Michigan State Basketball: 3 keys to a bounce-back season in 2021-22

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Mar 7, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard A.J. Hoggard (11) reacts to a call during the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

1. A big leap from AJ Hoggard

A sophomore surge from A.J. Hoggard will propel Michigan State into a contender for the conference title.

Tom Izzo brought in Northeastern transfer Tyson Walker to take over the reins as his starting point guard, a position that the team lacked last season that ultimately ended up hindering them greatly. Walker will likely start the year as Izzo’s lead guard, but keep an eye on Hoggard.

Hoggard was thrown into the fire last season after Foster Loyer and Rocket Watts both failed to take command as the starting point guard. Izzo was forced to play the freshman, and the results were not great. Hoggard looked like a player who was not ready for significant minutes because the truth is that he wasn’t. He couldn’t shoot, his defense lacked a bit, and he wasn’t finding his teammates for open shots. It was reminiscent of Kenny Goins in 2016-17 when he had to play center due to the lack of big men on the team.

Now, with that experience and an offseason under his belt, Hoggard will be hard to keep off the court. Reports are that he is making strides this offseason, and could end up stealing minutes from Walker.

If he can show some consistency attacking the basket, improved defense, and shooting, Hoggard will be a quality player for the Spartans.

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