On Tuesday, news broke that Michigan State forward Jaxon Kohler would officially enter the transfer portal after a judge granted a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the NCAA in California.
Now, according to Jack Pilgrim of KSR, Kohler will have a Zoom meeting with the Kentucky Basketball staff on Wednesday.
The 6-foot-10, 245-pound forward has spent all four years of his collegiate career with the Spartans and is now fighting to receive a fifth season of eligibility. This past season, he averaged 12.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game while shooting 38.9% from deep.
Kohler also showcased his talent against Kentucky in the State Farm Champions Classic, finishing with 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting, including 2-for-2 from 3-point range, while adding five rebounds, two assists and one block in Michigan State’s 83-66 victory.
If Kentucky ultimately pursues Kohler, he could fill a role similar to the one Andrew Carr played under Mark Pope. Carr, a 6-foot-9 forward, averaged 10.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists while providing floor spacing and versatility during his lone season with the Wildcats.
Of course, Kentucky will have to decide which player it wants to pursue, as Missouri forward Mark Mitchell has been a name connected to the Wildcats for quite some time. For now, Kentucky appears to be in a good spot with Mitchell if he ultimately gets a restraining order that allows him to enter the transfer portal. But Kentucky is not letting Mitchell be the only option they have as they continue to pursue Kohler.
BYU is seen as the favorite for Kohler, but it’s clear that Mark Pope and his staff aren’t tossing in the towel quite yet.