“We're not taking any chances with him as we did with Jaden (Akins),” Izzo said. “I actually took (Hall) out of practice today … but he was actually really good yesterday as far as his help.”

Prior to his injury, Hall was averaging 12.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game.

As Hall transitions back to the court, junior guard A.J. Hoggard said he hasn’t looked “too far off” since starting practice again. 

“Being out for a little while, you’re gonna be a little rusty coming back, … so just instilling his confidence back in him and just continue to go out there and play,” Hoggard said. “He’s a big defender for us. … He’s just the big key to our success here and we just miss it.”

Now that football season is over, another familiar face recently returned to the squad. Dual-sport athlete, sophomore wide receiver and guard Keon Coleman has been practicing with the team since Monday. As of right now, it is unclear if Coleman will see playing time. 

Last season, Coleman appeared in six games for a total of ten minutes, recording five points and three steals.

“I’m really pleased with Keon, but what's gonna happen is still up to me, him and Mel (Tucker),” Izzo said. “I think it's been great because he came back and he’s already made an impression on some guys … that weren’t here (last year) because he goes hard, he plays hard, he loves the game.”

During his second season with the football team, Coleman was an offensive asset, finishing with five touchdowns for 20 yards or more (second in the Big Ten), seven receiving touchdowns and 798 receiving yards. He also led the nation with two, two-point conversions on the year.

The Spartans return to action after a nine-day break to face Buffalo on Friday at the Breslin Center. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.