By Sam Hosey Jr.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Sexton rising junior Denzel Valentine picked up a scholarship offer from Michigan coach John Beilein on Monday morning, giving the 6-5 forward another solid offer.
Valentine has already picked up offers from Xavier, Southern Cal and some other mid-major offers. Big Ten schools like Michigan, Wisconsin and Michigan State have been watching him for some time, but the Wolverines are the first to pull the trigger.
Many are curious to see how things will play out as Valentine is a possible "legacy" recruit for Michigan State. Valentine's father and high school coach, Carlton Valentine, played at MSU in the mid-80s for Jud Heathcote. So the question I've been asked at least a dozen times is, 'would Carlton let his son play for U-M?'
I've talked to "V" (as we call the elder Valentine) about this a few times and he has no problem with it. While he has a lot of love for his alma mater, this is about what's best for his son and if Michigan is the best fit for Denzel, then so be it.
It will be interesting to watch Valentine's recruitment unfold, as he's just a junior. But many (like me) have Sexton pegged as the prohibitive favorites this coming season in Class B. If the Big Reds live up to that level of success, then expect to see a lot of college coaches over on the west side of Lansing over the next year or so.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Sexton rising junior Denzel Valentine picked up a scholarship offer from Michigan coach John Beilein on Monday morning, giving the 6-5 forward another solid offer.
Valentine has already picked up offers from Xavier, Southern Cal and some other mid-major offers. Big Ten schools like Michigan, Wisconsin and Michigan State have been watching him for some time, but the Wolverines are the first to pull the trigger.
Many are curious to see how things will play out as Valentine is a possible "legacy" recruit for Michigan State. Valentine's father and high school coach, Carlton Valentine, played at MSU in the mid-80s for Jud Heathcote. So the question I've been asked at least a dozen times is, 'would Carlton let his son play for U-M?'
I've talked to "V" (as we call the elder Valentine) about this a few times and he has no problem with it. While he has a lot of love for his alma mater, this is about what's best for his son and if Michigan is the best fit for Denzel, then so be it.
It will be interesting to watch Valentine's recruitment unfold, as he's just a junior. But many (like me) have Sexton pegged as the prohibitive favorites this coming season in Class B. If the Big Reds live up to that level of success, then expect to see a lot of college coaches over on the west side of Lansing over the next year or so.
