’t prepare for northern Arizona today.”
There’s no doubt the Spartans have a tough non-conference schedule. Games against Gonzaga, Kentucky, Villanova and Alabama will challenge Michigan State at the start of the season.
The match against Gonzaga will be played on the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. This will be the second time in Michigan State basketball history that the Spartans have played a game on an aircraft carrier.
“I’m super excited for the game,” junior guard AJ Hoggard said. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Hoggard was 11 the first time Michigan State played on an aircraft carrier. The Spartans faced legendary head coach Roy Williams and the North Carolina Tar Heels in that game in November 2011.
“Just me being a young kid with my dad, just watching the game, it was just fun,” Hoggard said. “Now being able to be a part of that has come full circle and it’s crazy.”
