Bridges might be Izzo’s best player ever at MSU
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Miles Bridges may be the best player Hall of Famer Tom Izzo has coached in more than two decades at Michigan State.
And Izzo has had some good ones: Denzel Valentine, Draymond Green, Zach Randolph, Jason Richardson and Mateen Cleaves just to mention a handful. None of those former stars seemed to have Bridges’ combination of skills, size, speed and strength.
The 6-foot-7, 230-pound freshman forward can run, jump and dunk in spectacular fashion. He can handle the ball well enough that he might even play point guard at times. A smooth shooting stroke allows him to score from the outside. His body looks built for Big Ten play and the rigors that come with it.
In terms of talent, Izzo said Bridges ranks among the “top couple” of players he’s had entering his 22nd season.
“I hate to put that kind of pressure on him, but he’s got shoulders two axe-handles wide,” Izzo said. “I should be able to put that kind of pressure on him. He’s definitely up there. He’s different.
“He’s got that powerful explosiveness like Jason Richardson, who was one of the best. Miles, I think, can play both ends. Miles has a high basketball IQ. He can do some Draymond things where he can make passes and plays.”
If Bridges matches or exceeds the hype this season for the Spartans, he may be a one-and-done player in college.
“I just plan on leaving when I’m ready,” he said. “When I’m ready off the court and on the court and whenever that time will be, I’ll know. But I’m not rushing anything right now.”
Michigan State’s weakness likely will be its lack of size inside. Freshman Nick Ward, who is 6-8, 250 pounds, is the team’s biggest player who will be available to play in Thursday night’s exhibition opener against Northwood.