Michigan State senior Denzel Valentine, a national player of the year candidate, will miss two to three weeks after having a minor arthroscopic procedure on his left knee, the school announced Monday.
A small chip of cartilage came loose in the senior's left knee, and doctors went in to clean it up, according to Michigan State sports information director Matt Larson.
Because of the school's winter break, Valentine may miss only three or four games for the No. 1 team in the country, although that will include the start of the Big Ten season. The Spartans open conference play at Iowa on Dec. 29.
Valentine leads the Spartans in virtually every statistical category, averaging 18.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game. He already has posted two triple-doubles this season, including in Michigan State's win against Kansas in the Champions Classic.
The Spartans are one of just six undefeated teams remaining and next play Oakland on Tuesday. Valentine's older brother, Drew, is an assistant at Oakland.
A small chip of cartilage came loose in the senior's left knee, and doctors went in to clean it up, according to Michigan State sports information director Matt Larson.
Because of the school's winter break, Valentine may miss only three or four games for the No. 1 team in the country, although that will include the start of the Big Ten season. The Spartans open conference play at Iowa on Dec. 29.
Valentine leads the Spartans in virtually every statistical category, averaging 18.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game. He already has posted two triple-doubles this season, including in Michigan State's win against Kansas in the Champions Classic.
The Spartans are one of just six undefeated teams remaining and next play Oakland on Tuesday. Valentine's older brother, Drew, is an assistant at Oakland.
