Fairmont Native, Former WVU F Jalen Bridges Declares for NBA Draft

Fairmont native, and former WVU F Jalen Bridges declared for the 2023 NBA Draft on Saturday afternoon. Bridges is entering his name into the draft, while maintaining his college eligibility.

Bridges posted the following statement on his social media pages.

“First and foremost, I want to thank God for blessing me with the ability to play the game I love. I want to thank my family and friends for always being there for me through it all. Last but certainly not least, I want to thank coach [Scott] Drew and the entire coaching staff, my teammates, and all of the Baylor fans for their support throughout my time in Waco. I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to build relationships that I’ll cherish forever and to play for such an amazing program.”

“Playing in the NBA has always been a dream of mine and I feel that now is the right time to take a step to make my dream, reality. I will continue to work hard and make the most of this opportunity, and I look forward to what the future holds. Thank you all for your continued support. After much thought and consideration, I’d like to announce that I have decided to explore the NBA Draft process while maintaining my eligibility. Sic ‘Em Bears!”

💚 pic.twitter.com/t9Edx5R637

— jb (@jalenbridgess) April 22, 2023

Bridges attended Fairmont Senior High School, contributing to consecutive West Virginia State Class AA Title appearances. Bridges was a 4-star prospect coming out of high school, committing to WVU and staying home. Bridges spent two seasons playing at West Virginia, becoming a full-time starter for a year-and-a-half. Bridges averaged 7.3 points and 4.2 rebounds through 61 games for the Mountaineers.

Bridges entered the transfer portal in March 2022, leaving WVU for Big 12 companion Baylor. Bridges averaged 10.3 points and 5.6 rebounds on 50 percent shooting from the field. The Fairmont native returned to Morgantown to play his former school back in January. Bridges recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Bridges has two years of eligibility if he decides to return to college.

Baylor F Jalen Bridges walking into the coliseum for the first time since transferring from West Virginia last offseason pic.twitter.com/cn55DfZyK2

— Ethan Bock (@ethanbock_) January 11, 2023