This article makes me optimistic about our chances with Miles Bridges

[Cat Ballou]

http://highschoolsports.mlive.com/news/article/-1906629096346365311/five-star-recruit-miles-bridges-wont-return-to-flint-for-senior-season/

I've gleaned two things from this article, first winning over Mama is going to be the key to this recruitment. That would seem to benefit Izzo, except for the other thing I gleaned from this article that Mama doesn't necessarily want Miles to be close to home

Flint is a rough town. I can imagine having a young son who could be on the verge of being a millionaire and wanting to keep him well away from bad influences - some of who could be childhood friends.

In that case, MSU and Michigan may not be far enough away, and as far a place where you could send your kid and be sure he's watched over and focused in on basketball, you couldn't ask for better than what UK offers. Other than the Terrence Jones car accident, which was nothing, Cal has done a great job of keeping our guys out of trouble - contrast that to Crean at IU and their annual failed drug test, DUI, bar fight, etc.

 

[Smashcat]

The fact he and mom are used to him playing away from home plus he's almost guaranteed a OAD trip to the NBA at UK make me optimistic about our chances too.

 

[Bigblueforever]

I can only hope that Bridges commit to Kentucky.

 

[340duster340]

The biggest quote in that article( by far) is his statement that he wanted to return home to play his senior year but mom wanted him to finish at Huntington........ And that..... Basically what mom says holds a ton of water.
It's no secret him mom loves Izzo, has known him and been around him forever, and trusts him.
That, and the chance to play with his buddy Cassius Winston make me think he is MSU bound, and that it's just a matter of time.

 

[jrpross]

The biggest quote in that article( by far) is his statement that he wanted to return home to play his senior year but mom wanted him to finish at Huntington........ And that..... Basically what mom says holds a ton of water.
It's no secret him mom loves Izzo, has known him and been around him forever, and trusts him.
That, and the chance to play with his buddy Cassius Winston make me think he is MSU bound, and that it's just a matter of time.

From what I've read, I feel like Kentucky has a good chance. I get the feeling it's close enough that both Kentucky and Michigan state fans are optimistic and we really just don't know.

 

[Willy4UK]

If he wants to get his mom out of Flint the quickest way possible, then it's an obvious no-brainer.

 

[anon_9qtxg60vqzy0y]

It's no secret him mom loves Izzo, has known him and been around him forever, and trusts him.
That, and the chance to play with his buddy Cassius Winston make me think he is MSU bound, and that it's just a matter of time.

It's also no secret you're scared s**tless UK is recruiting him and you're trying to convince yourself that he's headed to MSU. Be afraid, very afraid.

 

[340duster340]

It's also no secret you're scared s**tless UK is recruiting him and you're trying to convince yourself that he's headed to MSU. Be afraid, very afraid.

Not hardly.
If I got upset over every recruit we have lost over the years I would be in a rubber room.
What kids these days do is anybody's guess.
That said, my hunch is he is MSU bound, and I could care less who is recruiting him. Win some lose some. You can read the posts I have made on here, and not find a single one where a prediction of mine ended up wrong. I don't say stuff just to say it.
We lost Jabari to Duke, Cliff to Kansas( but that worked out ok... Lol) and many others over the years.
Between mom and Cassius Winston( not to mention another stud teammate Nick Ward, who is already a MSU commit) I expect him to stay instate. He might go to UK, or maybe even UM, but Izzo has built a very solid longtime relationship with this kid,and his mom, and I think in the end he ends up in East Lansing.
We might know soon. Both Bridges and Winston will be on campus for officials together the weekend of the huge Oregon/ MSU football game, along with a number of MSU basketball alum who will be in town that same weekend.
Probably couldn't have a better set of circumstances for visits that weekend, no matter who the kids are, from a MSU perspective.
A Langford, Winston, Bridges, Ward class, along with the returning roster at MSU, would give Izzo an outstanding chance at another title, and that wouldn't even be debatable.

 

[HoosierfanJM]

FYI;

Miles Bridges has now set three of his five OVs: IU will now get the first visit on August 28th; MBridges is coming with high school teammate and IU lean Curtis Jones.

MSU currently has the middle visit of the three, and UK currently has the last.

I wonder if UM and UNC will even get an OV.

My guess is MSU, with UK second most likely, IU with a puncher's chance, and UNC and UM almost no chance, but you never know.

 

[jrpross]

FYI;

Miles Bridges has now set three of his five OVs: IU will now get the first visit on August 28th; MBridges is coming with high school teammate and IU lean Curtis Jones.

MSU currently has the middle visit of the three, and UK currently has the last.

I wonder if UM and UNC will even get an OV.

My guess is MSU, with UK second most likely, IU with a puncher's chance, and UNC and UM almost no chance, but you never know.

Wouldn't be surprised. I think it's a push between the 2 with IU having a teeny chance, but very unlikely. If he sees why he needs to see after the first couple visits he may hopefully pull the plug on wherever he's going and let everyone else move on.

 

[Cat Ballou]

Has Izzo had any major issues with players getting in trouble in recent years? I know both IU and UNC have had very well-publicized unfortunate episodes.

I guess I don't see the logic of Mom sending Miles far away for 3 years to focus on basketball and stay away from trouble, and all of a sudden in the most critical year - his probable OAD year - you're suddenly going to let him come home (or within 40 minutes of home) and go to college with a couple of his buddies?

There is also a quote from his sister about it being good for Miles to meet new people and travel all over the country. It just reads to me at the end of the day that this a family that is going to make a very practical choice and not be swayed by relationships and emotions.

I just think Cal would have a great sales pitch here.

 

[340duster340]

Has Izzo had any major issues with players getting in trouble in recent years? I know both IU and UNC have had very well-publicized unfortunate episodes.

I guess I don't see the logic of Mom sending Miles far away for 3 years to focus on basketball and stay away from trouble, and all of a sudden in the most critical year - his probable OAD year - you're suddenly going to let him come home (or within 40 minutes of home) and go to college with a couple of his buddies?

There is also a quote from his sister about it being good for Miles to meet new people and travel all over the country. It just reads to me at the end of the day that this a family that is going to make a very practical choice and not be swayed by relationships and emotions.

I just think Cal would have a great sales pitch here.

His family does seem very involved and levelheaded.
Flint indeed isn't the best area, that's for sure. But it's less than an hour from Breslin Center.
That said, playing with " buddies" implies they are local friends. Not true. Winston goes to school in Detroit, is an excellent student who has Harvard and Stanford offers. Ward is another AAU/ road teammate who is from Ohio( and played on the same HS team as current MSU player Javon Bess)
Relationships get built, friendships made, trust developes.
Izzo has been on Bridges and Winston a longtime. Both these kids have been on the MSU campus scores of times, they and they're families know Izzo intimately, and trust him( and have said so repeatedly)
His mom has been very involved in where he is currently, and will likewise be very involved in where he ends up.
If you are Izzo, you have to like the fact all the alumni players who have played for him and these kids know well, trust him and stay involved closely long after leaving East Lansing, and that mom trusts him as well. Almost uniquely do MSU basketball players remain family, and close.
The player friendships are secondary, but MSU has commitments from or offers to all three. That isn't true of anyone else.
Anything can happen, but Izzo is all in on Winston and Bridges. I wouldn't bet against him in this instance at all. Other battles I haven't felt this way about.

Edit to add..... With a Bridges and Winston commitment the possible MSU starting lineup could likely be
Winston. Point
Langford 2 guard
Bridges 3
Deyonta Davis 4( by most accounts a likely 2 year player, and well ahead of Payne coming in at same stage)
Nick Ward. 5
Possible return of Eron Harris for his senior season
Tum Tum
Javon Bess
Marvin Clark
Matt Mc Quaid

That roster would be a definate national championship calibre team, and likely the most talented roster Izzo has ever had, hands down

 

[wcc31]

The biggest quote in that article( by far) is his statement that he wanted to return home to play his senior year but mom wanted him to finish at Huntington........ And that..... Basically what mom says holds a ton of water.
It's no secret him mom loves Izzo, has known him and been around him forever, and trusts him.
That, and the chance to play with his buddy Cassius Winston make me think he is MSU bound, and that it's just a matter of time.

Yeah, we know, Spartan Homer. You've said the same thing 50x. Sounds like you're trying to convince yourself, actually.

 

[340duster340]

Yeah, we know, Spartan Homer. You've said the same thing 50x. Sounds like you're trying to convince yourself, actually.

Homer..... Lol

I didn't start this thread.... Which was based on a Michigan based local recruiting article from there... Mlive.
Recruits of interest are fair game to all involved parties. Quit with the panties in a bunch entitled comments.

 

[westerncat]

Cal has a good relationship with mom's over the years and Bridges mom sounds like a really good level headed mom. Hopefully Cal can convince them UK is the right place for Bridges.

 

[Cat Ballou]

We'll see - Izzo is the one guy I don't mind losing recruiting battles too.

I'm biased enough to think UK is the best choice for Miles, but he can't go wrong either way. IU and UNC on the other hand would be awful choices.

 

[GonzoCat90]

We'll see, but we've broken a lot of hearts and undone a lot of long-term relationships. I wouldn't hitch my hopes to the warm and fuzzies argument.

 

[stoneycat_20]

Lot of Flint guys go to MSU..I look for Bridges to do the same..Izzo has watched all his games at the nike challenge and the fab 48

 

[KyFord]

Both these kids have been on the MSU campus scores of times, they and they're families know Izzo intimately, and trust him

Intimately? Jesus man...

I still think he's Kentucky bound BTW...

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

Cal's gone in before and mangled the lines of relationship with mommas and other head coaches in the past. Noel's mom and G'Town staff; Goodwin's mom and Arkansas; Randle's mom with KU.

Bridges probably is favoring State right now, and Izzo's staff will push hard for a commitment so as to keep him away from Kentucky's BMM. That said, I think his intrigue with the UK program might push him through to BBM. If he makes it there, it really comes down to what type of kid he is. If he loves the glamor and the lights more than the prospect of staying close to home, he'll pick Kentucky.

The lone state fan in this thread seems to be thinking more about his own logic than what Bridges actually might be thinking.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

Lot of Flint guys go to MSU..I look for Bridges to do the same..Izzo has watched all his games at the nike challenge and the fab 48

So Izzo watching all his games acts as your evidence that Bridges is likely State-bound?

 

[340duster340]

Cal's gone in before and mangled the lines of relationship with mommas and other head coaches in the past. Noel's mom and G'Town staff; Goodwin's mom and Arkansas; Randle's mom with KU.

Bridges probably is favoring State right now, and Izzo's staff will push hard for a commitment so as to keep him away from Kentucky's BMM. That said, I think his intrigue with the UK program might push him through to BBM. If he makes it there, it really comes down to what type of kid he is. If he loves the glamor and the lights more than the prospect of staying close to home, he'll pick Kentucky.

The lone state fan in this thread seems to be thinking more about his own logic than what Bridges actually might be thinking.

MSU is on TV as much and plays as good a schedule( if not better)as anybody in the country, including Kentucky,and that's been the case for years and years. So glamour is far from lacking. If anything, MSU is probably watched by more fans.
Playing at MSU he will play in front of the biggest crowds on the road of any conference by far. He would be part of a team likely favored to win the national championship, with others who are already committed. He would actually get to play Kentucky his year there in the champions Classic.
And it isn't my logic, Bridges has been the primary focus of the MSU program well before Kentucky ever heard of him. Bridges works out, and worked out with Cleaves even before entering high school. So yes, he is intimate with the program, has watched countless games at Breslin center, and he and his family know Izzo extremely well. That's probably even an understatement. His mom and family can drive 45-50 minutes and see him play every home game, and no further and see the UM game( games).He has stated he wants to be a primary guy, he would be, zero doubt about it. And that pesky mom loves Izzo comment seems to come up constantly. The last " great thing" that left Michigan for UK certainly isn't a glowing beacon( James Young) thus far.
It's already been stated in several articles that if Bridges stays instate, him and Winston will play at the same school( be it UM or MSU) who have offered both. Winston isn't going to UK, not even an offer. Not an unimportant factor, when you figure both have also played a bunch with MSU commit Ward as well, who has tweeted he is in the ear daily of both.
Maybe he won't go to MSU, but it would surprise me if he didn't. Kentucky has gotten much of its press in this recruitment just from being Kentucky. If anything, I think Bridges interest in UK is overstated.

 

[KyFord]

Could you stop using the word intimate? You're making Izzo sound like Crean.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

1. MSU is on TV as much and plays as good a schedule( if not better)as anybody in the country, including Kentucky,and that's been the case for years and years. So glamour is far from lacking. 2. If anything, MSU is probably watched by more fans.
3. Playing at MSU he will play in front of the biggest crowds on the road of any conference by far. 4. He would be part of a team likely favored to win the national championship, with others who are already committed.

All of these first four points are your opinion, and if one were to do some digging regarding attendance and ratings, some of these points would actually be proven wrong, save perhaps the road crowd element - which by the way, is negated by the fact that UK draws the most fans nationally every year and sells out every road game. Your 4th point is really premature. Your assertion that State would be favored over a Tatum-Thornton-Giles Duke team or a Ayton-Monk-Ulis UK team almost borders on nonsensical. You also have no idea what Arizona, Kansas, or others will put on the floor.

Again, you're offering your opinion and treating it as a reality. It's not. You really don't know what Bridges will do. Why you're spending all this time trying to convince us (and primarily, yourself) that Bridges is a virtual lock for State, is natural. You're a fan, and I get that, but stop trying to portray an objective picture when in reality your view is that of a hopeful State fan who is publically ignoring most of the counter-elements to why Bridges might go elsewhere.

Can you live with the possibility your program never wins another title? If you start there, you might be better served to address these recruitments. In fact, for all your talk about not being hell-bent on landing any particular kid, you're apparently investing a large amount of time convincing yourself Bridges if Spartan-bound.

 

[340duster340]

It's not an opinion State plays on ESPN and CBS as much as anybody, it's a fact.
It's also a fact the B1G has led the nation in attendance forever. And guess what, MSU draws the biggest road crowds of anyone in the conference. It's the biggest game on any members schedule.
Any fan hopes they win more national championships. Based on Izzo's track record of getting to the final weekend, I like his chances of doing damage once there with the potential roster he might well get better than anyone's, Uk included.
And yes, that roster would likely be a favorite, if not the favorite, to win it all. Starters would likely all be a Burger boys, mixed in with veterans, and the most overachieving coach in the NCAA( and yes, Izzo has outperformed seed more than anybody in recent history) not speculation, fact.... Look it up. I like the chances
Izzo should have an extra title or two already, got a terrible break the year nobody was good and Duke won it 5 or 6 years ago losing easily his best player during the tourney( Lucas) and still getting to the FF, and getting ousted by an eyelash.
Yes, I am a homer, and yes, this is a friendly and knowledgable forum, I lkie it. But I am not going to roll over when we have a hall of famer with a track record of giving kids outstanding advice on where they are skill wise, pro's and cons to to staying or leaving, and extremely close family like alumni who stay extremely close to the program( Cleaves, Bell, Richardson, Green, Antonio Smith)and many others who have gotten that excellent advice, are local and involved with kids like Bridges.... And have way more clout and respect than many outside the program are aware of. Uniquely so compared to perhaps anybody else.

 

[Hoskins21]

Bridges has been quoted as saying that his mom really likes Calipari and UK as well. With what Bridges has been saying, what many experts are believing, and how this article reads, I really think Bridges ends up at UK.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

Yes, I am a homer.

It's not an opinion State plays on ESPN and CBS as much as anybody - You made the claim that they are probably watched by more fans than UK. That is an opinion, and one that is probably wrong.

And guess what, MSU draws the biggest road crowds of anyone in the conference - again, your statement was all-encompassing and made it sound like State draws more road fans than UK.You initially wrote that State draws more road fans than any team in any other conference, "by far". Again, very likely untrue if your measurement is "by far".

And yes, that roster would likely be a favorite, if not the favorite, to win it all - so you're going on record declaring State as more talented and more likely to win a title than a Tatum/Giles/Thornton/Kennard/Jeter or Ayton/Simmons/Monk/Lee/Ulis team?

Yes, I am a homer - The idea that you think State would be quantifiably more talented than the two potential rosters I just listed proves this point. I agree with you. You are indeed a homer, and that's completely fine, just so long as you know your points are all skewed as a result of your admitted world-view regarding State's potentials.

 

[340duster340]

Just listened to an interview given by Bridges from a Kentucky guy...... I like it.
When asked about Michigan State..
If I go there it will be like family, coach Izzo is like a father figure to me.
I listened to the whole interview, from an objective standpoint, no way that is statement can be discounted.
That said, let's see what happens, I will glady post on here if i am wrong with where he ends up.
Gotta give the homer reporter credit though, did a good job.

 

[Hoskins21]

Just listened to an interview given by Bridges from a Kentucky guy...... I like it.
When asked about Michigan State..
If I go there it will be like family, coach Izzo is like a father figure to me.
I listened to the whole interview, from an objective standpoint, no way that is statement can be discounted.
That said, let's see what happens, I will glady post on here if i am wrong with where he ends up.
Gotta give the homer reporter credit though, did a good job.

Does he want to be like family or support his family? Homer reporter? Most of the stuff you've posted has been pure homer garbage. .

 

[stoneycat_20]

So Izzo watching all his games acts as your evidence that Bridges is likely State-bound?

wow are you that dumb?..It means he is working his ass off to get him...

 

[smooth as butter]

Wish him luck wherever he goes.

 

[kentucky_wildcat_#1]

Like someone already said, it's nice coming back to a program after your playing days are over and having that family feel, but at the end of the day, feeling like family aint going to take care of your family. If the kid is serious about the nba, it will be hard to turn down Cal. Izzo does well in the tourney, that's no secret. Most of his teams that do well are always highly ranked to start the year. They usually lose a few games they shouldn't and come tourney time, they usually start playing the way they were supposed to play to start the year.

 

[340duster340]

His NBA aspirations won't be damaged going to MSU one iota. He will get great coaching, exposure, and excellent advice from a guy who knows, and gets advice from guys like Flip and Skiles, long time friends.
I am sure driving that point home is job one.
Pretty sure Bridges can count on great advice either way. Both have been around long enough to know where a kid will get picked.

 

[bucsrule8872]

His NBA aspirations won't be damaged going to MSU one iota. He will get great coaching, exposure, and excellent advice from a guy who knows, and gets advice from guys like Flip and Skiles, long time friends.
I am sure driving that point home is job one.
Pretty sure Bridges can count on great advice either way. Both have been around long enough to know where a kid will get picked.

Going to MSU over UK is a gamble when it comes to his NBA career.

Call it "The Kentucky Effect" or whatever you want, players have a better chance to get drafted and drafted higher if they go to UK.

I don't care if it is a "perceived" advantage or not, it is an advantage. Scouts want UK guys.

You can say it doesn't matter where kids go, and all that rhetoric, but it really does matter.

These kids we are talking about are putting their futures on the line and it is a gamble they are making with their careers by going to college. Pick the wrong place and you can drop a few spots. Pick the right one and you can jump up a few spots.

It might not really matter in your eyes, but it does to these kids, NBA scouts, NBA coaches, and NBA GMs.

These kids can lose millions by gambling that Izzo is as good as Cal at getting guys drafted high.

Especially when there is no evidence for Izzo being better than or equal to Cal.

NBA scouts, coaches, and GMs are gambling with their jobs by drafting UK players. I think they know a little something. Four lottery picks in 2015. There's a little bit of trust there.

 

[Montana81]

My head tells me Kentucky on this one but my guy says MSU. They haven't landed a truly elite prospect in a few years(Gary Harris was the last) so I think they're due.

Hopefully Izzo's lack of draft night success will help is but he does have Draymond green to point to as a success story even though he was a 4 year guy.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

wow are you that dumb?..It means he is working his ass off to get him...

Try again. He wrote it within the context of creating reasons for why he thinks Bridges is State-bound. You're the worst kind of contrarian because you can't even keep up with the substance you're trying to rebuke.