Michigan State Basketball: Projected starting 5 post-Max Christie decision

Mar 20, 2022; Greenville, SC, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard A.J. Hoggard (11) reacts against the Duke Blue Devils in the second half during the second round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

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ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – MARCH 01: A.J. Hoggard #11 of the Michigan State Spartans looks on against the Michigan Wolverines during the first half at Crisler Arena on March 01, 2022 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

This might be the lone lock in the starting five and it’s wild how much differently we view AJ Hoggard heading into the 2022-23 season than we did before 2021-22.

Before this past season, Hoggard was coming off an up-and-down freshman season where. he shot 30 percent from the floor, averaging 2.5 assists, 2.0 assists, and 1.1 turnovers. He wasn’t exactly setting the world on fire and looked like a major liability on offense.

And then his sophomore season started with a bang as he was the Spartans’ top performer against Kansas in the Champions Classic. He built on that and had a strong year.

Hoggard just looks like that next star point guard in the green and white. He may not have the best jumper on the team, but if he can add that to his arsenal, he’s going to be an All-Big Ten performer. He is an excellent passer, top-notch defender, and he’s crafty. He also loves to push the ball which puts pressure on defenses. Hoggard is not afraid of contact either.

As a sophomore, he shot 44 percent from the field while averaging 7.0 points, 4.8 assists, and just two turnovers in just over 20 minutes per game.

Hoggard is easily PG1.

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