Michigan State Basketball: Kyle Ahrens out Indefinitely

Fans of Michigan State basketball are awfully excited for the regular season to begin in just about one week, and rightfully so as the Spartans are ranked No. 2 in the country headed into the season, but the team took a little bit of a hit yesterday.

Small forward/guard Kyle Ahrens re-injured his foot — an injury that has sidelined him throughout the preseason — and is out indefinitely. Ahrens originally injured his foot earlier in the fall due to some sort of “stress reaction” according to head coach Tom Izzo.

Ahrens, a junior from Versailles, Ohio, said after Michigan State’s exhibition opener against Ferris State that he was “nearing full health” and was hopeful to suit up for the regular season against North Florida.

Ahrens was expected to be the primary backup for Miles Bridges at small forward this season. On a per game basis in 2016-2017, Ahrens averaged 8.2 minutes, 2.6 points and 1.1 rebounds. He shot .429 from the field and hit 15 three pointers, shooting .333 from deep.

Here is a quote on the situation from Izzo, Per MLive:

"Everyone in the program feels absolutely awful for Kyle," Izzo said in a statement. "When he got hurt there was a cloud over practice because all of his teammates have the utmost respect for him and knew how hard he had worked to get back on the court.

"He had a great spring and summer before being injured the first time, and for him to re-injure the same foot is a cruel twist of fate. It's a setback for Kyle, but he's a tough kid and we know that he'll work his way back."

At 6-foot-5, 215 pounds, Ahrens is able to play both forward and guard. While Bridges will dominate minutes, the loss of Ahrens may back the backcourt thin as guys like Joshua Langford and Matt McQuaid may have to step in at small forward, much like last season.

The “indefinite” designation makes it hard to determine when Ahrens will come back, but we’re wishing Kyle well here at The Only Colors.