DJ Hogg declares for NBA Draft, will not return to A&M for senior season

Today, Billy Kennedy had a third underclassman officially declare for the 2018 NBA Draft. DJ Hogg followed fellow juniors Tyler Davis and Admon Gilder in making the announcement. Unlike his teammates, however, the 6'9" wingman has signed with an agent and will forfeit his senior season with the Aggies. 

In his three seasons at Texas A&M, Hogg played in two Sweet 16 games and won an SEC Championship. He saw action in 91 games, averaging 25 minutes, 9.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. However, those overall numbers may be a bit deceiving since he spent much of his freshman season playing behind three future NBA players.

From his freshman to his junior campaign, Hogg showed an increase each year in minutes played, field goal percentage, 3-point field goal percentage, rebounds, assists, blocks, steals and points scored. He was an integral part of the Aggies' success, especially when he found his rhythm from behind the arc. 

The Aggies will miss Hogg's ability to make a 3-point basket and extend the defense. Although he was streaky from long range, when Hogg found his stroke, he could quickly turn the momentum of a game. More than once he got hot and carried Texas A&M from a three point lead to a double digit lead in just a few quick possessions.

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Hogg was a unique weapon for the Aggies, able to change a game shooting threes and, at 6'9", do work inside.

Billy Kennedy and company will also miss Hogg's size and length in the paint. Having a guy who stands 6'9" on the perimeter who isn't afraid to grab rebounds and come up with timely blocked shots is a luxury. No matter how inconsistent Hogg may have been at times, it will be a loss for the Aggies' roster, especially when you consider that he would have been a senior with some added maturity after learning some hard lessons this season. 

As it stands, DJ Hogg isn't on any mock draft boards for the first or second round, but that doesn't mean he can't work his way onto a GM's watchlist and eventually a roster. With Hogg's size and length and a great release on his shot, there likely will be a team that takes a chance on him. 

A year or two in the G-League will help Hogg create a name for himself and give him some understanding as to what he has to do to solidify a spot on an NBA roster. The G-League has been good to Texas A&M basketball players, so Hogg will be able to reach out to his former teammates for advice and knowledge.