You're right. Don't mean to be a drama queen - don't need to resort to that -- but it is admittedly my first time following our recruiting on a day to day basis - so my apologies. I know it doesn't always work out - just hoping it does.
Has anyone heard anything on Miles Bridges visit?
- Thread starter preacher_tom
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You're right. Don't mean to be a drama queen - don't need to resort to that -- but it is admittedly my first time following our recruiting on a day to day basis - so my apologies. I know it doesn't always work out - just hoping it does.
If we don't land Bridges, I could live with a guard/wing combo of Fox/Monk/Mulder/Simmons/Matthews.
There might be one or two guard/wing combos as good as that group in '15-16.
I'm sure we'll have a better indication in a few days as rumors begin to swirl. I still think UK lands him.
There might be one or two guard/wing combos as good as that group in '15-16.
I'm sure we'll have a better indication in a few days as rumors begin to swirl. I still think UK lands him.
Agreed.
A Fox, Monk, and Simmons trio on the perimeter would be fine, though not as dynamic as it would be with Bridges instead of Simmons.
Also, remember lots can change in a year. This time last year we had no idea who Jamal Murray was and now he is expected to be one of our top two players. Who knows who might end up on our radar between now and next summer.
Cal will get the job done one way or another.
I think it's a bad business decision for Bridges and could cost him if millions if he doesn't choose UK.
We will be fine, though.
Sorry, you all engaged him despite our protestations. He's all yours!!
Bad business decision? As good as UK is, I think he understand what Tom Izzo has coming in with his upcoming class if he commits. Josh Jackson would delay his commitment til after the season, to see if MSU can open up a scholarship for him. If Bridges and Jackson goes to MSU, you are talking about one of the best recruiting classes ever with Winston, Langford and Ward. It won't be a easy decision either way.
It's just not realistic to think that Miles was going to have as exciting of a time at his UK visit as the perfect storm of an official visit that MSU enjoyed.
-ESPN Gameday in East Lansing
-Dozens and dozens of national media figureheads in town
-Hundreds of top football & basketball recruits in town (200 in total)
-#2 ranked football team playing top 10 Oregon in the game of the weekend in prime time on national TV
-A game that resulted in one of the biggest regular season wins in years for MSU
-The environment was beyond electric. Nike Chairman Phil Knight was on campus and said it was the most impressive sporting environment that he's experienced, college or pro
-It was the reunion weekend for MSU bball
-Close to 100 former Spartans bball players were in town
-They along with the recruits scrimmaged in Breslin before the football game
-The basketball team was celebrated on field in front of a raucous 75,000 for their most recent Final Four.
-Miles' mom (an outspoken MSU and Tom Izzo fan) spent the day with Cassius Winston's mom (they're good friends) and Nick Ward's mom, both players are current MSU commits) Cassius was still undecided at the time of the game though.
-Cassius, who is close friends and AAU teammate of Miles, said that his visit that weekend was what pushed him over the edge to committing to MSU.
-Draymond Green, who Miles has known personally since he was a kid, was being celebrated by MSU on Saturday for donating $3.1M to MSU Athletics as well as for winning an NBA title with the Warriors. He had the Championship trophy in hand off and on all weekend.
To the informed recruitnik, it should come as no surprise that his two visits (at UK and MSU) were at noticeably different excitement levels and it's absolutely nothing against UK as they are arguably the most elite college basketball program in the country.
That still doesn't mean he's going to commit to MSU though. Just that he had a better official visit in East Lansing. At the end of the day, it's still just a decision about which basketball team and coach you want to play with for a year, or two and UK's resume clearly speaks for itself.
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People don't hear things and make up crap to get hits/attention. Bridges will be a Wildcats and threads like these will be a distant memory.
His draft position will likely suffer. The Calipari Effect. It's no guarantee that his draft stock improves from playing for Cal, but sometimes perception is reality. NBA GMs covet Cal's players and it gives these guys a little boost, warranted or not.
Business-wise, the smart move is UK. If he wants to be the hometown hero and try to win a title for Izzo and Sparty, that's fine, but if he is trying to improve his draft stock and get drafted OAD in the lottery, UK is the safer bet.
I hate to say this, but you are ignoring the elephant in the room, that 2016 class Izzo has already have. That may be the tipping point if MSU lands him.
C'mon now, take off the blue glasses. Bridges decision is going to have to weigh this scenario even if you don't like the sounds of it.
I keep hearing that Izzo would be unstoppable if he recruits like Cal so maybe we'll find out.
I am not talking about his decision, I am talking about the ramifications of his decision.
Assuming he goes to MSU, it is a bad business decision, IMHO.
The chance to play with his buddies in his home state is a big draw, but it's not what is best for him financially.
I don't understand why you keep arguing a point that I never mentioned. The class he comes in with has very little impact on his draft stock.
His draft stock is not going to drop because he is playing at Michigan State over UK. If Cal is selling that, he really isn't selling much is he?
I highly doubt Jackson ends up at MSU. You realize he plays the same position as Bridges right? And IF you end up with Winston, Bridges, Langford, and Ward as your class thats a top 5 class and probably not better than any class Cal has put together since he has been at UK. I don't know why MSU fans think this class is the second coming with only Bridges as a top 10 player. It's a great class but UK will most likely finish higher regardless of Bridges decision.
Some of you guys sound like Bridges has already committed to MSU. A lot can happen in 2 weeks. UK has a good chance of getting him. If I remember correctly Mom likes Cal a lot and wanted him out of Michigan and that could be the decision that could matter.
Exactly. Cal is smoke and mirrors. He never wins. His players never get drafted. Those who do never get a second contract.
You have nailed it. He's selling a lie and eventually it will catch up with him. Leave to Mr. Server to crack the case. Finally. Phew.
At last!!!
You finally made a valid argument.
I was beginning to wonder about your reading comprehension.
And it is a great selling point for Cal and it works quite a bit.
Why did Jamal Murray pick UK over Oregon?
Why did Labissiere choose UK?
It wasn't to stay home or play with their buddies.
And those two will likely be millionaires in less than a year.
It's Bridges decision whether he stays home and takes a chance that it doesn't matter who coaches you, top talent always gets drafted high, or he wants to go with a proven commodity.
If he chooses with his head (makes the best business decision), it's UK.
If he chooses with his heart (stays home, plays with his buddies), it's MSU.
Either way is fine, it's wherever he puts his priorities.
But UK is the best business decision. No doubt about it.
Y
And Josh Jackson knows this, and still will visit MSU after Bridges announces his decision no matter what he decides.
Again, Cal and Izzo, great coaches, different approaches. Izzo now uses the Football program to recruit his players, and vise versa. Cal uses the NBA approach and getting kids to the league. Each works for their style. If Bridges chooses UK, cool. If he chooses MSU, don't get mad. It's just one that UK lost nothing more.
I don't think the chance to play with his buddies is as big of a draw as you do.
What about the chance to come into college as part of a top 3 recruiting class, be a top 5 team all season, be a favorite to win the National Championship and become a home state legend and have buildings, streets and schools named after you like Magic Johnson, Steve Smith and Draymond Green?
That and your family will be able to watch in person every single home game and most away games as well.
You don't think any of that is a big draw?
Or is it just all about the money?
FWIW the kids who are primarily focused on money don't usually "connect" with Tom Izzo and vice versa.
Only thing we're mad about is all the MSU trolls invading our board. I'm pretty sure you guys have some decent fans somewhere.
Wait. Oh yeah. Probably on YOUR board.
I am not arguing that it's a bad overall decision. I am arguing that it is a bad BUSINESS decision.
Nothing more, nothing less.
Trolls are people who respect your program but yet offer a difference of opinion, even if its different than what you think? Sacre bleu!
But seriously, I do find it funny that your fans are using business decision in order to get understanding on why a kid might choose Izzo over Cal? Izzo put out the Blitz last week, and if I'm not mistaken Magic Johnson being around that weekend sure does help.
And to some kids, believe it or not, it's not always about business. And you must respect that.
![[laughing]](http://l.yimg.com/j/assets/img/emoticons/classic/laugh.r191677.gif "Laughing [laughing]")
at pimping Magic Johnson to recruits. Recruits these days barely even know who MJ is. As for Josh Jackson, you guys are delusional. Gotta admit, thinking you're gonna pull Jackson makes me feel way more optimistic about Bridges.
THIS. Last I heard Jackson was considering KU, Zona and Maryland and may not even play college ball. Is he even officially visiting MSU?
As one of the absolutely elite players in the country, Josh Jackson is attracting more than his share of recruiting attention. Recently Jackson made a visit to Maryland, and now he is at the Elite 24 game ready to finish his AAU career.
“It was a good summer,” said Jackson. “I am sad it is coming to an end. This is my last AAU event as a high school player, but I am pretty satisfied with the things I have accomplished, and I have had a lot of fun.”
The visit to College Park was Jackson’s first time seeing the Maryland campus, and he came away very impressed with what he saw.
Josh Jackson
Prolific PrepNapa, CA
6'7" / 185 lbs
SF Rank
1
CA SF Rank
1
West SF Rank
1
Offers
9
2
AnalysisHis first step is lightning quick and will serve him well for his entire career. He blows past defenders and possesses top-shelf bounce and body control at the rim, resulting in acrobatic finishes and old fashioned and-ones. Meanwhile, he's also a devastating player in the open court who can take shots under control despite dribbling at full speed. His jump shot is streaky but capable, and he should be able to become more consistent over time.
Close
“It is just a beautiful campus,” said Jackson of Maryland. “I wanted to meet a lot of the players, but sadly most of them weren’t there and were at home. Still I loved the gym, the gym is one of the best I have seen. I really enjoyed my visit to Maryland.”
One thing Jackson likes is how Maryland boss Mark Turgeon plans to use him.
“Turgeon told me he would let me play my game and that I am the kind of guy he wants on his team,” said Jackson.
Also Arizona has been making a very strong run at Jackson, and he has developed a close bond with Wildcat coach Sean Miller.
“I love Arizona,” said Jackson. “Coach Miller and I have a lot of experience together with the U-19 team. We spent the whole month together and he is a great guy and a great coach.”
He continued, “On my visit to Arizona it was a great experience. The coaches were nice and the campus was real nice. I just really liked it.”
At this point Jackson says no other visits are planned, but he is hoping to set up official trips to Michigan State and Kansas.
When it comes to the potential timing of a decision, Jackson said, “More than likely it will be a late decision, but who knows. I feel like whenever I know exactly where I want to go I will be ready to commit.”
“It was a good summer,” said Jackson. “I am sad it is coming to an end. This is my last AAU event as a high school player, but I am pretty satisfied with the things I have accomplished, and I have had a lot of fun.”
The visit to College Park was Jackson’s first time seeing the Maryland campus, and he came away very impressed with what he saw.
Josh Jackson
Prolific PrepNapa, CA
6'7" / 185 lbs
SF Rank
1
CA SF Rank
1
West SF Rank
1
Offers
9
2
AnalysisHis first step is lightning quick and will serve him well for his entire career. He blows past defenders and possesses top-shelf bounce and body control at the rim, resulting in acrobatic finishes and old fashioned and-ones. Meanwhile, he's also a devastating player in the open court who can take shots under control despite dribbling at full speed. His jump shot is streaky but capable, and he should be able to become more consistent over time.
Close
“It is just a beautiful campus,” said Jackson of Maryland. “I wanted to meet a lot of the players, but sadly most of them weren’t there and were at home. Still I loved the gym, the gym is one of the best I have seen. I really enjoyed my visit to Maryland.”
One thing Jackson likes is how Maryland boss Mark Turgeon plans to use him.
“Turgeon told me he would let me play my game and that I am the kind of guy he wants on his team,” said Jackson.
Also Arizona has been making a very strong run at Jackson, and he has developed a close bond with Wildcat coach Sean Miller.
“I love Arizona,” said Jackson. “Coach Miller and I have a lot of experience together with the U-19 team. We spent the whole month together and he is a great guy and a great coach.”
He continued, “On my visit to Arizona it was a great experience. The coaches were nice and the campus was real nice. I just really liked it.”
At this point Jackson says no other visits are planned, but he is hoping to set up official trips to Michigan State and Kansas.
When it comes to the potential timing of a decision, Jackson said, “More than likely it will be a late decision, but who knows. I feel like whenever I know exactly where I want to go I will be ready to commit.”
You do realize that the only thing in there that Kentucky doesn't offer to a higher degree is staying home right? He may choose MSU but that would be why. I guarantee it won't be because he has a better chance at winning a championship.
How did everything work out for Adreian Payne? He would have been a first round choice after one year under Cal. Instead, he stays at MSU for four years and goes 15th. He lost 3 years of earnings, when he probably will not be in the league more than 7 or 8, and more than likely, did not go any higher than he would have after 1 year at UK. It just makes good business sense to play for Cal. The NBA knows they are ready for the league, when Cal sends them.
Adreian Payne wasn't ready for the NBA after one season, and that wouldn't have changed had he gone to UK. Sure he may have cost himself 3 years of earnings by not leaving after his freshman year (your words, not mine), but another way to look at it is the skills he developed during his time at MSU could help him stay in the league longer than had he come out as an unprepared freshman. In that case, did he really "cost" himself earnings? Seems he'd be more prepared to stay in the league longer, hence earning more for himself over his career.
It's not always a race to get to the league. Staying there is way more important.
This is not being coy but if Bridges goes elsewhere, I'm not sure this fanbase gets mad, most usually just say next because with Cal we are never really truly out of any recruitment. We may end up second and have some times, but in the end he always gets top talent. His motto is Kentucky is not for everybody, and you can't take them all.
You're right about Payne, but the evidence for more college helping guys stick longer in the NBA is pretty much non-existent. The guys who entered the NBA straight out of HS from Garnett through 2005 ended up with a disproportionate number of them going on to have long careers, way beyond your average draft picks, and guys who don't stick in the league tend to be experienced college players taken in the back half of the 1st round and later. When a team drafts a 19 year old, they're likely to give him more than one look. When a team drafts a 22 year old, they're going to cut the cord very quickly if he doesn't show signs of being a contributor.
There is no one size fits all answer, and the reality is that the NBA is so elite that only a tiny number of players are going to last all that long, no matter how much or how little college ball they play. For 20-25 years now, you pretty consistently get about 20 players per draft class who end up playing 500 games in the NBA, with around 10 of them hitting the 800 mark. Those 20/10 are your real, legit, long-term NBA players. Everyone else is pretty marginal.
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Good post. I agree with your take on the trend of the league, and generally the longer you stay in college the more you're perceived to be at your ceiling of talent/potential (hence, fewer chances you'll get before getting cut). I respect that view (not your view, that view in general), but it's also sort of silly because we are talking about guys who are what, 21-23 years old? How many guys (even those drafted at 18-19 years old) are at their ceiling at 22-23? Not many. But that's a discussion none of us can solve, so I digress.
I think the biggest reason for this shift in the way the NBA draft has focused on young players (compared to the 80's and early 90's, where college experience was valued) is because it's all about the perception potential now. Not only do you see it with the US born players, but that theory would seem to support the larger number of international players drafted and stashed away on the bench. The unknown is undefeated...so take the young, relatively unproven guy and give him the chances to develop until proven otherwise.
You obviously weren't very familiar with Adreian Payne the college player if you think he had ANY chance of being a one or two year and done player under Cal at Kentucky.
To say he had a 0% chance might actually be an understatement. Payne as a frosh and soph, he was underweight, weak and still struggling with his lung condition that prevented prolonged conditioning. He was all short burst athleticism and no skill. Dribbling the ball was a difficult task in year one. He didn't even make his first three point shot until his junior year.
Have you seen the before and after pictures of Briscoe? And this was just after a couple of months. Payne had more than just a chance of leaving after a couple of years. It would have happened. That is what you people don't understand. CAL GETS THEM READY. All the top players are talented enough, but he gets them ready for league play, physically, emotionally, and even makes them understand the financial end of being a pro. You guys, from other programs, think he just rolls the ball out and that they are so talented, it doesn't matter who coaches them. Well it just isn't so.
First of all, the physicality required to contribute as a PG compared to a 4/5 is completely different. Additionally, Briscoe hasn't even played a game, so comparing his "development" thus far (based on before and after pics, of all things) to that of Payne when we are talking about what he did actually look like (not just physically, but also on the court) in his first year is dumb.
Lastly, comparing a PG (or wing) to a big as far as pace of development is silly. More often than not, bigs take longer to develop whereas PGs and wings are more prepared to contribute right away. Obviously there are exceptions to every rule (e.g., Anthony Davis...an NBA MVP caliber guy), but Payne was not one of them and that wouldn't have changed had he gone to Kentucky.
I hate to say it but that does sound like an impressive visit. If true, you gotta give credit to MSU for putting on a great show for him. Just goes to show how much a great football team and atmosphere can also help bball. Some places are just electric at times.
That's just it, CATSFREAK. The success of the football program won't be a factor in Bridges' decision, as that MSU "fan" Server was saying/implying. What the football program does is create an electricity on campus that contributes to a phenomenal atmosphere for recruits (both football and basketball). The Oregon game unquestionably did that.
MSU doesn't have what Kentucky has from a basketball standpoint. The "red carpet" from a basketball standpoint is probably much better at UK. Though I can't say that for certain, I don't think it's a stretch to assume that. So, what MSU has to do is utilize all it's resources to compete with UK's red carpet, and that includes leveraging football for a great campus atmosphere.
After that, you have to hope certain things are higher on his priority list, such as: A) his ties to Flint and his relationships with former MSU players from there; B) the relationship he and his mother have with Izzo (not saying they don't have one with Cal, just that it's very strong with Izzo); C) importance of family seeing him live for every home game; D) playing with his close/best friend Cash; E) continuing the Flintstone tradition at MSU; etc.
If those things are a priority, combined with the visit atmosphere MSU was able to create, then that's as close to a perfect game that MSU can pitch. Is it enough to keep him from Kentucky? I don't know, but I can live with the results either way knowing we did all we could.
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