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Michigan State Basketball: Constructing ideal Tom Izzo era NCAA Tournament team

By Connor Muldowney

DETROIT - APRIL 06: Kalin Lucas #1 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts in the second half against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the 2009 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship game at Ford Field on April 6, 2009 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
DETROIT - APRIL 06: Kalin Lucas #1 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts in the second half against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the 2009 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship game at Ford Field on April 6, 2009 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – JANUARY 31: Miles Bridges #22 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts to a play during a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the second half at Breslin Center on January 31, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – JANUARY 31: Miles Bridges #22 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts to a play during a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the second half at Breslin Center on January 31, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

Small Forward: Miles Bridges (2016-18)

Is this recency bias? Maybe, but Miles Bridges is arguably the most talented player Tom Izzo has ever coach — along with Jaren Jackson Jr. The star small forward beat out greats like Morris Peterson for this spot, but he would bring athleticism, shooting and shot-blocking to the small forward position which no Tom Izzo-coached player has had before.

Must Read: MSU Basketball: 5 reasons Spartans can make the Final Four

Bridges is a ‘blue-collar superstar’ and his hard work and positive attitude is what makes him one of the most beloved Spartan players in recent memory. Well that, and the fact that he turned down millions of dollars in the NBA to come back for his sophomore year to try and win a national title.

Making this all-time tournament team will mean much more if he’s able to lead the Spartans to the Final Four this season.

Bridges is playing his best when he’s aggressive and plays with a chip on his shoulder. Often times, he’s too nice and looks for teammates when he could take his opponent to the rim or look for his own shot. That must change, but he has that capability.

Next: MSU Basketball: 5 biggest concerns before NCAA tourney

Just imagine him in a lineup with Kalin Lucas, Draymond Green, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Denzel Valentine. That team would be unstoppable.

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