Spartans building statement class
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Thanks to Miles Bridges, Michigan State is putting together what could be the most touted recruiting class the Big Ten has seen since Ohio State landed Greg Oden, Mike Conley and Daequan Cook in 2006.
A 6-foot-6 forward who ranks No. 11 in the 2016 Rivals150, Bridges attends Huntington (W.V.) Prep but returned to his hometown of Flint, Mich. to announce that he would come home again for college by picking Tom Izzo and the Spartans.
Let's first look at who Bridges is and what he means to the program going forward. Then we'll touch on where this class could rank nationally in 2016 and in Spartan history.
One of the most physically tough players in high school basketball, Bridges plays a style that is comparable to the way Ron Artest (aka Metta World Peace) played at the same age. He pounds the glass, powers to the rim for dunks, plays above average defense and an be a playmaker off the dribble. Bridges has continued to work on his jump shot and has room to expand his game with his shooting.
Because of his versatility, Bridges can play and fit in any kind of style. Grind it out test of manhood, track meet, or well executed halfcourt game he is comfortable and productive.
Add him to the class that the Spartans have already put together and you have a potentially special group. 6-foot-6 wing Joshua Langford is a five-star prospect who ranks No. 18 nationally. Point guard Cassius Winston is a Michigan grown point guard who ranks No. 28 nationally while power forward Nick Ward is a big with soft hands and touch who ranks No. 45 overall.
The haul will give Michigan State the country's top 2016 group to this point when team rankings get updated on Tuesday.
Also, the Spartans figure to be a major player in the race for No. 1 Josh Jackson so there's still room to get even better.
The 2016 group has to live up to a lofty reputation and produce like great Spartans teams of the past so it will be some time until we can truly evaluate it. But, it has a chance to be one of the best classes in school history and is as good a class as the Big Ten has seen in quite some time.
Izzo has always been lauded for the teams he has put on the floor and his success, but his 2016 recruiting efforts are a clear reminder that he can also recruit with the best of them.
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