Michigan State basketball: Trio of unheralded players starting to shine

AJ Hoggard flashing his potential

Hoggard was extremely efficient in only seven minutes of play against Oakland. As a matter of fact, he was perfect. Hoggard scored 10 points (he didn’t miss a single shot or free throw), collected three rebounds, dished out a spectacular assist (on a beautiful backdoor alley-oop), and swatted a shot, all while not turning the ball over or committing a foul.

Rocket Watts has done more than enough to claim the starting point guard role. There is no room for debate there but if Hoggard continues to shine during spot minutes, he may make it difficult for the coaching staff to keep him on the bench.

Foster Loyer is an outstanding shooter but there are times where he gets exposed on defense. Hoggard has three inches and 45 pounds on Loyer so there is not as much of a size disparity there when he’s matched up against bigger guards (especially while defending inside of the three-point line). Loyer has the edge with experience but Hoggard is a creative shot creator and powerful finisher when driving to the basket with either hand so there are pieces of his game to like and he adds different elements when he’s in the lineup which makes him an intriguing rookie.

This is without a doubt one of Tom Izzo’s deepest teams proven by the fact that a player of Hoggard’s caliber has a difficult time being given extended looks. The rotation will surely shrink as conference play starts, but it’s assuring to know that the true freshman can be impactful if and when his number is called.