The depth of a team can be a difference-maker in March. Ahead of its Sweet 16 matchup against Connecticut, Michigan State men’s basketball received injury updates that could impact this depth.

During his Monday press conference, MSU head coach Tom Izzo said senior guard Denham Wojcik has a torn labrum in his shoulder that will require surgery when the season concludes. Wojcik’s injury has been lingering since he aggravated it against Iowa on Dec. 2.

The backup point guard to sophomore Jeremy Fears, Wojcik regularly sees the court, becoming the player that allows Fears to rest. This NCAA Tournament, he’s given the Spartans 11 minutes played and four points. 

Wojcik will play against UConn and beyond. 

“[Wojcik’s shoulder] just tweaks now and then,” Izzo said. “He’s tougher than nails. He can play through pain, we’ll put it that way. I think he’s gonna be fine. I talked to him yesterday and he was doing a lot better. You should always play hurt, but you probably shouldn’t play injured. Wojcik will play both.”

Izzo also said sophomore guard Divine Ugochukwu will not return from injury this weekend, and is doubtful that he’ll return to the tournament at all. Ugochukwu has been out of the Spartan lineup since Feb. 4 due to a foot injury that he suffered against Minnesota. Up to that point, he was averaging 16.1 minutes and 5.1 points. 

Wojcik has been MSU's primary backup for Fears in the absence of Ugochukwu. Next in line for the Spartans in that department is two-man Trey Fort, who has seen scattered minutes running the point this season.

With the stakes growing higher in March, Ugochukwu’s return would have benefited the Spartans greatly. For now, Spartan fans will have to wait a little longer. 

“I’m not hiding it from anybody, Ugochukwu won’t play this weekend,” Izzo said. “I think his chances of playing are none and less. We’re just trying to get him acclimated to the tournament by letting him get some shots up. I wouldn’t have [him playing beyond this week] on your wishlist, let’s put it that way.”