AJ Hoggard, Spartans rally around Mady Sissoko after death in his family

AJ Hoggard and the rest of the team have rallied around Mady Sissoko following the death of a family member.

In case you missed it, Tom Izzo released to the public after the Spartans’ 81-66 loss to Wisconsin that Mady Sissoko had a death in his family the day before the game. Not knowing how to process this, Sissoko kept this news to himself before informing the team after the Wisconsin game.

Heard back from Mady Sissoko's American guardian, Mike Clayton. Sissoko's 92-year-old grandmother died. "She was his favorite, as all the kids slept in her hut and he remembers lots of backrubs to get him to sleep." Sissoko's father died in August. (1/2)

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) January 27, 2024

I know we all can relate to what Sissoko is going through to some level, but I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to live thousands of miles from his family. Sissoko is unable to go home and pay his respects, and for that I am heartbroken for him.

Even though Sissoko can’t be with his family right now, he does have his Spartan family to lean on. AJ Hoggard spoke with the media on Monday leading up to the Michigan game and shared how he and his teammates are helping Mady right now.

AJ Hoggard and his teammates are rallying around Mady Sissoko after the loss of his grandmother, who was like a mom to him. pic.twitter.com/pdaQNz196j

— Spartans Illustrated (@SpartansRivals) January 29, 2024

AJ speaks on how they’re supporting Mady

In the above video, it’s very clear how heartbroken Hoggard is for Mady. He shared that he and his teammates need to “keep him uplifted, keep his spirits high” during this difficult time. Hoggard went on to further say that they need to continue “being that brother to him… continue to love him.”

If anything creates a family-like atmosphere, it’s sports. I know this Michigan State team is more like family and brothers to each other than teammates. So I’m just happy that the team’s doing everything they can to be there for Sissoko during this trying time.

It’s unclear if Sissoko will play in the game against Michigan yet. Since nothing has been said, I would assume he will play. And if so, I hope all of Spartan Nation at the Breslin Center on Tuesday night will show their love and support for Sissoko.

I’ll leave you with one final video below, showing Sissoko visiting his late grandmother this past summer.

One last video of MSU’s Mady Sissoko visiting with his 97-year-old grandmother in their West African village (courtesy of Mike Clayton). pic.twitter.com/gOhFrzaN6U

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) June 19, 2023

Hopefully Sissoko leans on his teammates throughout this unfortunate time.