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Michigan State Basketball: Way-too-early projected starting 5 for 2022-23

By Connor Muldowney

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 12: Malik Hall #25 of the Michigan State Spartans fights for position for a rebound against Sasha Stefanovic #55 of the Purdue Boilermakers during the second half of a Men's Big Ten Tournament Semifinals game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 12, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Purdue Boilermakers won the game 75-70 over the Michigan State Spartans. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 12: Malik Hall #25 of the Michigan State Spartans fights for position for a rebound against Sasha Stefanovic #55 of the Purdue Boilermakers during the second half of a Men's Big Ten Tournament Semifinals game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 12, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Purdue Boilermakers won the game 75-70 over the Michigan State Spartans. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) /
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Michigan State guard A.J. Hoggard dribbles against Duke during the first half of MSU’s 85-76 loss in the second round of the NCAA tournament on Sunday, March 20, 2022, in Greenville, South Carolina.
Michigan State guard A.J. Hoggard dribbles against Duke during the first half of MSU’s 85-76 loss in the second round of the NCAA tournament on Sunday, March 20, 2022, in Greenville, South Carolina. /

All aboard the AJ Hoggard hype train.

Before the year started, there were fans who were worried that Tyson Walker hadn’t taken over as the clear starter at point guard because Hoggard just didn’t have the look of the guy after his freshman year. He just didn’t have the offensive firepower.

Boy did that ever change throughout the year.

Hoggard began the year as a shaky offensive player, turning the ball over at an alarming clip, but he improved drastically after a seven-turnover showing against Nebraska. He actually ended the year averaging just 2.0 turnovers per game compared to 4.9 assists. He also improved his scoring touch around the rim, averaging 7.0 points per game compared to 2.5 a season ago.

If Hoggard is able to improve his jumper and maybe add a consistent mid-range game (not necessarily a 3-point shot), he is going to be a problem for opposing defenses. He has the body that can bully opposing point guards on his way to the rim and he commands respect because of it.

We’re going to see Hoggard become the latest great Spartan point guard who will be a fan favorite and potentially take a Denzel Valentine-sized junior jump in 2022-23.

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