Michigan State Basketball: Preview of newcomers on 2020-21 Spartans roster

AJ Hoggard – Freshman combo guard

One half of a two-man 2020 recruiting class for Tom Izzo, AJ Hoggard’s amount of playing time is yet to be known, but he will be ready when he gets the chance.

Hoggard, the 74th ranked player nationally by 247sports, is a shifty combo guard who could end up playing both backcourt positions for Izzo. As of right now, Hoggard will likely slot in as the 2nd or 3rd string point guard, behind junior Foster Loyer and sophomore Rocket Watts. Watts was likely to be the starter at the point guard position, but Izzo has spoken highly of Foster Loyer’s summer, and it’s possible he gets the start.

Loyer, however, has not lived up to expectations in his first two seasons, so Izzo might keep him on a short leash and call on Watts to start eventually. This would open the door for Hoggard to get more minutes if Loyer struggles.

Even if he doesn’t play much his freshman year, Hoggard will eventually be given the reigns and will be a mentor to the incoming 2021 guards, Jaden Akins and Pierre Brooks II. At that point, Hoggard would be able to slide to the two-guard spot and get some shots off the ball.

Richard Hamilton’s nephew is going to be a special player for the Spartans.