We continue our series, breaking down the careers, both in the NCAA and NBA, of Michigan State Basketball’s six First-Team All-Americans. Today, we look at the career of the versatile, intelligent, dynamic, position-less Denzel Valentine.
Having Valentine ranked fifth on this list might catch me some flack by Michigan State fans, as he was fantastic, particularly in 2015-16, where he made the First-Team All-American list, while also becoming Michigan State’s first-ever Associated Press National Player of the Year. It’s not really a slight on Valentine, I just think what the other players have accomplished is slightly more significant, but if you made a list where Valentine is right under Magic Johnson, I would not argue with you.
Valentine was fantastic in his Senior season, averaging 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game, leading Michigan State to their fifth Big Ten Championship. Maybe I would’ve had Valentine ranked higher if not for his disappointing performance in the Spartans’ loss to 15-seed Middle Tennessee in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, which is one of the worst upsets in NCAA history.
Despite the upset, Valentine was able to boost his draft stock over the season. Originally slated to go undrafted, he was drafted 14th to the Chicago Bulls. Valentine had a mini-breakout season in 2017-18 for the Bulls, but unfortunately did not see the floor this year, suffering a devastating injury before the season.
