Miles Bridges, Nick Ward: MSU's most dynamic freshman duo makes mark
TULSA, Okla. – Magic Johnson, Nick Ward.
Shawn Respert, Miles Bridges.
That’s how Michigan State’s freshman scoring records now read, one through four.
Bridges and Ward became the most productive rookie duo in program history this season, combining for 958 points and 459 rebounds between them. It’s exceptional and historic considering the company they each keep individually.
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Johnson scored 511 points over 30 games during his first season in 1977-78. Respert, now third, scored 474 in 30 games during his redshirt freshman season in 1991-92.
Ward moved into second place with 32 points during MSU’s two-game NCAA tournament run, finishing his debut season with 485 points while playing in all 35 of the Spartans’ games.
Had he not missed seven games this season with an ankle injury, Bridges could have taken a run at Magic’s mark. Instead, the Flint native finished with 473 points – one shy of Respert – in his 28 games. Bridges scored 40 points in the NCAA tourney, including 22 against Kansas, and broke Scott Skiles’ single-game freshman scoring mark with 33 points in a loss to Purdue on Jan. 24.
“We gave it all we had both games. I don't have any regrets about this team,” Bridges said after Sunday’s 90-70 loss to Kansas. “We played hard. We played to the best of our ability. And I love my team for that. And we have a special bond together. So I wouldn't trade this year for nothing.”
The duo also produced one of the best rebounding seasons for a freshman, individually and together. Bridges’ 232 rebounds rank third to Johnson’s 237 and Greg Kelser’s 260 in 1975-76. Ward’s 227 ranks fourth, just ahead of Zach Randolph’s 221 in 2000-01.
The NCAA did not allow freshmen to play varsity in college basketball until the 1972-73 season.
Bridges and Ward combined to score more points and grab more rebounds than Johnson and Jay Vincent (329 points, 110 boards) did together during their first season at MSU.
The next year, as sophomores, Johnson and Vincent went on to win a national title together.
Contact Chris Solari: csolari@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter@chrissolari.