NASHVILLE (WILX) – Sources report that former Michigan State guard and current Vanderbilt graduate student A.J. Hoggard has received a suspension for one regular season game due to his involvement in the Portsmouth Invitational.
Hoggard transferred to Vanderbilt this offseason after four seasons with the Spartans, where he averaged 10.7 points and 5.2 assists per game last season.
He also returned to East Lansing for the Spartans’ annual grind week and attended Michigan State’s football game against Prairie View A&M.
Former Michigan State guard A.J. Hoggard has found himself in the spotlight for unexpected reasons, as he has been suspended for Vanderbilt’s opening game due to his participation in the Portsmouth Invitational. This pre-draft event, which showcases college seniors looking to make the leap to the NBA, has come under scrutiny as it was deemed impermissible for Hoggard to participate.
Hoggard, who transferred to Vanderbilt after a solid career at Michigan State, averaged 10.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game last season. His decision to join Vanderbilt was motivated by the opportunity to further develop his skills and enhance his chances of making it to the professional level. Coach Mark Byington expressed confidence in Hoggard’s potential, noting that he could be a game-changer for the Commodores.
The suspension means Hoggard will miss the team’s opener against Maryland Eastern Shore, a significant loss for Vanderbilt as they look to establish momentum early in the season. In his absence, Byington will likely rely on other players such as Davidson transfer Grant Huffman and freshman Tyler Tanner to fill the void at point guard.
This situation highlights the complexities surrounding player eligibility and participation in pre-draft events. While these showcases can provide valuable exposure for athletes, they also come with risks if not properly sanctioned. The precedent set by this case serves as a reminder for players navigating their paths to professional basketball.
As Hoggard prepares to return for Vanderbilt’s second game against SEMO, all eyes will be on how he rebounds from this setback. His commitment to improving his game remains strong, and with a focused mindset, he aims to make a significant impact once he steps back onto the court.
In summary, A.J. Hoggard’s suspension is a notable development for both him and Vanderbilt basketball as they navigate this early part of the season. The team will need to adapt quickly without one of its key players while Hoggard looks forward to proving himself once he returns. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as this story unfolds in the coming weeks.
Leave a Reply