March 31--Michigan State can't match Wisconsin in terms of NBA prospects, but there is at least one.
CBS Sports analyst Doug Gottlieb believes that Denzel Valentine can make it in the league. The 6-5 junior stuffed the stat sheet in the Spartans' Elite Eight victory over Louisville, finishing with 15 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals.
"He's a pro," Gottlieb predicted. "He has to lose some weight and shore up his body, like Draymond Green did. He has so much talent and plays without a care in the world -- good or bad. Some of his shots and decisions ... jeez. But he's big and can handle (the ball) and score and pass. He can absolutely play in the league a long time."
Bruising forward Branden Dawson rates higher as a prospect on ESPN's and CBS Sports' web sites, but among the NBA evaluator, college coach and two analysts contacted by the Tribune, only the BTN's Jim Jackson sees him as a potential pro.
"Look at Reggie Evans," Jackson said. "He has carved out a 12-year career doing the dirty work. Dawson is more athletic and has the skill set to rebound. It's a matter of him being consistent in his effort."
Evans is listed at 6-foot-8 and 245 pounds. Dawson is listed at 6-6, 225.
"Too small," said the college coach. "He's an animal in college but he has no position in the NBA."
Added the NBA evaluator: "He might be a D-league guy who can develop some game."
Gottlieb has another idea: "He should play football. He has great hands, a great body. 6-5 guys in the NBA are 2-guards."
tgreenstein@tribpub.com
