Freep via iSportsweb: MSU may not see another Denzel Valentine or Draymond Green

Brendan Wilneris an MSU writer for the Michigan-based sports website isportsweb.com. His opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the Detroit Free Press or its writers. Read isportsweb's column every week and follow Grant on Twitter @b_wilner16.

Michigan State basketball fans have had the pleasure of watching former MSU players Denzel Valentine and Draymond Green grow and mature right in front of their eyes. Valentine is currently being projected as a first rounder in this year's NBA draft, and Green is flourishing as a key part of the Golden State Warriors' back-to-back title run. A real question for MSU fans: Have they seen the last of that type of player come to MSU?

That type of player?

The one who stays four years.

The one who, as a freshman, not many thought would make an impact.

The one who, come their senior year, is getting National Player of the Year awards.

The one who is the hardest worker on the team.

The one who cares about developing their game in college before going pro.

The type of player MSU coach Tom Izzo wants.

Izzo loves that type of player, but the problem is the trend of one-and-dones. While there are still two- and three-star recruits who come out of nowhere, more and more athletes are leaving for the NBA draft after their freshman or sophomore year. MSU has only seen a few one-and-dones, most recently this season with Deyonta Davis. Before that, the only MSU athlete to go pro after his freshman year was Zach Randolph.

• Couch: Cavs should find a way to draft Denzel Valentine

A key factor in being a perfect player for Izzo is hard work. That is one of the biggest traits Izzo preaches to his players. Hard work will get you as far as you let it. Valentine worked his way into being the “guy” this past season. Being the “guy” meant he did everything. Most possessions went through him, or even started with him at the point. Valentine even became one of the best rebounders and shooters on the team.

Draymond Green averaged 3.3 points per game and 3.3 rebounds his freshman year at MSU. His senior year, he averaged 16.2 points and 10.6 rebounds.

It took him four years to develop his game at the college level and now he is one of the best players in the NBA Finals. Green has had potential since he arrived at MSU and he surprised many by becoming the player he is today,

I think it will be hard for MSU to get another Valentine or Green in the future. There will be many players that will come through that will stay for three or four years and be outstanding, but they won’t have the leadership qualities those guys had. Both players were leaders on the court. They were the commanders who did everything for their team.

It will be hard for fans to see a Michigan State team without that type of player, but that doesn’t mean the Spartans will be bad. It just means they will be different. This upcoming recruiting class is one of the best classes Izzo has ever had. Players who have all kinds of talent and have the potential to be good will highlight it. The only thing that could worry fans is the missing leadership -- and that is key.

Izzo has done a tremendous job with both of these players, and fans have been spoiled with their success. While Izzo is an amazing coach who can develop many players, Spartan fans likely won’t see another Valentine or Green for awhile.

Clarett's Folly wrote:So the article's premise is that MSU might never have another player come-in with little to no hype or fanfare, stay four years, win NPOTY honors, and go on to the NBA?
Compelling stuff.

Turtleneck wrote:

Clarett's Folly wrote:So the article's premise is that MSU might never have another player come-in with little to no hype or fanfare, stay four years, win NPOTY honors, and go on to the NBA?
Compelling stuff.

I think so. Listen, you need to throw MSU a bone before getting back to writing articles about Harbaugh's favorite deli meats.

Nordic wrote:Dumb articles are dumb