EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan State forward Kenny Kaminski, who had a chance to start or receive major playing time in the upcoming season, has been dismissed from the program by Spartans coach Tom Izzo.
"Despite multiple opportunities, Kenny Kaminski could not live up to the obligations necessary to be a part of our program," Izzo said in a release. "Being a Spartan is a special opportunity, and at Michigan State we do everything we can to provide an amazing experience for our student-athletes. With that privilege also comes a responsibility to conduct oneself in a certain manner. After he repeatedly failed to meet the necessary obligations, it became apparent that it was time to dismiss Kenny from the program.
"Although this is disappointing, it is just a minor setback as we are coming off one of the best summers in recent years. I remain excited about the prospects of our team moving forward. We have a group of individuals dedicated to a common goal and they are willing to do whatever it takes to reach their lofty standards, and ready to push each other to be the best they can be."
Kaminski, a 6-foot-8 sharpshooter from Medina, Ohio, averaged 4.9 points and 1.5 rebounds as a redshirt freshman. He started three games, and had his best scoring efforts against Penn State (19) and Minnesota (15).
He led the Big Ten in three-point field goal percentage (.494), and despite averaging only 12.2 minutes per game he ranked fifth on the team with 38 treys.
Branden Dawson is the only player assured to be starting in the front court, and Kaminski's shooting range would've been a plus in starting or being an important reserve. The Spartans (29-9) were Big Ten Tournament champions, but lost starters Gary Harris, Adreian Payne and Keith Appling.
Kaminski was suspended for last year's season opener for neglecting his obligations as a student-athlete.
