Michigan State basketball targeting WVU transfer Jalen Bridges

Tom Izzo and Michigan State basketball are looking into the portal for some roster upgrades for 2022-23. Jalen Bridges will be a top target.

For years, Tom Izzo had been hesitant to reach into the transfer portal or be too active in that realm because he didn’t exactly agree with it. But with Michigan State basketball having some glaring needs this offseason, it’s clear he needs to reach out and land a big name, or two.

In years past, he’s added guys like Bryn Forbes, Brandon Wood, Eron Harris, Joey Hauser, and Tyson Walker who have all had some success in the green and white, but he could afford to have a heavier hand in the portal. Michigan State has plenty of draw.

Well, with the season officially over, Izzo has turned his attention to offseason roster-building and has reached out to one of the top transfers on the market in West Virginia’s Jalen Bridges, according to Justin Thind of 247Sports.

Thind reported earlier in the day that Izzo and his staff planned on being very active in the portal this offseason with a handful of open scholarships potentially.

This is definitely a good sign.

Bridges would be a good fit with Michigan State basketball

While a wing isn’t exactly the top need (that distinction belongs to the center position), Bridges would be a fantastic replacement for Gabe Brown — assuming he moves on. Even if Brown does decide to come back or even Hauser, Brodges would add some depth and another scorer.

Bridges averaged 8.4 points and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 43 percent from the floor, 33 percent from deep, and 82 percent from the free throw line.

Plus, he has plenty of length which is what Izzo loves from his wings. He stands 6-foot-7 and has a 225-pound frame.

Doing a deeper dive into Bridges, I spoke to Evan Miyakawa who has his own transfer rankings and lists the West Virginia wing as a five-star and the third-best currently on the market.

"“(Bridges) was WVU’s most efficient offensive player this year, and being a redshirt freshman and considering his HS recruiting status, he has a lot of potential,” said Miyakawa."

It seems like Bridges is going to be highly sought-after this offseason but Michigan State is already making a strong push. He would pair nicely offensively with AJ Hoggard and Tyson Walker who could help get him the ball and set him up for instant success.

Michigan State is going to be aggressive this offseason. You just love to see it.