Michigan State Loses Divine Ugochukwu for the Season - Now Comes the Real Test
It’s been a rough stretch for Michigan State basketball, and Friday brought yet another blow. Head coach Tom Izzo confirmed that sophomore guard Divine Ugochukwu will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing foot surgery. The injury, which occurred during the Spartans’ game against Minnesota, cuts short what had been a breakout year for the Miami (FL) transfer.
Ugochukwu had carved out a meaningful role in East Lansing, going from a surprise contributor to a key starter. His performance against Penn State - a game where he left a serious mark - and his clutch, game-tying three-pointer against Rutgers had already etched his name into this season’s highlight reel. But now, those moments will stand as the final chapters of his sophomore campaign.
In 22 games this season, including 12 starts, Ugochukwu averaged 5.1 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. While those numbers don’t leap off the page, his impact went beyond the box score.
He brought versatility, logging minutes at both shooting guard and as the backup point guard. That kind of flexibility is tough to replace - and now, Michigan State has to figure out how to do just that.
Here’s a breakdown of what the Spartans need to address as they navigate the rest of the season without Ugochukwu:
1. Filling the Shooting Guard Void
Ugochukwu’s absence opens up around 12 to 14 minutes per game at the shooting guard spot - and that’s not a small ask to fill mid-season. Interestingly, Jordon Scott had already taken over the starting role against Minnesota, and that trend is likely to continue moving forward.
But it’s not just about who starts - it’s about who can absorb the extra minutes and maintain production. That’s where Kur Teng and Trey Fort come into the picture.
Teng is logging about 15 minutes per game, while Fort is around 10. Expect both to see a noticeable uptick.
Teng has shown flashes of promise and could be ready for a bigger role, but Fort may be the key here. He’s got the experience and the scoring ability to handle more responsibility - and the Spartans are going to need him to rise to the occasion.
2. Backup Point Guard Duties
Let’s be real: Jeremy Fears can’t play 40 minutes a night - nor should he have to. With Ugochukwu sidelined, Michigan State loses its backup point guard, and someone has to step into that role.
The straightforward option is Denham Wojcik, who’s already seen some time in that role. But there’s another name worth watching: Trey Fort. The Samford transfer has experience running the point, and while it might not be a seamless transition, he’s got the ball-handling skills and scoring instincts to make it work.
It’s not just about bringing the ball up the floor - it’s about keeping the offense flowing when Fears is off the court. Fort could be the best bet to do that, especially if he can handle the pressure and make smart decisions in limited minutes. Scott could also be asked to chip in here, depending on matchups and rotations.
3. Replacing Ugochukwu’s Outside Shooting
Here’s where the loss really stings. Ugochukwu was shooting 44% from beyond the arc this season - and on a team that’s struggled with perimeter shooting, that kind of efficiency is gold.
Now, the Spartans have to find a way to make up for that lost production from deep. Once again, the spotlight turns to Fort.
He’s hitting 33% from three this year, but his career average is closer to 36%. That’s enough to suggest he can stretch the floor if given the green light and consistent minutes.
Scott and Teng will also be asked to step up. Both have had their moments from deep, but with Ugochukwu out, they’ll be taking more threes - and Michigan State needs those shots to fall. Volume is only helpful if it comes with efficiency, and that’s where this trio becomes critical.
The Bottom Line
Losing Divine Ugochukwu is a tough hit for a Michigan State team already trying to find its rhythm. He brought energy, shooting, and positional flexibility - all things that don’t show up in a stat line but are vital to a team’s chemistry.
Now, it’s about adaptation. Izzo and his staff will need to shuffle the rotation, and players like Fort, Scott, and Teng have to seize the moment. This isn’t just about filling minutes - it’s about stepping into a bigger role and helping keep the Spartans’ season on track.
Michigan State’s margin for error just got thinner. But if the supporting cast can rise to the occasion, there’s still time to rewrite the narrative.