Michigan State Basketball: 3 breakout candidates for 2021-22 season

For the first time in what seems like ages, Michigan State basketball opens the season outside of the AP Top 25 and Tom Izzo is “ticked off” about it.

Izzo held his Michigan State media day on Wednesday and spoke about his team and who has been surprising and what to expect from the Spartans. He has spoken highly of a number of guys, including a couple of his freshmen, Gabe Brown, and Mady Sissoko, but there are a few guys who could shock the Big Ten and really have monster seasons.

Which Spartans could break out this season?

AJ Hoggard received some unfair criticism last year as a true freshman trying to balance running the point in a thin backcourt and improving his offensive game.

The freshman struggled to find his shot and his confidence was sorely lacking and he went from a breath of fresh air early on to a liability on the offensive end of the court by the middle of the season. Heading into the 2021-22 campaign, there are some who are wondering if he has the ability to hang in the Big Ten at point guard, but Tom Izzo has been high on him all offseason.

Hoggard was solid, at times, and averaged 2.5 points and 2.0 assists in just 13.2 minutes per game. He shot just 30 percent from the field so the only way to go is up from there.

Izzo has even said that Hoggard may be his starting point guard this year and it wouldn’t be shocking to see his offensive game vastly improved if that’s the case. He also said that he runs the fast break better than any point guard he’s had since Mateen Cleaves which is a good sign that his offseason weight loss has made him quicker.

Expect a big jump for Hoggard as a sophomore.