Remember that unsettling feeling before getting your test results? Remember the night before the actual day of the results? If you remember that feeling, then you can resonate with those young guys who did not have their names called on night one of the 2024 NBA Draft. One of them was Jalen Bridges, who would be hoping to have his name called. After the first 30 names were called, there was no mention of Jalen Bridges. Among the 12 forwards who were presented with the chance to go up to the stage and stand next to Adam Silver, Bridges wasn’t one of them. Now if you’re wondering who is Jalen Bridges, without delay, dive deeper.

Who is Jalen Bridges? Born in 2001 in Fairmont, West Virginia, Bridges had basketballer’s blood in his veins. His father, Corey Bridges, was a hooper and a champion too. He was in the last class who brought the AAA state basketball championship to Fairmont in 1996. After 20 years, Jalen repeated the feat by bringing the prize to Fairmont Senior. “I watched the state championship game they won. He was very talented. He made me the player I am today, so he must have been all right,” Jalen said about his old man during an interview.

2020 was a big year for Jalen. Already 6’9″ in shoes and 225 lbs in weight and with a 6’10” wingspan, joined West Virginia. It is worth mentioning that this is where Jalen met the love of his life. His girlfriend, Maddox Cherry went to the same college and holds a Master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communication. Jalen often posts pictures of him and his girlfriend on social media and the couple have been together since 2020.

Jalen Bridges’ College Career Highlights

In 2020, Jalen, already 6’9″ in shoes and 225 lbs in weight and with a 6’10” wingspan, joined West Virginia. With the Mountaineers, he had an encouraging start with a Big 12 All-Freshman Team selection. The figures soared the next season with 8.4 PPG and 4.8 rebounds. In the 2022-23 season, Jalen found his rhythm after switching to Baylor and finished the season with a 10.3-5.6-1.0 stat line. But his shooting caught the eye the most with an impressive 50.6% from the floor.

Last season, his numbers improved immensely as he recorded a career-high 12.2 points per game from 46.6% shooting. His biggest improvement was in his numbers from the deep. Apart from being an adept floor spacer, his tendency to let it fly on a quick release makes him a formidable threat. His 3-pts accuracy and free throw numbers went up and stopped at 41.2% and 82.3% respectively.

According to Jalen’s high-school scouting report, he has a finesse to his game and is also a quick mover across the hardboard. His strength and defensive product leave room for desire but is deemed as a solid two-way threat. Jalen’s All-Big 12 third-team selection was a testament to his hustle on the court. Despite not being selected in the first round, there is still a chance for him in night 2 and there are some interesting names who can tap into his raw talent.

Potential Landing Spot for Jalen Bridges

After the Celtics showed the way with their multiple two-way threats and ball handlers on the court at the same time, other franchises might look to replicate the blueprint. Of course, one might argue that the Warriors of the last decade were the pioneers of this style of play, but that was a team of juggernauts. Now coming back to the matter at hand, Jalen Bridges is the type of player a franchise looks for in that role. Now one might argue, then why wasn’t he selected in round one? Fair question and the answer was provided already. 12 forwards were drafted in round one.

Interestingly, Jalen Bridges had a workout with the Lakers before the draft. If sense takes a sober path, Bridges could be Lakers-bound, be it as a pick or as an undrafted free agent. Now the pick in round two will possibly be reserved for Bronny James. But if Bronny gets snapped up early, then the Lakers can draft Bridges to add more dynamism to their roster. Even a potential trade is on the cards.

The other team with eyes on Jalen is the Mavs. The 2024 NBA Finals are looking for that 3 and D threat and Jalen fits the profile. Where will Jalen Bridges’s unique skills and potential take him in the NBA? Comment below!

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what brand maker, Leonard Armato, had to say about the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe, check out this video