After Jalen Brunson last February, it’s the turn of Mikal Bridges to be honored by Villanova. Like his former traveling companion, now at the Knicks, the Nets player saw his jersey retired by the University of Pennsylvania.
The ceremony took place at halftime of a meeting between the Wildcats and Maryland, won by the locals (57-40).
“ It’s really special. I never really thought this would ever happen. But it’s really special to have been there for four years and to see everything we’ve accomplished collectively and as part of this program. It is an honor », delivers the very probable future All-Star, quoted by the New York Post.
Well-deserved honor given that the winger was involved in two university titles, in 2016 and especially in 2018, a year during which he averaged nearly 18 points and 5 rebounds. His excellent career path allowed him to be selected in 10th place in the 2018 Draft. The Sixers selected him before immediately trading him to the Suns for Zhaire Smith.
“ I left with a degree and tried to play. That’s really it, I was just trying to get minutes every year. Nothing more than that frankly. It all comes from playing well and winning », summarizes Mikal Bridges who, after his years of development with the Suns, has changed his status in the NBA since his arrival at the Nets. But before all that, there was Villanova.
“ Honestly, I probably wouldn’t be the player I am without Jay Wright (editor’s note: his former coach, present at the ceremony), and without everyone here. It’s a story about mental toughness, going through tough times and being able to overcome adversity. He showed me how to work hard. I thought I was working hard until I got to college, and even when I was, I still felt like I wasn’t doing enough », Books Mikal Bridges.
His work has helped him become one of the most promising young players in the league. To the point of being called upon for the American selection, during the last World Cup, and of being one of the most productive players.
| Mikal Bridges | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2018-19 | PHX | 82 | 30 | 43.0 | 33.5 | 80.5 | 0.7 | 2.5 | 3.2 | 2.1 | 2.5 | 1.6 | 0.9 | 0.5 | 8.3 |
| 2019-20 | PHX | 73 | 28 | 51.0 | 36.1 | 84.4 | 0.9 | 3.1 | 4.0 | 1.8 | 2.2 | 1.4 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 9.1 |
| 2020-21 | PHX | 72 | 33 | 54.3 | 42.5 | 84.0 | 1.1 | 3.2 | 4.3 | 2.1 | 1.6 | 1.1 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 13.5 |
| 2021-22 | PHX | 82 | 35 | 53.4 | 36.9 | 83.4 | 0.9 | 3.3 | 4.2 | 2.3 | 1.8 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 14.2 |
| 2022-23 * | All Teams | 83 | 36 | 46.8 | 38.2 | 89.5 | 1.0 | 3.4 | 4.4 | 3.3 | 1.9 | 1.1 | 1.5 | 0.7 | 20.1 |
| 2022-23 * | PHX | 56 | 36 | 46.3 | 38.7 | 89.7 | 1.0 | 3.3 | 4.3 | 3.6 | 2.1 | 1.2 | 1.4 | 0.8 | 17.2 |
| 2022-23 * | BRK | 27 | 34 | 47.5 | 37.6 | 89.4 | 0.9 | 3.6 | 4.5 | 2.7 | 1.6 | 1.0 | 1.8 | 0.6 | 26.2 |
| 2023-24 | BRK | 12 | 34 | 45.2 | 29.5 | 84.3 | 1.3 | 4.9 | 6.3 | 3.8 | 1.9 | 1.2 | 2.5 | 0.4 | 20.5 |
| Total | 404 | 32 | 49.3 | 37.2 | 85.6 | 0.9 | 3.2 | 4.1 | 2.4 | 2.0 | 1.3 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 13.4 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
