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When Michigan State basketball gets back in action on Thursday, the Spartans will be doing it without Gabe Brown. The junior forward tested positive for COVID-19 last week and will be out until “early February,” according to coach Tom Izzo.
Gabe Brown tested positive for COVID-19 in the last week, Tom Izzo just announced
— Kyle Austin (@kylebaustin) January 26, 2021
Brown is the latest of a string of positive tests that have caused the last three MSU basketball games to be postponed. Izzo also said one of his assistant coaches has tested positive, but did not disclose who it was.
UPDATE (2:32pm):
Dane Fife has confirmed that he is the assistant coach that tested positive for COVID-19.
Dane Fife is the MSU assistant coach who tested positive for COVID-19. He's been experiencing only mild symptoms.
— Kyle Austin (@kylebaustin) January 26, 2021
Previously, Steven Izzo, Joshua Langford, Mady Sissoko and Davis Smith tested positive for the virus, which prompted the momentary pause of team activities.
The Spartans were back on the practice court for the first time in 12 days yesterday preparing for Thursday’s game against Rutgers.
Sissoko will be available to play in the game according to Izzo, who also believes that Langford will be eligible, but it depends on when his 17-day window started.
If Langford is not eligible to go and with Brown out, the Spartans will be shorthanded at the wing position and will need to come up with some creative lineups.
As of now, Michigan State is scheduled to take on Rutgers in Piscataway, New Jersey on Thursday at 7:00 pm.