Miles Bridges to Michigan State: Spartans Land 5-Star SF Prospect

Huntington Prep 5-star small forward prospect Miles Bridges became the latest blue-chip player to commit to play college basketball at Michigan State on Saturday.

Evan Daniels of Scout reported what Bridges had to say about his big decision:

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They were loyal through the whole process even when everyone thought I was going to Kentucky. They were still working me hard. Coach [Tom] Izzo is a great man. They have a great coaching staff and I think I fit in with their playing style.

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Bridges added that AAU teammate Cassius Winston's decision to head to Michigan State was a big factor in his choice, per Daniels:

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When he committed, then I basically switched over to Michigan State from Kentucky. At first I thought Cassius was going to Michigan. When he went to Michigan State, it changed everything. I just started hanging with him when AAU started. But it feels like I’ve known Cassius for all my life. We connect like brothers.

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Michigan State already has a multitude of talented players, but it has now added a truly special player to its 2016 recruiting class by convincing Bridges to join the program. He is the third-ranked small forward in the country and 12th-best prospect overall, according to 247Sports' composite rankings.

Jeff Eisenberg of Yahoo Sports noted just how historic Tom Izzo's 2016 recruiting class has been: 

When watching his highlight reel, it will prove impossible for most to not be blown away by what the 6'6", 218-pound Flint, Michigan, native can do.

Eric Bossi of Rivals brought forth a fitting player comparison for Bridges in his analysis:

Bridges isn't the type of highly touted recruit who figures to have any pretension or attitude issues as baggage to drag him down. He has an excellent motor and expends tremendous effort on both ends of the floor.

What stands out about him on the defensive end is the natural knack he has for blocking shots. The teenage sensation will often rise up and swat unsuspecting opponents with authority. An enviable combination of power and speed allows him to recover well even against faster forwards and at the very least offer a stern contest.

But the more exciting part of his game comes when Bridges is on the attack as a scorer. An eye-popping blend of a high vertical leap and body control lends to plenty of acrobatic finishes around the rim and difficult dunks that he makes look easy.

Also flashing the ability to knock down three-point shots, Bridges has some room to work on his perimeter game, yet he's good enough to take opponents off the dribble and get into the paint with relative ease.

Players of Bridges' caliber are meant to manhandle the competition in high school. That's precisely what the game tape shows him doing, and he looks to have the game and innate traits to thrive right away in college and blossom into an even bigger star.

Although he isn't the most hyped prospect in the 2016 class, that comes more as a result of Bridges not having a definitive position. Capable of playing anywhere on the wing or even the 4 in a small lineup, it remains to be seen where he settles in for the Spartans.

Once he does establish a role and find his niche, though, he has all the makings of becoming one of the premier players in the nation. The NBA certainly seems to be in Bridges' future. The question isn't so much if he'll go pro, but when he'll be ready and how long it will take to harness his considerable talents properly at the NCAA level.