BREAKING: Jalen Bridges commits to Baylor over Alabama, Michigan State

Scott Drew and the Baylor basketball program picked up a big commitment when West Virginia’s Jalen Bridges gave his commitment to the coaching staff on Wednesday morning. Bridges committed to Baylor over Ohio State, Alabama and Michigan State.

Bridges (6-7, 220) is prototypical modern day wing with a 7-foot wingspan, top athleticism, three point range, effective defense and rebounding.  Bridges was a two-year starter for the Mountaineers. As a sophomore in 2021-2022, Bridges averaged 8.4 points,  4.8 rebounds and 1.0 steals while shooting 32.5% from three and 42.8% from the field.

In three career games against Baylor, Bridges averaged 9.0 points and 4.3 rebounds

After the season, Bridges decided to put his name in the transfer portal and ultimately narrowed his list before giving the Bears his pledge after a recent official visit to campus.  

What are the Bears Getting in Bridges?

• One of the most efficient offensive players in the Big12.  He was #1 in offensive efficiency in Big12 conference play according to KenPom in 2021 as a freshman and #4 in 2022.  
   
• A good shooter.  Bridges over two years shot 56% inside the 3 point arc; 36% from 3 point range and 79% from the foul line.  
   
• A solid rebounder particularly on the offensive glass.  Bridges finished #9 in offensive rebounding percentage in Big12 play this past season.  He was #11 in 2021.  
   
• He led the Big12 in turnover percentage the last two years.  He has committed only 38 turnovers in 61 career games.  
   
• He’s a defender made for modern day basketball.  A guy that can guard the perimeter with his quickness and the interior with his length.  This past season he averaged almost 2 combined steals and blocks per game.  
   
• A hard worker focused on skill development.  He has a reputation for being a great teammate and a guy that puts a lot of hours in the gym working on his craft.  

With this addition the Bears have an expected 11 of their 13 scholarships filled for next season.  They are waiting on a decision from Matt Mayer and might take another guard to replace the loss of Dillon Hunter who recently de-committed.