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Tom Izzo expecting more from Spartans with much-improved PG play heading into 2021-22 season
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For Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo, 2020 was a rough season, and particularly at the point guard position.
The Spartans are known for some elite-level point guards, but junior Foster Loyer and sophomores Rocket Watts and AJ Hoggard rotated at the spot and struggled to produce. Loyer and Watts have transferred out as Tyson Walker has made the move to East Lansing from Northeastern.
Hoggard has had the benefit of having a true offseason this year, and with the additions of Walker and freshman guard Jaden Akins, the point position should see better production this time around.
Izzo discussed the expectations at the position during his time with the press at the B1G Media Days event on Friday:
Izzo says the connection between Tyson Walker and A.J. Hoogard has been “seamless.” Said there’s a chance both could play together
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) October 8, 2021
Izzo says MSU hasn’t decided between starting Hoggard or Walker at PG and said that the two could play together at times
— Kyle Austin (@kylebaustin) October 8, 2021
Izzo: “We’re gonna be a better passing team, we’re gonna be a better running team” this season. Mentions it’s because of better “quarterbacking” at PG.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) October 8, 2021
Izzo says he thinks he can play PGs Tyson Walker and A.J. Hoggard at the same time. Says they're very good friends, both from the mid-Atlantic. Good chemistry between them.
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) October 8, 2021
Izzo: "Because we're going to have guys who can penetrate and kick and pass more, it's going to benefit the Hausers, the Halls, the Christies." Reiterates that the point guard problem last year was his fault.
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) October 8, 2021
Scott Schultz covers Michigan State Football, along with Breaking News for B1G Football & Basketball for Saturday Tradition. He also serves as an Automotive News Editor & Writer, and Softball Writer elsewhere on the web. Follow him on Twitter @SRSchultz.