In a surprising twist for Michigan State fans, some intriguing footage emerged from the Spartans' first practice in Buffalo at KeyBank Center. The videos highlighted two key players, Divine Ugochukwu and Kaleb Glenn, who have been sidelined with injuries but are now showing promising signs of recovery.
First up, Divine Ugochukwu was spotted participating in the shootaround without the protective boot that fans had become accustomed to seeing. Although he's still out for the season, the sight of him moving freely is a positive step forward, suggesting his rehab is progressing faster than anticipated.
Then there's Kaleb Glenn, who looked like he was never injured in the first place. Glenn, who suffered a knee injury back in June, has been active in practice for several weeks now and reports indicate he has no restrictions. Watching him move through drills, he seems ready to jump back into action, though Coach Tom Izzo is likely to hold off any return to maintain his medical redshirt status.
What truly stood out was Glenn effortlessly executing a two-handed dunk during practice. Known for his athleticism, this was a cautious move, but it’s a clear indicator that he’s regaining his form. His ability to work on his bounce post-injury is crucial for his full recovery.
While fans might be eager to see Glenn back on the court against North Dakota State, they’ll have to wait until next season. For now, they can take solace in these glimpses of his progress.
Both Glenn and Ugochukwu appear to be ahead of schedule in their recovery journeys. Ugochukwu, who had been navigating with a boot and crutches, was seen shooting and jogging without any visible discomfort. This is a remarkable turnaround for the Miami transfer, who was initially expected to be out for the year.
Glenn, meanwhile, is showing even more readiness, looking closer to a return than his teammate. Although neither player is expected back in the lineup this season, their current trajectory bodes well for a strong comeback in the 2026-27 season. Having both at full strength would be a significant boost for Michigan State as they look ahead.