A smart gamble

Good morning! If you’re like me, you spent the weekend wondering what might have been for Scottie Scheffler. And what might have been for the Knicks.

Ah well. Let’s get to the college hoops news.

1. Vandy’s crucial addition: AJ Hoggard

New Vanderbilt coach Mark Byington quietly assembled a solid 2024-25 roster through the portal, bringing in guys who can score (Jason Edwards, Chris Manon), shoot (Tyler Nickel), do a little of everything (Devon McGlockton) and guys with upside (Jaylen Carey, Kijani Wright).

But he only had one real point guard in the mix (Grant Huffman) and still needed one more player with experience, size, and the ability to elevate a program from OK to good. Or better.

Enter Michigan State transfer AJ Hoggard, who announced his decision to transfer to Vandy Friday on the Field of 68.

I know. You’re saying “The same AJ Hoggard who argued with Tom Izzo and whose inconsistent play to start the season might have limited the Spartans’ upside?” Yeah, that’s the guy.

But there’s no denying Hoggard, a 6-4 senior who averaged 10.7 ppg, 5.2 apg and shot 35% from beyond the arc, has the tools to be an all-league player. The question is if he can play like it every night. He knows that. And that’s his main goal for next season.

“For me, be consistent,” he told the Field of 68. “In all aspects. Continue to shoot the ball better, continue doing little things better, but definitely just being consistent.

Hoggard rated as the 4th-best player in the portal by Evanmiya.com, and the top point guard. He’s a solid defender and has the size to deal with SEC defenses. The question will be if there’s enough shooting around him (not to mention enough size in general on the roster).

It’s a smart gamble by Byington. If it works, Vandy probably finishes in the middle of the SEC in his first season. If not, the Commodores aren’t worse off than they were this season.

2. Grand Canyon’s busy weekend + more transfer news

Barely a day after the NCAA granted Grand Canyon guard Jovan Blacksher Jr. a medical hardship waiver and an extra year of eligibility, the senior did the smart thing.

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