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Top 10 Big Ten Guards

By Arthur Blackwell

Feb 6, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions guard D.J. Newbill (2) splits defense of Michigan State Spartans guard Travis Trice (20) during the 1st half of a game at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions guard D.J. Newbill (2) splits defense of Michigan State Spartans guard Travis Trice (20) during the 1st half of a game at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 30, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Denzel Valentine (45) reacts after a play against the Connecticut Huskies during the first half in the finals of the east regional of the 2014 NCAA Mens Basketball Championship tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Denzel Valentine (45) reacts after a play against the Connecticut Huskies during the first half in the finals of the east regional of the 2014 NCAA Mens Basketball Championship tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Denzel Valentine – Junior – Michigan State Spartans

Valentine is more of a forward who can play the point, but he is listed as a guard. Denzel really excelled when his team-mates Keith Appling and Travis Trice were injured last year. Appling entered the 2014 NBA Draft and Trice is now a senior.

Valentine got better with the experience and opportunities more minutes presented. He is an effective passer, although he made some head scratching plays at times. This may be expected from an inexperienced under-classman.

He has good size; can also defend and rebound. The Spartans are undergoing major changes in the roster this year, so Valentine may be the best player this season. His experience should help him excel at team leadership.