NCAA Basketball: Top 30 pending "covid-year" players decisions to make for 2024-25
30. A.J. Hoggard - Michigan State Spartans
2023-24 season stats: 10.7 ppg and 5.2 apg
Although he took a step back statistically compared to a year ago, Hoggard still remained a top-five passer in the Big Ten, including a pair of 10-assist outings. The 6’3 ball-handler did have eight games of at least 15 points and with leading scorer Tyson Walker gone, Michigan State will need Hoggard to be more of a scorer as a lead guard if he comes back.
29. Ace Baldwin Jr. - Penn State Nittany Lions
2023-24 season stats: 14.2 ppg and 6.0 rpg
Leading scorer Kayne Clary has transferred to Mississippi State, leaving Baldwin as the only double-digit scorer on the roster. The former VCU star is the only active NCAA Basketball with a Defensive Player of the Year Award in two different conferences. Baldwin played great down the stretch and kept the Nittany Lions competitive in the Big Ten. They need him back to have any hope in 2025.
28. Grant Nelson - Alabama Crimson Tide
2023-24 season stats: 11.8 ppg and 5.6 rpg
As one of the top transfer pickups a year ago, Nelson was more up-and-down than expected this past season. But he certainly had his moments, including six games of 20+ points, with one being a 24-point and 12-rebound game against UNC. He’s part of one of the top offenses in NCAA Basketball and Nelson could be primed for a big second-year with the Tide.