Michigan State Basketball: AJ Hoggard has chance to be hero vs. Davidson

With Tyson Walker hobbled and a potentially favorable matchup with Foster Loyer, Michigan State basketball’s AJ Hoggard could play the role of hero.

Just a couple of months ago, AJ Hoggard turned the ball over seven times in an ugly home win over Nebraska, finishing with more turnovers than points scored (6). Now, he’s one of the most reliable facilitators in the Big Ten, coming off his best game of the season in which he finished with 17 points and 10 assists with no turnovers against Purdue.

Although the Spartans lost, it was clear that Hoggard was able to exploit a size advantage over Purdue’s Eric Hunter Jr. He backed down the Boilermakers’ point guard and was able to score with ease in the paint.

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Hoggard is one of the craftiest guards in the Big Ten and he has improved his burst this season so he can fly by opponents on the way to the basket and he’s gotten better at finishing.

Now, with a matchup against Davidson in the Round of 64 on Friday night, Hoggard has a chance to exploit a massive size and athleticism advantage against former Spartan Foster Loyer. Hoggard has about four inches and 35 pounds on the Davidson point guard and he’s shown that he can be a top-tier defender this season, showing aggression against guys like Jaden Ivey and Fatts Russell.

If Hoggard is able to continue this high-energy defense against Loyer, the former Spartan won’t be able to get any open looks and he could be prone to turning the ball over regularly.

Offensively, Hoggard should use this huge size advantage against Loyer and work his way to the bucket for easy scores. He should drive and draw defenders in and dish it out or just score easily in the paint. He’s going to be the Spartans’ key to success on Friday night.

Hoggard has a chance to play hero for Michigan State and I’d be shocked if he didn’t have a career game, especially with Tyson Walker hobbled.