Michigan State Basketball: 3 takeaways from season-opening loss to Kansas

1. AJ Hoggard has improved drastically

If there was one positive to take from this loss (there were actually plenty, including Marcus Bingham Jr.) it was AJ Hoggard’s progress.

The sophomore point guard didn’t get the start, but he proved right away that he was the top option for the Spartans. Tyson Walker struggled and Hoggard picked up the slack, scoring a team-high 17 points with four rebounds.

Hoggard was confident with the ball in his hands and he showed some flashes of Cassius Winston in terms of taking the ball to the hoop and scoring at the rim. He was incredibly efficient, making 8-of-13 shots, including a 3-pointer. He was really good and this could mean that he’s ready to take that sophomore leap.

Michigan State looks much better at point guard with Walker and a more polished and in-shape Hoggard leading the way and that’s great news for this team.

If he can continue to finish strong around the rim and develop a solid jumper, he’s going to be a problem for opponents all year.