By RYAN FISH
CHICAGO — While several of the nation’s best high school players try to make a statement at this week’s Nike Global Challenge, Miles Bridges decided to make an exclamation point during his first game instead.
The 6-foot-7 Bridges shined with 17 points and five boards in 25 minutes as USA Midwest beat Canada 100-87 Thursday afternoon at Whitney Young High School. What was most striking, however, was a number of impressive dunks from the Huntington (W.V.) Prep prospect, including a highlight reel alley-oop slam in the closing minutes.
“I mean, it’s fun,” Bridges said with a laugh when asked about his dunks. “When I get on the fast break, I know it’s gonna happen.”
For schools looking for a commitment from Bridges, his stock continues to rise. Bridges announced his Top five of Michigan, Michigan State, Kentucky, North Carolina and Indiana (in no particular order) on Twitter earlier this week, but he isn’t leaning one way in particular. All of his Top five schools have given him an offer.
“My Top Five is mainly based on communication and how comfortable I am with the coaching staff,” Bridges said.
Bridges said Michigan State, Kentucky and Michigan have recruited him the hardest so far, but Indiana and a recent offer from North Carolina are also being considered. He said that he only recently gave Tar Heels coach Roy Williams his mom’s phone number.
Representatives from each of those schools attended the Challenge Thursday, including Michigan head coach John Beilein and Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo.
“It’s a great feeling, because I know they’re here to watch me,” Bridges said. “So I gotta bring my ‘A’ game every time I play.”
For now, Bridges is trying to enjoy his time playing at the Challenge and hopes to continue winning.
“Yeah, [being here] is a real good feeling because I know all these guys and it’s top competition, too,” Bridges said. “And I know my work ethic has brought me here.”
