“(Goins) is a guy who was recruited by a lot of MAC schools but walked on here,” Izzo said. “It has been a big deal to him his entire life. I think he can help us.”

Playing for Warren Mott High School, Goins averaged 21.1 points and 14.8 rebounds to go along with 4.8 blocks his senior year. He was named to the first-team all state his senior year, and excelled academically, being an honor roll student throughout high school. Valued as a leader to his peers, he was class president all four years at Warren Mott as well.

Goins recently underwent a successful sports hernia surgery and looks to return before the regular season starts, though he may miss the first couple exhibition games. Despite the injury, Goins is eager to get back on the court.

“Recovery is going well, right on schedule, no setbacks really,” Goins said. “I feel good, glad to be back, can’t wait to be full go.”

After redshirting last year, Goins looks to contribute off the bench with “energy stats,” and Izzo was very impressed with him during the team’s trip to Italy over the summer.

“Kenny Goins has been the surprise of my team," Izzo said. "I wouldn’t say he was the best player this summer, but he was maybe one of the better power forwards over in Italy. He played well, he’s athletic, he’s long. He’s 6-foot-6 but he’s got long, long arms.”

Izzo said he expects Goins to contribute at the power forward spot, but says Goins can defend multiple positions. He elaborated, describing Goins as a guy that is “cat quick,” especially standing at 6-foot-6.

Izzo said Goins is a "pogo jumper" with smooth leaping ability and good hands. He can stretch the floor offensively up to about 16 feet, and is a versatile defender. Goins said he believes he will help contribute in more ways than one this year.

“You look at our team, we (have) so much depth that you never know what the rotation will be,” Goins said. “I’m hoping I can just bring energy off the bench. If there’s foul trouble, I can come and just do my part, play my role. Rebound, defend, run.”

Despite being redshirted last season, Goins still played a crucial role on the team. He, along with Eron Harris, were influential players on the scout team who challenged last year’s roster to become better. Goins attributes former MSU forward Branden Dawson in his development and acclimation to the team, but now he has no problem doing it by himself.

“Last year, it was a lot of Dawson, I guarded him every day in practice,” Goins said. “It was just so helpful, him just showing me the ropes, but now it’s my time to figure it out for myself.”