Here’s a deep dive into former Michigan State guard A.J. Hoggard joining the New Orleans Pelicans for NBA Summer League, exploring his journey, skillset, and what this opportunity means—for both him and the Pelicans. Let me know if you’d like more on his playing style, MSU tenure, or Summer League matchup projections!
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🎯 1. Who is A.J. Hoggard?
A.J. Hoggard is a 6’3¾” point guard who played four seasons at Michigan State (2020–24) before transferring to Vanderbilt for his final collegiate year. Known for his elite court vision, Hoggard led Division I in Assist Percentage (AST%) during the 2021–22 season, showcasing his ability to control the game and elevate teammates .
At MSU, he appeared in 131 games, posting back-to-back seasons with double-digit scoring. In his fifth year with Vanderbilt, Hoggard averaged 9.6 points, 4.6 assists, and 2.7 rebounds over 32 games, playing approximately 26 minutes per contest .
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2. The Signing: Summer-League Deal with Pelicans
On June 30, 2025, insider Jon Chepkevich confirmed that A.J. Hoggard will join the New Orleans Pelicans for this year’s NBA Summer League . This marks a pivotal step for Hoggard as he pursues a spot on an NBA roster.
Why Summer League matters:
A showcase for undrafted/free-agent talent to display readiness for professional play.
A chance to impress team coaches, scouts, and executives in a competitive, NBA-style environment.
Often the launchpad for G League contracts or two-way deals—doorways to full-time NBA opportunities.
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3. What Hoggard Brings to the Pelicans
Playmaking & Court Control
Hoggard’s standout trait is his unerring ability to create for others. Leading NCAA Division I in AST% (the percentage of teammate field goals he assisted while on the floor) is no small feat—it means he has elite vision and decision-making .
Size & Profile
At nearly 6’4″, he offers positional size at point guard—allowing easier matchup versatility. Combine that with steady scoring, and Hoggard profiles as a classic floor general.
Experience & Leadership
A fifth-year player who saw five seasons of Division I competition—including time in both the Big Ten and SEC—Hoggard brings maturity, leadership, and polished in-game instincts. That carries weight in Summer League rotations full of rookies and young talent.
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4. Pelicans’ Summer League Team & Context
Roster Snapshot
Per a comprehensive Summer League roster tracker, the Pelicans squad includes:
Draft picks: Jeremiah Fears (No. 7), Derik Queen (No. 13), Micah Peavy (No. 40)
Undrafted & signed players: Hunter Dickinson (two-way), Tytan Anderson, Chase Hunter, and A.J. Hoggard .
Their Summer League opener is set for Thursday, July 10, against the Minnesota Timberwolves, followed by a game on July 12 versus the Lakers .
Why Hoggard fits
With NBA rookies like Fears, Queen, and Peavy vying for time, having a veteran floor general with varied collegiate experience is valuable. Hoggard’s polished game can anchor the offense, stabilize tempo, and showcase himself as a high-IQ option for an NBA team or G League affiliate.
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5. NBA Summer League: Why It Matters
Talent Display: For undrafted players, it’s a premier audition. Strong performance can lead to Summer League contracts, two-way deals, or training camp invites.
Team Value: For the Pelicans, it’s a chance to evaluate player readiness, roster fit, and depth late in the Summer League season.
Developmental Pipeline: N.O. leans on developing talent via the G League (Birmingham Squadron). Standout Summer League play can fast-track players like Hoggard into organizational rotations.
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6. Hoggard’s Journey & Potential NBA Fit
Boston Review:
Strengths
Elite playmaking backed by NCAA-leading AST%
Point-of-attack size and leadership
Experienced guard capable of organizing quality offenses
Areas to Monitor
Three-point consistency could improve
Adjustments to pro-level athleticism and pace are key
Projected Role:
Hoggard likely projects as an organizational depth guard, bringing polish, structure, and ball-handling instincts. He could earn a two-way or Exhibit 10 contract, offering him a foothold in the Pelicans’ developmental ecosystem if his Summer League is strong.
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7. Summer League Schedule & What to Watch
July 10 vs. Minnesota: Hoggard’s first test—should command the offense and set the tone with ball control.
July 12 vs. Lakers: Another pivotal chance to demonstrate consistency and compete against varying guard combos.
Longer term: Standout performances may lead to invites to the Pelicans’ training camp (October) or a two-way deal with N.O.’s G League affiliate, Birmingham Squadron. Strong outings can also draw late-season NBA call-ups or 10-day contracts.
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8. Cavaliers of Rivals & Comparables
Jeremiah Fears: Top-10 pick with athletic upside—Hoggard’s veteran approach can complement Fears’ burst.
Derik Queen, Micah Peavy: Roster chances hinge on adaptability and readiness—same stage to differentiate his profile from theirs.
Hunter Dickinson: Former college star, now a big in the Pelicans’ frontcourt. Hoggard gives them a reliable backcourt counterpart.
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9. What This Means for Michigan State Fans
MSU continues its pipeline to pro prominence—not just in the draft, but via Summer League and developmental trajectories.
Fans of Hoggard’s leadership at MSU and Vanderbilt can now follow his professional journey through Summer League updates, Birmingham Squadron games, and potentially Pelicans training camp.
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🔍 Final Thoughts
A.J. Hoggard’s Summer League opportunity is more than a free training session—it’s his professional launching pad. As a mature, playmaking guard with NCAA credentials, he has the tools to win roster trust and pave a path to lasting NBA or G League presence.
New Orleans benefits from bringing structure and experience to their Summer League backcourt, aiding in both evaluation and team culture.
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✅ Summary Table
💡 Topic Key Point
Player A.J. Hoggard – 6’3¾” PG, MSU (4 yrs) + Vanderbilt (1 yr).
MSU Performance Led NCAA in AST% in 2021–22; averaged 8–10 PPG, 4–5 APG.
Signing Joining Pelicans Summer League roster confirmed June 30, 2025.
Pelicans Context Summer League roster includes Fears, Queen, Peavy, Dickinson. Games July 10 & 12.
Prospect Fit Veteran PG bringing high IQ, leadership, ball control.
Outlook Strong SL = invites to training camp, two-way deal, or G League placement.
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📌 Follow-Up
Let me know if you’d like:
A scouting breakdown comparing Hoggard’s play style to current NBA guards.
Info on how the Birmingham Squadron factors into his immediate pipeline.
A preview of Pelicans Summer League game times, where to watch them live or streaming.
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