Malvern native Mikal Bridges, who averaged 8.3 points and 3.2 rebounds in 29.5 minutes per game during his rookie season with the Phoenix Suns, has remained in Phoenix during the NBA offseason to spend more time honing his skills, writes Cody Cunningham for NBA.com.

“I feel like I’m young, so I just stay around, and I like being out here in the first place,” said Bridges. “Living at my spot in Phoenix and just being around knowing I’m here working.”

The Great Valley High School graduate is now embracing Phoenix as his new home.

“I’ve lived here for almost a year, so I’m already accustomed to it,” he said.

Bridges visited his family in Chester County when the season first ended, but he soon returned to Arizona to work on his craft. He was equally committed during his offseasons at Villanova University, where he blossomed from a redshirt into a two-time national champion.

In addition to training, Bridges will use the time to connect with the Suns’ new head coach, Monty Williams.

“Real good coach,” said Bridges. “Real good guy, too.”

Read more about Mikal Bridges at NBA.com here.