Michigan State’s No. 11-ranked recruiting class was expected to bring reinforcements across the board for the Spartans this season – especially in the frontcourt, where Tom Izzo needs to replace Draymond Green.
The big man rotation took a hit on Monday, as Michigan State announced freshman Kenny Kaminski underwent shoulder surgery earlier this month for a torn labrum in his right shoulder.
Kaminski will miss four to six months. This is the second time he has undergone this surgery, as he suffered a torn labrum playing football last fall and missed most of his senior season. He told reporters in July he was feeling close to 100 percent.
Kaminski, a 6-foot-7 power forward from Medina, Ohio, was ranked No. 93 in the class of 2012 top 100. He brings excellent shooting ability for his size, creating matchup problems due to his knack for stepping out and spreading the defense. His perimeter skill would have certainly helped the Spartans.
Without Kaminski to provide depth, Izzo will have to rely even more upon Adreian Payne and Derrick Nix down low. Sophomore Branden Dawson tore his ACL last March, but he is recovering. Incoming freshman Matt Costello is another player who will need to make an immediate impact.
