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25 - Mikal Bridges

6-7, 210 Shooting Guard/Small Forward
Villanova Junior
Birthday
08/30/96 (27.6 yrs)
Hometown
Malvern, PA
High School
Great Valley
Team Site Profile
Statistics
Athleticism
8
Size
9
Defense
9
Strength
7
Quickness
8
Leadership
7
Jump Shot
9
NBA Ready
9
Ball Handling
7
Potential
7
Passing
6
Intangibles
9

NBA Comparison: Otto Porter/Robert Covington

Strengths: Prototypical 3-and-D wing for the next level … 6-7 guard/forward with elite length, athleticism and skill set … Has evolved from being a defensive standout to one of the best outside shooters and wings on the college level … Quite possibly the best two way player available in this year’s draft, and figures to be one of the most NBA ready as well … Hits three pointers at a high volume, 2.5 three pointers on just under 6 shots per game … Has a very polished 3-point shot. Great form, accuracy and confidence in his shot: Gets his feet set quickly, has a quick release, good elevation, follow through, and shows range and consistency … Does most of his damage offensively as a spot up shooter … Nearly 50% of his shots come from behind the 3point arch where he is extremely efficient (43% from 3)… Has improved his ability to attack the rim off the bounce and finish with dunks … A +6 or +7 length body type … His 7-foot wingspan allows him to get shots off with ease as well as being a difficult match up on the defensive end … Excels on the defensive end and is disruptive with his great length … Gets in a low defensive stance and covers a lot of ground making it difficult for opponents to get clean looks … Doesn’t gamble for steals and has learned to play sound, fundamental defense after 4 years under Jay Wright at Villanova. He plays the passing lanes well, and is tough to get shots off on due to his length … An extremely efficient overall offensive player shooting (51.6 fg%, 42.9% 3p, and 84.7% ft) … Has improved considerably in his junior season going from a key role player to a star (10 ppg to 18 PPG) on the college level and Villanova’s go-to athletic scorer … Has become known for being a clutch shooter, and seems to elevate his play in big moments … Level headed player who rarely loses his cool … Solid decision maker, 2.1/1.4 a/to rate …

Weaknesses: The biggest knock on Bridges is his lack of strength. Not an overly physical player … His 2.8 FTs made on 3.4 attempts show that he doesn’t attack the rim and get to the line a great deal. His FTA/FGA ratio is below 30% at 28.0% … Has worked hard at adding muscle mass, but remains on the thin side at 210 lbs for a player about to turn 22. Could stand to add another 10 lbs, which would help him to finish through contact and play more physical at both ends. Though he may be a player that lacks the natural body type to carry more weight … He would also better utilize his great free throw shooting ability by playing more physical and attacking the rim … Playing alongside one of the nation’s best point guards (Jalen Brunson) for his entire college career has been a huge positive for Bridges, but it has also kept him from having to develop as an isolation player … Has displayed some ability to get to the rim off the bounce and pull up, but remains more of a catch and shoot guy than a driver (96.4% of his 3 pointers come off of assists) … Took some time to break into a star … Red-shirted the 2014-15 season, practicing with the team … Will turn 22 on August 30th, and therefore has maturity but less upside than a number of his fellow draft prospects… Foot speed is solid, especially laterally, but not exceptional … A good leaper but not great with contact and struggles some to finish after contact or rebound in traffic despite his length … Generally goes right, so could improve upon attacking off the dribble using his left hand … Vision and passing a work in progress. Not really a facilitator or a guy that creates open looks for teammates with the drive and dish … More of a lead by example type, could work on being more vocal now that he’s one of the team’s stars …

Notes: Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA… Has 3 brothers Eric (26), Jack (16) and Korey (13). Parents are Tyneeha Rivers and Jack Devine … Committed to Villanova on 6/26/13 … Was a four star recruit in the Class of 2014 coming out of Great Valley High School in Malvern, PA … Entering college he was ranked 81st in the nation by 247Sports.com, 82nd in the nation by ESPN, 95th in the nation by Rivals … Measured 6’6 (with shoes) 178 lbs with a 7’0.5 wingspan at the 2013 Kevin Durant Skills Academy …

Aran Smith 3/11/18
 

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