Former Michigan State point guard AJ Hoggard commits to Vanderbilt via portal

East Lansing, Mich. – The AJ Hoggard era at Michigan State has officially ended. The point guard announced on Saturday that he is transferring to Vanderbilt.

Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo amicably announced soon after the 2023-24 season ended that Hoggard would not be returning to Michigan State. Hoggard entered the transfer portal on April 26. 

He announced earlier in the week that his final five selections were Vanderbilt, USC, Washington, Florida and Georgia.

Hoggard was a third-team All-Big Ten selection as a junior during the 2022-23 season, helping the Spartans advance to the Sweet 16.

Hoggard started 33 of Michigan State’s 34 games as a junior. He averaged 12.9 points, 5.9 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game. 

His strong junior season and the Spartans’ success in the 2023 NCAA Tournament helped make Michigan State a consensus Top 5 team heading into the 2023-24 season. However, Hoggard saw a dip in production during his senior year.

Hoggard averaged 10.7 points, 5.2 assists and 3.1 rebounds while starting 33 of 34 games as a senior. He earned honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition.

Michigan State finished 20-15 (10-10), good for eighth place in the conference. The Spartans’ season ended with a 85-69 loss to No. 2-seed North Carolina in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Rising sophomore Jeremy Fears appears ready to take a step into the starting point guard role for the Spartans next season. Rising junior Tre Holloman will provide valuable experience at the position, with freshman Jase Richardson also in the mix.

Michigan State Spartans guard A.J. Hoggard (11) controls the ball against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at the Spectrum Center. – Jim Dedmon, USA Today Sports

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