The Sixer Sense
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2018 NBA Draft Big Board 2.0: College basketball is here

By Owen Nelson

DURHAM, NC - NOVEMBER 04: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Duke Blue Devils moves the ball against the Bowie State Bulldogs at Cameron Indoor Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC - NOVEMBER 04: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Duke Blue Devils moves the ball against the Bowie State Bulldogs at Cameron Indoor Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 11: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats celebrates cutting down the net after winning the the Big East Basketball Tournament – Championship game against the Creighton Bluejays at Madison Square Garden on March 11, 2017 in New York City. The Wildcats won 74-60. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 11: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats celebrates cutting down the net after winning the the Big East Basketball Tournament – Championship game against the Creighton Bluejays at Madison Square Garden on March 11, 2017 in New York City. The Wildcats won 74-60. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

28. Mikal Bridges, SG/SF, Villanova

Incoming junior, Mikal Bridges, will be tasked with taking on a lead role for Villanova. With Josh Hart leaving for the pros and Kris Jenkins graduating, Bridges will have to make the step up and become a go-to option for the Wildcats. Bridges will play a pivotal role in Villanova’s success this season.

Last season, Bridges really improved in terms of his three-point shot — going from 29.9 percent in his freshman season to 39.3 percent in his sophomore season. Additionally, Bridges’ became extremely reliable at the charity stripe — knocking down 91.1 percent of his attempts. Bridges, however, must get to the line more often as he only attempted 1.6 free throws per game.

On the defensive side of the ball, Bridges showed he is a pesky defender. The shooting guard stole the ball an average of 1.7 times a game last season. Moreover, Bridges’ projects as a solid defender at the next level due to his great athleticism and length; Bridges reportedly has a ridiculous 7-foot-1 wingspan.

Bridges can be sloppy with the ball sometimes, he possesses a 2:1.3 assist-to-turnover ratio. It’s likely that Bridges will enter the NBA next year, it’s imperative that Bridges works on an improves his handle. Moreover, Bridges must become more of a reliable shooter, at times we went invisible from behind the arc.

Due to Bridges’ role increasing, he’ll have more time to show the NBA just how good he can be. It’s a great chance to boost his draft stock, similar to how many upperclassmen have boosted their draft stock in recent years because of more playing time.