NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. — Miles Bridges has been one of the most impressive players here at the Peach Jam, with coaches like Kentucky’s John Calipari and Michigan State’s Tom Izzo among those regularly watching his games.
The Michigan native currently features a list of eight schools — Michigan State, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, North Carolina, N.C. State, Iowa State and Louisville — but plans to cut his list after Peach Jam.
“Shortly after Peach Jam I will [cut it] down to a top five,” he said Friday night after going for 25 points and 7 rebounds in an 89-66 loss to Houston Hoops.
For now all the schools are equal, he says.
“My top eight, they’re working the hardest, I wouldn’t single out any schools,” he said. “Just my top eight.”
The 6-foot-7 small forward from Huntington (W.V.) Prep plans to visit Michigan State Sept. 12 for the Oregon football game and will then visit Kentucky for Big Blue Midness in October.
The Michigan State appeal is similar to that of Michigan: going home to where his mother lives.
“It’s a real good appeal,” he said. “I haven’t been home to play since my freshman year and it will be a real good experience.”
As for Coach Izzo’s message, “He’s just saying, ‘Stay at home and play in front of family and friends that haven’t seen you play in a while, and I’ll be a good fit for them.'”
Kentucky has its own message.
“They’re saying I’m the perfect fit for them,” he said. “I’ll start right away, I’ll basically just develop out there.”
Kentucky has a clear track record of sending guys to the NBA and he likes that.
“I’ve been dreaming about going to the NBA for a long time,” he said.
Bridges says if he goes to Michigan or Michigan State, “I’ll have [teammate] Cassius [Winston] go with me. but if I go to Kentucky or anywhere else, Cassius won’t go with me.”
