Michigan State senior forward Jaxon Kohler has earned a late invitation to the 2026 NBA G League Elite Combine, set to take place May 8-10 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. The 6-foot-8 big man joins the event after an impressive season that saw him emerge as one of the Big Ten's most versatile frontcourt players.
Kohler was named All-Big Ten honorable mention this past season, posting career highs across the board with 12.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. His shooting touch from beyond the arc—38.9% on three-pointers—made him a legitimate stretch option, and he converted 58 threes on the year. That combination of size and perimeter skill is exactly what NBA scouts look for in modern bigs.
Defensively, Kohler was a force on the glass. He ranked 19th nationally in defensive rebounds (211) and finished second in the Big Ten in total rebounds (312). He also tied for the second-most double-doubles in the conference with 12, showcasing consistent production. In fact, he was one of just five Division I players to average at least 12.5 points and eight rebounds while knocking down 50 or more three-pointers.
Kohler wasn't among the initial 44 prospects invited to the combine, but his late addition gives him a chance to prove himself in front of NBA decision-makers. The combine includes 5-on-5 games, strength and agility testing, shooting drills, and measurements—a full evaluation for prospects looking to move up draft boards.
This isn't Kohler's first taste of the pre-draft process. He competed in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament last month, an annual showcase for top seniors, where he averaged 9.3 points and 8.7 rebounds over three scrimmages while shooting 40.7% from the field.
The top performers at the G League combine will advance to the NBA Draft Combine, scheduled for May 10-17 at the same Wintrust Arena and the Marriott Marquis. Last year, players like Yanic Konan Niederhäuser and Ryan Nembhard made that leap.
For Michigan State fans, Kohler's journey is one to watch. A player who developed his inside-outside game over four years in East Lansing, he now has a legitimate path to the next level. Whether he's crashing the boards or stepping out to hit a three, Kohler is ready to show he belongs.