Kentucky men’s basketball completed a Zoom interview with Michigan State transfer Jaxon Kohler on Wednesday morning, CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein reported.

The 6-foot-9 forward, who spent four seasons under head coach Tom Izzo with the Michigan State Spartans, officially entered the transfer portal on Tuesday after he was officially granted a fifth year of eligibility.

Kohler’s confirmed fifth year of eligibility followed a federal court ruling that extended eligibility to athletes from the 2022 recruiting class; the decision was made official on Tuesday, the same day he entered the portal.

Rothstein also reports that Kohler plans to hop on a Zoom call with BYU on Wednesday night, while Kansas and Louisville are also schools that have reached out to him.

The Utah native averaged 12.5 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists this past season while shooting 50% from the field, 38.9% from deep and 86.9% from the free-throw line.

His best showing from this past season came against the eventual national champions, No. 3-ranked Michigan, in a 90-80 loss, reaching a season-high 23 points while totaling eight rebounds, three assists and one block to his game log as well.

Kentucky could use some extra depth in its backcourt due to some question marks.

Returning center Malachi Moreno could use some help; Washington transfer center Franck Kepnang has a history of injuries, while returning forward Kam Williams is yet to see the court this off-season while rehabbing a broken foot injury suffered last season.

On top of that, forward Ousmane N’Diaye’s college basketball abilities are a toss-up; it’s going to take the international 22-year-old freshman some time to adjust.

So the fact that head coach Mark Pope and his staff are making an extended effort to reel in Kohler makes total sense, and it could honestly be a season-swinging move.

If UK brings in Kohler, it will be bringing in not just a talented forward, but a forward that boasts a ton of postseason experience as well; he has suited up in a total of 12 NCAA Tournament games over the years, and included in that are three Sweet 16 appearances and two Elite Eight appearances.

Now that Kohler is partaking in Zoom calls, we expect a commitment from him any day now, especially because it’s so late in the offseason.

Cats Coverage will have you updated on all news regarding Kohler and other athletes who have been recently granted a fifth year of eligibility.

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