Michigan State basketball: 3 things I want to see vs. Gonzaga

Nov 7, 2022; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard A.J. Hoggard (11) drives the ball to the basket against the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks in the second half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 7, 2022; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard A.J. Hoggard (11) drives to the basket against the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks in the second half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports /

1. AJ Hoggard on the floor for at least 25-30 minutes

Against Northern Arizona, AJ Hoggard picked up two quick fouls and was on the bench for much longer than he had hoped in the first half. The offense suffered with him on the bench as the Lumberjacks chipped away at a big lead and made it much more uncomfortable on the Spartans.

In the second half, he picked up his third foul and had to sit for an extended period yet again. He finished the game with just 16 minutes played which is not what we want to see from him this year. Everyone is expecting at least 25-30 minutes per game out of him.

And the Spartans need that against Gonzaga.

If Michigan State wants to have any shot of beating the Zags in San Diego on Friday, Hoggard needs to be on the floor for about 75 percent of the game. He is the offensive catalyst and his defense is too good to lose.

We need to see him staying out of foul trouble and staying on the floor for around 30 minutes because Michigan State is at its best with him playing big minutes.

Next. 3 takeaways from MSU's win over Northern Arizona. dark

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