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Michigan State Basketball: What should starting 5 look like after Minnesota loss?

By Connor Muldowney

Dec 4, 2020; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Aaron Henry (0) and guard A.J. Hoggard (11) celebrate from the bench during the second half against the Detroit Titans at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2020; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Aaron Henry (0) and guard A.J. Hoggard (11) celebrate from the bench during the second half against the Detroit Titans at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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EAST LANSING, MI – DECEMBER 06: A.J. Hoggard #11 of the Michigan State Spartans drives against the Adrian Martin #2 of the Western Michigan Broncos in the first half at Breslin Center on December 6, 2020 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – DECEMBER 06: A.J. Hoggard #11 of the Michigan State Spartans drives against the Adrian Martin #2 of the Western Michigan Broncos in the first half at Breslin Center on December 6, 2020 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

Point guard: AJ Hoggard

If there was anyone that looked competent at point guard against Minnesota, it was AJ Hoggard. The freshman looked confident and under control in his 15 minutes of play.

After the game, Tom Izzo told the media that Rocket Watts came to him and admitted that he was not comfortable at point guard and if there was an option to have him back off the one moving forward, he’d like to play off the ball more as a two guard — his natural position.

While it might seem concerning that Watts voiced concerns about his position, it’s actually good that he said something rather than letting everyone try to force point on him and bash him when he inevitably struggles there. He has struggled for a few games now and confidence seems to be slipping so it’s time to start Hoggard and move Rocket over.

Hoggard can shoot the ball, he’s aggressive with the ball in his hands and he’s not afraid to put up shots. He’s smart, too. He makes good passes and takes high percentage shots. He’s not gun-shy and that’s what this team needs right now.

I’m not that crazy to say he showed flashes of Cassius Winston in his craftiness on Monday night at Minnesota. He scored nine points, had two steals and an assist on 4-of-9 shooting.

Get Hoggard 20-25 minutes per game at the point and watch the team grow around him.

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