7 Must-Watch NCAA Tournament First Round Games for Hawks Fans

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ROSEMONT, IL – FEBRUARY 17: Michigan State Spartans guard Miles Bridges (22) celebrates with Michigan State Spartans forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (2) after a play in the second half during a college basketball game between the Northwestern Wildcats and the Michigan State Spartans on February 17, 2018, at the All State Arena in Rosemont, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

No. 3 Michigan State vs. No. 14 Bucknell

Though the Bucknell Bisons’ all-time leading scorer and current Hawk Mike Muscala will be watching this game with a clear rooting interest, less invested Hawks fans will be able to gauge the temperature on Michigan State’s two major NBA prospects: Jaren Jackson Jr. and Miles Bridges.

We are extremely high on Triple J here at Soaring Down South, believing him to be a worthy pick as high as number 3 overall (Ayton and Luka Doncic are the clear-cut top 2). Jackson has a 6’10”, 225-lb frame that has still not filled out fully, but his length and size are clearly set up to play in an NBA frontcourt.

Pairing Jackson at center with John Collins at power forward would make for a torture chamber on defense, as Jackson’s defensive upside is almost limitless. Those two combined would automatically create one of the most athletic and promising frontcourts in the NBA.

Jackson is also one of the youngest players in this draft at 18 ½ years, even younger than Luka Doncic, Marvin Bagley and Kevin Knox out of Kentucky.

Again, if Atlanta falls to a lower spot in the draft, combo forward/wing Miles Bridges from Michigan State might also be available. An athletic, NBA-ready wing who can defend in space on the perimeter and light it up from downtown (a career 37.8% shooter from deep in college), Bridges would immediately come into the Hawks franchise as one of its best options backing up Taurean Prince.