MSU Red Cedar Message Board

He has all the tools to be a great point guard.

I'm really looking forward to seeing him play at State. He has a very patient, fluid game. . . using either hand to dribble or shoot as the need arises, and forces defenses to guard him with at least two defenders before he makes his decision to pass. He uses all passing lanes, and because he is a big guy he has more passing lanes available than smaller players. He has some physicality, but it is clearly his game management that is so intriguing. It will be fun watching Coach Izzo plug his talents into the mix. . .

I could see this being Izzo's best post-Flintstones recruiting class ever.

Anybody with me?

2008 did deliver 2 Final Fours. I know that had Delvon never been injured, Korie kept his nose clean and Day Day developed exactly how he did, it would have been an amazing four years; but all in all, they did right by us.

Still seems like these 4 guys could be better.

The dude was just a freshman this year? I know all he did was catch and dunk on that video, but still, pretty impressive.

Manuel isn't 50

#50 is Jalen Hayes, he has offers from Eastern Michigan , Toledo, and Depaul. I am sure he has a few more maybe from U of D and some others.

Edit - He recently just picked up an offer from Central Michigan.

But to get back on topic, Denzel is just a terrific passer. Cant wait to see how Izzo uses/ develops him

Damn.

The force is strong with this one.

Plus remember, Izzo likes players who are winners. He feels he doesn't have to teach them how to win.
Denzel (like Day-Day) is a 2-time state champ.

GREAT video. I'm a huge Valentine fan.

Come March 2013 this could be the rotation...

pg: Appling/Valentine
sg: Harris/Kearney (defensive stopper)
sf: Dawson
pf: Costello (Payne)
c: Nix/Payne

fill: Trice, Byrd (only sees more minutes if he can consistently hit the three), Gauna, Kaminski (redshirt?)

...in 2013 we seem a tad young to win it all and there are some holes to fill. The team needs a deadly 3 point shooter, a reliable leader and someone to step up at the #4 spot. If we solve two of those three problems we'll make a very good showing in the tourney, perhaps Great 8 or better.

If everyone stays, 2014 could be a championship season. You'd have that critical senior point guard in Appling to go along with seasoned superstars like Harris and Dawson and potential super freshmen like Jabari Parker and/or James Young (the 3 point shooters we need?). When you start filling those mentioned with guys like Payne, Costello, Kaminski, Gauna, Valentine, Kearny, Trice, and Byrd, that would make for a powerful team.

Of all the guys I listed, I'm most excited to see Valentine and how he develops. Given that his parents are Spartans, his dad played hoops at MSU, he's a coaches son, he's a proven winner with back to back state championships under his belt etc. he's going to have a leg up on the transition from HS to college. Growing up in Lansing, he knows the lay of the land and he's not far from home. He's got a lot going for him already that others don't. He can really concentrate on his game if he wants to. If he makes it a goal, I think he could win that backup point guard spot and get good minutes as a PG by the years end. It's going to be fun to watch him.