Tom Izzo: A.J. Hoggard Won't Return to MSU If He Doesn't Enter 2024 NBA Draft

A.J. Hoggard's college career isn't necessarily over, but the senior guard won't be suiting up for Michigan State again.

Spartans head coach Tom Izzo made that clear during an appearance on The Game 730AM's Staudt on Sports (via Kyle Austin of MLive.com).

"A.J.'s looking to make a pro career," Izzo said. "He could go back to college. It wouldn't be here."

Hoggard was a starter for Michigan State in each of the last two seasons. During that time, he averaged 11.8 points and 5.6 assists while shooting 41.2 percent overall and 33.8 percent from beyond the arc.

The fourth-year senior is again testing the NBA waters but has the flexibility to spend one more year in college. Were he to stay in school, he has until May 1 to officially enter the transfer portal.

Izzo believes Hoggard would prefer to make the jump now.

"I think he'd like to get into pro ball, whether it be Europe, whether it be the G-League," the legendary coach said. "Nowadays, everyone will look at college, too, depending on offers from different places."

Hoggard didn't make the cut in the most recent two-round mock draft for Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman, while he's the No. 22-ranked point guard in ESPN's rankings. Should he stay in the 2024 draft pool, it looks like he'd be starting his new career in the NBA G-League or abroad rather than the Association.

Should Hoggard believe another season in college is his best route, he'll need to start considering options outside of East Lansing, Michigan.