Tom Izzo: Malik Hall underwent 'minor surgery' on left foot after season

Michigan State men's basketball's 2023-24 roster appears to be set after both guard Tyson Walker and forward Malik Hall announced their intention to return for a fifth season of college eligibility in East Lansing.

After struggling through injuries to his left foot and ankle this past season, Malik Hall has undergone 'minor surgery' on the foot to help correct the issues the senior had in 2022-23.

Head coach Tom Izzo stated that news publicly during an end-of-season press conference on Wednesday.

“Malik – as you know, he was injured all year and I think, not more severe than we thought, just more hindering than we thought," Izzo said.

"When the season ended, he had minor surgery to kind of straighten out the top of that foot, as far as what [the doctors] felt would make him never have any problems again."

While Izzo admitted that "never is kind of a funny word" and that there were no guarantees that Hall's injuries struggles were in the rear-view mirror for good, the head coach appeared optimistic about his senior forward's health moving forward.

"I feel very good about that, he feels very good about it and I think that’s going to really help him, which will really help us," Izzo said.

As Michigan State welcomes in a highly-talented recruiting class this summer, starting roles and spots in the rotation will be up for grabs for the Spartans. While Hall's role on the 2023-24 is undetermined, Izzo likes what the veteran can bring to next year's roster.

“Malik is the guy that’s been through it all," Izzo said. "He’s been through injury a few times, and as he got healthier we got better. But, he never really got back to where he was.

One of Hall's roles will be being a mentor to young, incoming freshmen forwards Xavier Booker, Coen Carr and Gehrig Normand — members of that talented 2023 recruiting class.

“I’m excited because I think Malik is a guy that can talk to those young guys," Izzo said. "He’s been through it all, and he’s been around, and he’s graduated and he’s going to finish his Master’s [degree]...He’s the graduate. He’s kind of the godfather of the group. He’s one of the best students."

Izzo is optimistic to what Hall will bring on the court next season as well.

"I think his basketball is going to take a big jump this summer, because he really did improve a lot, he really improved his shot last summer," Izzo said. "I thought he was going to have a big year, and then what happened happens, and that’s out of his control.

"He’s one of the most versatile players, I think, in the whole league, both on offense and on defense. And I think he’s excited to come back and knows he’s going to be healthy.”

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