Michigan State Basketball: Constructing all-athlete team from Tom Izzo era

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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) /

Power Forward

Starter: Miles Bridges
Backup: Branden Dawson

This was a tough position to assign because Miles Bridges is more of a stretch four and played much better on the wing as a small forward, but in order to fit someone like Aaron Henry on this roster, I had to move him to power forward.

Is it crazy to think of Bridges as a power forward? No, because he actually had to play there on occasion as a freshman when post depth was seriously lacking.

The latest Flintstone was a fan favorite and it all started when his highlight-reel dunks circulated the internet during his recruitment. He was throwing down windmills and 360s in games and that opened everyone’s eyes to the type of athlete he was.

Everyone assumed he was a one-and-done player because his game translated well to the NBA, but he decided to unselfishly return for his sophomore season even though it ended on a sour note.

As his backup, Branden Dawson pre-knee injury was a monster. I remember watching him as a freshman and thinking that he could be a one-and-done player as well. He was out-jumping everyone and when he soared for rebounds, his head was around the rim and he made it look simple. Oh, and he had no problem throwing it down with authority.

If Dawson never got hurt, he could have had an even more impressive career and likely a short one. He could play on the wing, but he was best suited in the post because he didn’t have a consistent jumper and could defend anyone.

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