As the first practice commenced for the Spartans, Head Coach Tom Izzo addressed the media to give updates on the team and one of the first things to arise was Langford’s recovery status.  

“He started practicing full go a couple of weeks ago which means contact, cutting, jumping doing all the things you've got to do. He’s been good, but nowhere near where he was when ended part of his career last year," Izzo said.

"I don’t think we’re going to see the real Josh Langford in October or November, maybe even December.”

Izzo also believes that confidence is key for Langford as he continues his effort to get back to 100 percent.

“Confidence becomes a big part," Izzo said. "He’s a confident kid, but he’s going to want to get everything back over one night and that's probably not going to happen.” 

Izzo is also extremely pleased with how Langford has approached his recovery.

"I am really pleased by the direction he’s gone and how he’s handled it," Izzo said. "He’s stayed in the best shape he could be in. My biggest worry is not his work ethic, it is too much work ethic.” 

The 24-year Head Coach also said he’s not planning on putting Langford on a “pitch count” for the beginning of the season but plans to improve decisions on when and when not to substitute players to handle fatigue and potential injuries. 

Coach Izzo also addressed Ahrens' injury status, giving a glowing review of the senior wing. 

“He missed about a third of the summer and, realistically, he was playing as good as anyone in practice," Izzo said. “He shot the ball incredibly well and he is, right now, our second best athlete to Aaron (Henry). So, if we keep him healthy, which he’s been, I think he brings a whole nother’ dimension to that group.” 

Kyle Ahrens throughout his basketball career has been plagued with injuries, Izzo addressed how he is trying to keep Ahrens healthy. 

“He’s crazy out there, and we’re trying to curb a little bit of that," Izzo said. "Stopping him from jumping on the floor during a scrimmage when it’s a three on three, we really do not need that.” 

It would be reasonable that Izzo would not try to curb the “crazy” that Ahrens showed when he completed a gritty layup to ignite the Spartan faithful versus Michigan. 

If the Spartans can remain healthy this season, there is no doubt they are one of the deepest teams in the country and possibly the deepest team Izzo has ever coached. With Langford making his way back and Ahrens playing at a high level, Michigan State basketball appears to be primed for another deep run in the NCAA tournament.

The Spartans tip off the regular season in the annual State Farm Champions Classic versus John Calipari and the no. 2 Kentucky Wildcats on November 5th.