Big Ten Basketball: Ranking of top 25 players entering 2023-24 season
By Joey Loose
6. AJ Hoggard – Michigan State
If Hoggard can have a consistent senior season, then Michigan State could reach the highest heights with the lineup they’ve put together this year. As a junior last year, Hoggard was good for 12.9 points and 5.9 assists per game, standing out as an excellent backcourt presence and ball distributor. Hoggard played his best ball down the stretch last season, with a career-high 14 assists in late February against Nebraska and a career-best 25 points in their Sweet Sixteen loss to Kansas State.
Looking ahead, Hoggard would like to improve his shooting, making just 33% of his 3-pointers, but it surrounded by talent with the Spartans. He was the Big Ten leader in assists and should be even better as a senior in many departments. Again, he’ll need to work on that consistency, as the Spartans won a lot of the games where Hoggard showed up and played his best ball. If he maintains that hot streak from late last season, he’s easily an All-Big Ten player.
5. Jahmir Young – Maryland
Young starred for three seasons as a high-profile scorer at Charlotte before heading to Maryland last season. After exceeding 18 points per game as both as a sophomore and junior with the 49ers, he averaged 15.8 points and 4.6 assists in his first season in the Big Ten, leading the Terrapins in both categories and earning Second Team All-Big Ten honors.
Maryland loses a few pieces from last season, but get their top scorer and veteran leader back in Young. His long-range shooting (and overall offensive production) took a slight step back last season, but Young is set up for success in his fifth and final season of college ball. He’s a major player and leader for the Terrapins and will run the point for this squad. Expect great contributions from Young on both sides of the ball.