Spartans PG A.J. Hoggard to Play in Pre-NBA Draft Tournament
While the Michigan State Spartans plan to be active in the transfer portal this offseason, they expect their fair share of departures to both the transfer portal and the NBA Draft. MSU point guard A.J. Hoggard could be the latest player with intentions of moving on from the Spartans this offseason.
Officials from the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament announced Saturday that Hoggard has agreed to play in the tournament. While the senior has not announced his plans, after saying he was undecided shortly after the Spartans’ season ended, his participation in the tournament significantly hints at his intentions for the future.
Hoggard, a 6-foot-4, 210-pound guard from Coatesville, Pennsylvania, averaged 10.7 points, 3.1 rebounds and 5.2 assists over 28.7 minutes this past season.
The Spartans made it to the second round of the NCAA tournament before losing to North Carolina. They finished their season with a 20-15 record. Hoggard had a forgetful game, going only 1-for-10. He registered 3 points, four assists, three rebounds and three turnovers in the loss to the Tar Heels.
Things could change, but it currently seems that Hoggard will turn pro despite an additional season of collegiate eligibility remaining. He has not made a public announcement about his plans, saying after MSU's season ended with an 85-69 loss to North Carolina that he was undecided.
This will be Hoggard’s second time testing the NBA waters, which he also did last offseason. But Hoggard eventually bet on himself and returned to the Spartans.
He now seemingly has plans on going to the NBA, like most other players would if they were in Hoggard’s shoes, after not playing in the Portsmouth Invitational tournament last offseason because of the potentially negative impact on his ability to return for another season this past year.
The Spartans have lost multiple quality players to the portal and the NBA Draft. Replacing some of the talent they lost will be critical. Actively recruiting players from the portal will be the quickest and easiest way to do so. MSU’s basketball team will have many new additions next season. Time will tell how it all works out for the Green and White.
The Michigan State Spartan Football "Spring Showcase" will be held at the High Cathedral of the Spartan Nation, Spartan Stadium, on April 20, 2024, at 2 p.m.
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Ezekiel is a former Sports Editor from the Western Herald and former Atlanta Falcons beat writer.