Tom Izzo has high praise for AJ Hoggard’s growth, leadership

Tom Izzo spoke recently to Spartans All-Access about his senior point guard, AJ Hoggard. He had high praise for his growth.

The best Michigan State basketball teams in history have always been the player coached teams. I always think of guys like Cassius Winston and Draymond Green, who not only were the star players on their MSU teams, but almost seemed like another coach on the court. That’s something Tom Izzo strives for, having someone, typically his point guard, be an extension of himself on the floor.

That is what he has found in AJ Hoggard. Tom has been singing Hoggard’s praises recently and he continues to do so as his senior point guard is playing some high-level basketball recently.

Let’s see what Izzo had to say about Hoggard’s leadership development.

AJ Hoggard’s leadership

In a recent clip posted by MSU Basketball’s X page, Tom Izzo shared some of his thoughts on Hoggard as a player and as a leader.

"I think he's got toughness and some talent…he is becoming a coach on the floor and that's what I need."

All-Access with @ajhoggard3 pic.twitter.com/KR0jxGTTrh

— Michigan State Men's Basketball (@MSU_Basketball) January 24, 2024

To be a really good leader, you obviously need that toughness and talent as qualities. Talent on the court and toughness is a requirement for any leader, especially on a Michigan State basketball team. But it’s the second part of this quote that stands out to me.

Many guys in college basketball have talent and toughness, but not many are a coach on the floor. That is not something that is easy to find, but Izzo has found that in AJ.

Being a coach on the floor tells me a lot of things about AJ. It tells me that he has earned a ton of respect from his teammates. It tells me that he has an extremely high basketball IQ. Most importantly, it tells me that Izzo trusts Hoggard. I’m not so sure that’s something anybody would have said even at the start of this season. But Hoggard has turned into that leader for Michigan State, an extension of Izzo himself on the court, and someone that we can now count on every game.

The development and progression of Hoggard throughout his career, and even this season, has been a site to see. He is the leader on this team, both as a contributor and mentor. He embodies everything it means to be a Michigan State point guard, and he will be one of the main reasons the Spartans accomplish their goals this season if they do.