AJ Hoggard looks like he’s gotten in serious shape (Photo)

Originally posted on Spartan Shadows
By Connor Muldowney | Last updated 8/17/23

Michigan State point guard AJ Hoggard looks like he’s gotten in serious shape this summer. Hope and expectations are on the rise.

As all Michigan State basketball fans know by now, expectations for the 2023-24 season are through the roof. The Spartans are expected to contend for a national title this year after bringing back five starters (AJ Hoggard, Jaden Akins, Tyson Walker, Malik Hall, Mady Sissoko) to a team that went to the Sweet 16 and was a play away from making the Elite Eight.

On top of that, Michigan State also brings in the No. 4 recruiting class in the nation.

Some things need to happen if Michigan State is going to win it all this season, however. AJ Hoggard needs to add a jumper, Jaden Akins needs to handle the ball more, Tyson Walker needs to be the go-to guy, Malik Hall needs to stay healthy, and the bigs need to take another step forward. Also, the freshmen need to adjust quickly.

An underrated development this offseason that will help the Spartans this season has been Hoggard getting into serious shape. In fact, DK of spartanhoops.com posted a picture on Twitter (X) this week of a slimmed down Hoggard.

DAMNNNNNN . AJ has gotten in serious shape this summer. pic.twitter.com/2CUzGAv8mP

— DK (@SpartanHoops_DK) August 15, 2023

While it’s hard to tell what kind of shape he’s in from a side view, it’s pretty clear that he’s shed some bad weight. He looks like a much thinner player and it should help his conditioning and it could also help his speed and acceleration.

On Michigan State’s site, Hoggard wasn’t a “thick” player per his actual measurables at 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, but I’m willing to bet he’s under that 200-pound mark now. Either that, or he’s added a ton of muscle. Or both.

Hoggard went through the NBA draft process and got necessary feedback so they may have told him he needs to improve his shape and conditioning. He’s clearly listened.

Expectations for this upcoming season seem to rise every single day.

This article first appeared on Spartan Shadows and was syndicated with permission.

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