Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions for November 2017

2. Miles Bridges will average a double-double

Is this really that bold? Probably not, but for the sake of bold predictions, I’m going to say he will average somewhere in the range of 20 points and 13 rebounds. It’s been a while since Michigan State had a player average close to 20 points, but Bridges is likely the best player in college basketball.

For those worried that Bridges’ head may be inflated due to all the preseason hype and expectations, you shouldn’t be. He came back to school despite being a lottery pick in order to win a national title and get better as a player and person. He’s not in the business of hype because he already knows just how good he is and how good he can be.

Bridges worked hard all offseason to improve his handles, defense and shot. He was already a great rebounder, averaging 8.3 boards as a freshman, and he will only improve. He’s going to put up 13 boards per game through November. That’s not a sustainable number for a wing player throughout an entire season, though.

As for his offensive production, he will have at least two 30-point showings and they will each be against top teams. I’m going to say he puts up 30 against Duke and North Carolina, and maybe even Oregon or Notre Dame. All-in-all, he will average 20 points per game in the first month.