Denzel Valentine

[mazda1]

MSU is very tough on the boards and that is a major Hawk weakness. JU struggles against physical defenders and you can be sure the refs will let them play. Size will be an issue for us. Our chances are better without DV in the mix, but we will still be a dog and will have to play very well to win.

I'd be in favor of starting Uhl for Sapp, but I doubt it happens. Don't sell the first league game jitters and physical play adjustments short. A VERY tough game for us.

 

[DanL53]

Well shoot there is a way to settle this how many guys play thing. Here are the stats for the season:

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/team/stats/_/id/127/michigan-state-Spartans

And here are the stats for the Kansas game:

http://espn.go.com/ncb/boxscore?gameId=400809204

Looks to me like Mich St. goes about nine deep. 25 fouls in the Kansas game, they need bodies to keep Izzo's method working.

 

[DavenportHawk8]

I get MSU plays 11 guys, but how many get double digit minutes?

I mean Fran plays 12 guys, but in the ISU game I think only 7 saw the floor? So coaches can play 11-13 players vs the Coppin States of the world, but once you get vs good competition and in the Big 10, how many will see double digit minutes?

Im guessing old Tommy boy will shorten is rotation a little.

 

[OnceAhawk]

We will be without Dale Jones, who while not the player Valentine is, would surely have been a guy we could have used effectively against MSU.

We need to back off Tum Tum Nairn and make him launch it from the cheap seats.

Every time Iowa plays a team with a player named "Tum Tum," bad things happen.

 

[icu81222]

if the officials call fouls like they have been in non-conference..MichSt will be in trouble especially without their leader...I guess we will see if B1G officials can stay the course or be swayed by the little general.

I've watched a few MSU games and the refs swallowed the whistle much like always. It was disheartening watching and thinking about Iowa playing against that thuggish style like usually happens.

 

[HawkPT]

What Chewback said. It was very likely a small but bothersome meniscal tear. It was removed, not repaired, and there was no articular cartilage issues. I have no inside information, but this scenario would allow a quick return like this.

 

[HawkPT]

What Chewback said. It was very likely a small but bothersome meniscal tear. It was removed, not repaired, and there was no articular cartilage issues. I have no inside information, but this scenario would allow a quick return like this.

 

[SpartyY]

Huh against KU it looked like he only played 7-8 guys? Must of been looking at the wrong game.

Schilling and Clark did not play in the Kansas game. Schilling just played his first game last Saturday.

 

[SpartyY]

So you're saying losing probably the front runner for B1G POY won't hurt MSU's play. Right.

Yes, I think Valentine is a big loss. The question was concerning MSU depth. They have it and I expect they will meet the challenge.

 

[Ronman]

So let me ask you SpartanJD. I notice you maybe another Sparty fellow are now posting on HR ...I'm sure prior to next weeks game. Curious ..do you do this for other schools?..kind of like a road trip on the internet> I mean I have never visited another B1G schools site (well maybe once or twice when something was going on)...but for sure have never posted.

I don't think the other schools poster could really care what I have to say...I guess my question is why are you here? How can we help you?

At least he chose a user name that identifies him as a MSU fan, unlike so many of our visitors from the West that sign up employing bogus Hawkeye-themed names. You guys know who you are.

 

[cleotishaywood]

Possibly the Iowa game(s)! Or at least a bit wobbly on the leg?

Normally this is where I'd say, "We want to play teams at their best because we're honorable and yada, yada". But this is Denzel Valentine and Michigan State!!! Take your time and heal well Valentine...take your time!!!!

He's expected to return on Feb. 14th.

 

[SDHawkDoc]

Certainly gives the Hawks a better chance to win as Valentine is their star this year.
I wouldn't put it past someone else on msu stepping up for a big breakout game. Sparty seems to do that against Iowa with regularity.