Rivalry heats up as Vanderbilt's AJ Hoggard expresses dislike for Tennessee: "We don't like them, they don't like us"

AJ Hoggard looks forward to rivalry matchups on basketball, especially when it involves two teams playing at a high level. This is certainly the case for the upcoming matchup featuring the Vanderbilt Commodores and the No. 6 Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday.

Vanderbilt and Tennessee have faced each other for decades as longtime members of the Southeastern Conference. Throughout 207 matchups, the Volunteers hold the all-time record with 131 wins. The last 14 games have been dominated by Tennessee, securing 13 victories in that stretch, with a lone Commodores victory in February 2023.

Hoggard is halfway through his first season with the Commodores, transferring from Tom Izzo's Michigan State Spartans the year prior. When asked about how he's approaching Vanderbilt's rivalry with Tennessee, he responded by comparing it to how he views Michigan State's duels with Michigan.

“I’m just treating it how I used to treat Michigan State versus Michigan. We don’t like them, they don’t like us,” Hoggard said per On3.

How has AJ Hoggard performed for Vanderbilt this season?

Vanderbilt has been playing at a high level going into the second half of the season, thanks to AJ Hoggard's efforts. After 16 games, he is averaging 11.1 points, 4.3 assists, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.6 steals while shooting 40.5% (30.8% from the 3-point line).

Vanderbilt boasts a solid 14-3 record, including a 2-2 start in SEC play. They are putting up 82.4 points on shooting splits of 47.1% overall and 32.3% from downtown, beating opponents by a convincing margin of 15.1 points per game. They limit their turnovers and make plays on defense, only committing 10.1 turnovers while recording 15 stocks (steals and blocks) per contest.

Aside from Hoggard, Jason Edwards contributes with 17 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.1 steals. Devin McGlockton puts up 10.9 points and 8.2 rebounds, while Tyler Nickel provides 9.9 points as the team's best 3-point shooter with 36 made triples.

After the matchup against the No. 6 Volunteers, the Commodores will have another ranked encounter as they face the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide at the Coleman Coliseum on Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET.