It would be difficult to find a college player who ascended so much in one year than Denzel Valentine, who went from Third Team All-Big Ten as a junior to being named Associated Press College Basketball Player of the Year as a senior. The 6-foot-5 wing simply did some of everything for Michigan State, which included leading his conference in both scoring (19.2) and assists (7.8). By tossing in 7.5 rebounds, he became the first player in the last 20 seasons to average at least 19 points, seven assists and seven boards. Plus, the First Team All-American has a sweet stroke from deep, as he led the Big Ten in 3-pointers (102) and 3-point percentage (41.6) as a junior, then ranked in the top three for both categories this year.
Denzel Valentine (SG/SF — Michigan State)
- 2016 Associated Press College Basketball Player of the Year
- 2016 First Team All-American
- 2016 Julius Erving Award (Best Small Forward)
- 2016 Lute Olson Award (Best Non-Freshman)
- 2016 Big Ten Player of the Year
- 2016 Big Ten Tournament Most Outstanding Player
19.2 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 7.8 apg, 1.0 spg, 0.2 bpg, 46.2 FG%, 44.4 3P%
Combine Measurements
Body Fat Percentage: 9.2
Hand Length (Inches): 8.5
Hand Width (Inches): 9.75
Height (Without Shoes): 6'4
Height (With Shoes): 6'5.75
Standing Reach: 8'6
Weight: 210.4
Wingspan: 6'10.75
From the Expert