Klairus Amir
October 28, 2023
Denzel Valentine
- Nationality: USA
- Date of Birth: 16/11/93
- Place of Birth: Lansing, Michigan (USA)
- Position: G/F
- Height (CM): 193
- Weight (KG): 100
- Junior Assoc:
- College: Michigan State (2012–2016)
- NBL DEBUT: 30/09/23
- AGE AT DEBUT: 29
- LAST NBL GAME: 28/02/24
- AGE AT LAST GAME: 30
- NBL History: Sydney 2024
- Championships: 0
- None
BIO: Denzel Valentine was born in Lansing, Michigan (USA), where he attended J. W. Sexton High School.
Valentine was coached by his father, Carlton Valentine (former Michigan State player) on his school team, alongside future Michigan State teammate Bryn Forbes and Iowa basketball player Anthony Clemmons. As a sophomore, Valentine averaged 10.9 points, 5.8 assists and 6.3 rebounds, leading Sexton to a state title game. He was awarded 2010 Class B honorable mention all-state. Valentine averaged 14 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists per game as a senior, leading Sexton to a 27–1 record. He was selected as the Lansing State Journal Player of the Year and Associated Press Class B Player of the Year as a senior. As a recruit, Valentine was nationally ranked in the top 100 by Rivals.com (no. 81), ESPNU100 (no. 98), and Scout.com (no. 27).
FAMILY: Valentine is the son of Carlton and Kathy Valentine. His older brother, Drew, played collegiate basketball for Oakland University, and is now the head coach at Loyola University in Chicago.
NBL EXPERIENCE
Denzel Valentine made his NBL debut with the Sydney Kings at 29 years of age. He scored eight points in his first game.
Sydney entered NBL24 facing significant roster changes and a rebuild after their championship-winning squad was dismantled during the off-season. Reigning NBL MVP Xavier Cooks and sharpshooter DJ Vasiljevic both secured NBA opportunities with the Washington Wizards. Coach Chase Buford also departed, joining the Milwaukee Bucks to pursue NBA coaching opportunities. Additionally, imports Derrick Walton Jr, Justin Simon, and Tim Soares headed overseas, leaving Jordan Hunter as the only returning starter from the championship lineup.
To replace the outgoing talent, the Kings signed marquee additions to bolster their squad. Former NBL MVP Jaylen Adams returned to Sydney after a season in Europe, while DJ Hogg (via Cairns Taipans) and former NBA forward Jonah Bolden, who returned to basketball after a four-year absence, were also brought in. The Kings finalized their roster by securing Denzel Valentine, a former Chicago Bulls player, to replace Vasiljevic’s shooting and playmaking abilities.
“Even before this amazing chance presented itself, I’d seen how big the league had been getting via social media – not to mention how many guys had played in Australia, and Kings in particular, and vaulted themselves into the NBA – which I hope to do myself after winning another championship for Sydney,” said Valentine upon joining the Kings.
Mahmoud Abdelfattah, fresh off a G-League championship, was appointed as the new head coach to replace Buford. Despite the roster overhaul, Sydney entered the season as championship favourites.
After ten games, Sydney sat in second place with a 7-3 record, having only suffered losses to the Tasmania JackJumpers (twice) and the Cairns Taipans. This strong start came despite marquee recruit DJ Hogg missing the first half of the season due to injury and Jaylin Galloway also being sidelined. Valentine, in particular, contributed steadily during this period, averaging 12.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.
However, from Round 8 onwards, the Kings began to lose form, and the team that had dominated the league for two straight years suddenly appeared unrecognizable. Defensive struggles plagued the roster as they allowed opponents to score over 100 points on nine separate occasions. The Kings fell to the bottom half of the league in defensive efficiency and struggled to close out games, eventually slipping down the ladder.
Valentine showed flashes of his offensive versatility throughout the season, often contributing as both a playmaker and scorer. However, his performance, along with DJ Hogg’s (14.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.3 blocks), was inconsistent at both ends of the floor. Sydney finished the regular season in fifth place with a 14-14 record, falling short of expectations and missing out on a direct semi-final spot.
In the play-in tournament, Sydney faced New Zealand but struggled to overcome a resilient Breakers side. Despite a strong effort from Adams (19.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.1 steals) and Hunter (10.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks), the Kings fell short, ending their postseason hopes in disappointing fashion.
Jonah Bolden (8.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists) delivered some notable performances but, understandably, spent much of the season working back into basketball shape. Valentine’s steady contributions were overshadowed by the team’s inability to string together consistent defensive efforts. The Kings’ inability to meet expectations put a damper on a season that showcased promising individual performances from emerging players.
The standout highlights of the year came from rookie Alex Toohey (8 points and 4.0 rebounds), Jaylin Galloway (10.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.2 steals), and Kouat Noi (10.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists). Noi came close to claiming the league’s Sixth Man of the Year award, showcasing his impact off the bench.
Sydney’s NBL24 campaign, though marred by inconsistency, revealed glimpses of the team’s potential. Valentine finished the season averaging 12.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. His solid contribution combined with Sydney’s young talent highlighted the building blocks for future success, even as the Kings fell short of championship contention this time around.
Denzel Valentine played one season in the NBL. He averaged 12.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in 29 NBL games.
Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.
NBL TOTAL STATISTICS
| SEASON | AGE | TEAM | TEAM RECORD | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 30 | Sydney | 13-15 (5) | 29 | 724.0 | 353 | 154 | 113 | 29 | 125 | 31 | 5 | 66 | 76 | 131 | 291 | 45% | 64 | 175 | 37% | 27 | 33 | 82% | 58% | 56% | 29 | Totals | 29 | 724 | 353 | 154 | 113 | 29 | 125 | 31 | 5 | 66 | 76 | 131 | 291 | 45.0% | 64 | 175 | 36.6% | 27 | 33 | 81.8% | 58% | 56% | 29 |
NBL PER GAME STATISTICS
| SEASON | AGE | TEAM | TEAM RECORD | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 30 | Sydney | 13-15 (5) | 29 | 25.0 | 12.2 | 5.3 | 3.9 | 1.0 | 4.3 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 2.3 | 2.6 | 4.5 | 10.0 | 45% | 2.2 | 6.0 | 37% | 0.9 | 1.1 | 82% | 58% | 56% | 29 | Total | 29 | 25.0 | 12.2 | 5.3 | 3.9 | 1.0 | 4.3 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 2.3 | 2.6 | 4.5 | 10.0 | 45.0% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 36.6% | 2.2 | 6.0 | 81.8% | 58% | 56% | 29 |
CAREER HIGHS
| POINTS | REBOUNDS | ASSISTS | STEALS | BLOCKS | TURNOVERS | TRIPLE DOUBLES | 29 | 9 | 10 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
|---|
FIBA EXPERIENCE
Valentine was a member of USA Basketballs senior mens national team at the 2015 Pan American Games which was held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The U.S. team captured the tournaments bronze medal, with a 3–2 record The following year, Valentine joined the USA Basketball Select Team to train against the 2016 Rio Olympic team.
NBA EXPERIENCE
Denzel Valentine was drafted by the Chicago Bulls with pick #14 in the 2016 NBA Draft.
On July 16, 2016, he signed his rookie scale contract with the Bulls. Two days later, Valentine hit a turnaround jumper as time expired to lift the Bulls to an 84–82 overtime victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Las Vegas Summer League championship game.
On January 2, 2017, Valentine, who had played just four total minutes in the previous seven games, played 18 minutes against the Charlotte Hornets and hit his first three three-pointers, finishing with a then season-high nine points. He exited with an ankle injury in the second half, as the Bulls went on to win 118–111.
On January 10, 2017, he posted career highs with 19 points and five three-pointers in a 101–99 loss to the Washington Wizards. On March 18, 2017, Valentine recorded his first career double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds in a 95–86 win over the Utah Jazz.
During his rookie season, Valentine received multiple assignments to the Windy City Bulls, Chicagos D-League affiliate.
On November 26, 2017, Valentine had 14 points and career highs of 13 rebounds and seven assists in a 100–93 loss to the Miami Heat. On January 18, 2018, he scored 19 points against the Houston Rockets. Two days later, he scored a career-high 20 points in a 122–119 double-overtime win over the New York Knicks. On March 17, 2018, he hit eight 3-pointers and scored a career-best 34 points in a 114–109 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. On April 4, 2018, Valentine underwent arthroscopic debridement on his left knee, which ruled him out for the rest of the season.
In 2018 Valentine faced a number of ankle problems which resulted in him missing the first 17 games of the season. Following a left ankle stabilization procedure on November 27, he was ruled out for the season.
On September 22, 2021, Valentine signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers but was then traded only a few months later (January 3, 2022) to the New York Knicks as part of a three team deal that also included the Los Angeles Lakers. He was subsequently waived and then signed a 10-day contract with the Utah Jazz a week later.
On January 21, 2022, Valentine was acquired via waivers by the Maine Celtics. On September 15, 2022, Valentine signed with the Boston Celtics. He was waived on September 30. He subsequently re-joined Maine where he finished the season averaging 13.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game, shooting 38.8 percent from downtown.
Valentine played 257 games in the NBA. He averaged 7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game over his NBA career.
NBA TRANSACTIONS:
- July 16, 2016: Signed a multi-year contract with the Chicago Bulls.
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November 21, 2020: Signed a contract with the Chicago Bulls.
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September 22, 2021: Signed a multi-year contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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January 3, 2022: As part of a 3-team trade, traded by the Cleveland Cavaliers to the New York Knicks; the Los Angeles Lakers traded Rajon Rondo to the Cleveland Cavaliers; the Los Angeles Lakers traded Brad Newley and Wang Zhelin to the New York Knicks; and the New York Knicks traded Louis Labeyrie to the Los Angeles Lakers. Cleveland also received a trade exception Los Angeles also received a trade exception
January 5, 2022: Waived by the New York Knicks.
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January 10, 2022: Signed a 10-day contract with the Utah Jazz.
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September 14, 2022: Signed a contract with the Boston Celtics.
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September 30, 2022: Waived by the Boston Celtics.
| Season | Team | PTS | AST | STL | BLK | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 74% | 94% | 84% | 60% | ||||||
| 2 | 0 | 29 | 10 | 4 | 1 | ||||||
| Total | 131 | 291 | 45.0% | 64 | 175 | 36.6% |
NBA TOTAL STATISTICS
| YEAR | AGE | TEAM | POS | GP | GS | MINS | PTS | TRB | AST | ORB | DRB | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 26 | Utah | SF | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0% | 0% | |||
| 2016-17 | 23 | Chicago | SG | 57 | 0 | 976 | 291 | 151 | 63 | 11 | 140 | 30 | 7 | 49 | 86 | 102 | 288 | 73 | 208 | 14 | 18 | 49% | 48% | |||
| 2017-18 | 24 | Chicago | SG | 77 | 37 | 2095 | 783 | 393 | 244 | 48 | 345 | 65 | 11 | 99 | 185 | 301 | 721 | 143 | 370 | 38 | 51 | 53% | 52% | |||
| 2019-20 | 26 | Chicago | SF | 36 | 5 | 488 | 246 | 74 | 43 | 9 | 65 | 26 | 6 | 26 | 51 | 97 | 237 | 46 | 137 | 6 | 8 | 51% | 51% | |||
| 2020-21 | 27 | Chicago | SG | 62 | 3 | 1036 | 406 | 197 | 105 | 24 | 173 | 30 | 7 | 42 | 70 | 155 | 416 | 80 | 242 | 16 | 17 | 48% | 47% | |||
| 2021-22 | 28 | Cleveland | SG | 22 | 0 | 204 | 64 | 38 | 11 | 9 | 29 | 7 | 0 | 10 | 17 | 23 | 62 | 18 | 44 | 0 | 0 | 52% | 52% | |||
| 2021-22 | 28 | Utah | SG | 2 | 0 | 18 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 63% | 63% | |||
| 2016-17 | 23 | Chicago | SG | 57 | 0 | 976 | 291 | 151 | 63 | 11 | 140 | 30 | 7 | 49 | 86 | 102 | 288 | 35% | 73 | 208 | 35% | 14 | 18 | 78% | 49% | 48% |
| 2017-18 | 24 | Chicago | SG | 77 | 37 | 2095 | 783 | 393 | 244 | 48 | 345 | 65 | 11 | 99 | 185 | 301 | 721 | 42% | 143 | 370 | 39% | 38 | 51 | 75% | 53% | 52% |
| 2019-20 | 26 | Chicago | SF | 36 | 5 | 488 | 246 | 74 | 43 | 9 | 65 | 26 | 6 | 26 | 51 | 97 | 237 | 41% | 46 | 137 | 34% | 6 | 8 | 75% | 51% | 51% |
| 2020-21 | 27 | Chicago | SG | 62 | 3 | 1036 | 406 | 197 | 105 | 24 | 173 | 30 | 7 | 42 | 70 | 155 | 416 | 37% | 80 | 242 | 33% | 16 | 17 | 94% | 48% | 47% |
| 2021-22 | 26 | Utah | SF | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0% | 0% | |||
| 2021-22 | 28 | Cleveland | SG | 22 | 0 | 204 | 64 | 38 | 11 | 9 | 29 | 7 | 0 | 10 | 17 | 23 | 62 | 18 | 44 | 0 | 0 | 52% | 52% | |||
| 2021-22 | 28 | Utah | SG | 2 | 0 | 18 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 63% | 63% | |||
| 2016-17 | 23 | Chicago | SG | 57 | 0 | 976 | 291 | 151 | 63 | 11 | 140 | 30 | 7 | 49 | 86 | 102 | 288 | 35% | 73 | 208 | 35% | 14 | 18 | 78% | 49% | 48% |
| 2017-18 | 24 | Chicago | SG | 77 | 37 | 2095 | 783 | 393 | 244 | 48 | 345 | 65 | 11 | 99 | 185 | 301 | 721 | 42% | 143 | 370 | 39% | 38 | 51 | 75% | 53% | 52% |
| 2019-20 | 26 | Chicago | SF | 36 | 5 | 488 | 246 | 74 | 43 | 9 | 65 | 26 | 6 | 26 | 51 | 97 | 237 | 41% | 46 | 137 | 34% | 6 | 8 | 75% | 51% | 51% |
| 2020-21 | 27 | Chicago | SG | 62 | 3 | 1036 | 406 | 197 | 105 | 24 | 173 | 30 | 7 | 42 | 70 | 155 | 416 | 37% | 80 | 242 | 33% | 16 | 17 | 94% | 48% | 47% |
| 2021-22 | 26 | Utah | SF | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0% | 0% | |||
| 2021-22 | 28 | Cleveland | SG | 22 | 0 | 204 | 64 | 38 | 11 | 9 | 29 | 7 | 0 | 10 | 17 | 23 | 62 | 18 | 44 | 0 | 0 | 52% | 52% | |||
| 2021-22 | 28 | Utah | SG | 2 | 0 | 18 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 63% | 63% | |||
| 2023-24 | 30 | Sydney | 13-15 (5) | 29 | 724.0 | 353 | 154 | 113 | 29 | 125 | 31 | 5 | 66 | 76 | 131 | 291 | 45% | 64 | 175 | 37% | 27 | 33 | 82% | 58% | 56% | 29 | Total | 257 | 45 | 4822 | 1795 | 857 | 466 | 101 | 756 | 159 | 31 | 228 | 412 | 680 | 1731 | 39% | 361 | 1006 | 36% | 74 | 94 | 79% |
NBA PER GAME STATISTICS
| YEAR | AGE | TEAM | POS | GP | GS | MINS | PTS | TRB | AST | ORB | DRB | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-17 | 23 | Chicago | SG | 57 | 0 | 17.1 | 5.1 | 2.6 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 2.5 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 0.9 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 5.1 | 35% | 1.3 | 3.6 | 35% | 0.2 | 0.3 | 78% | 49% | 48% |
| 2017-18 | 24 | Chicago | SG | 77 | 37 | 27.2 | 10.2 | 5.1 | 3.2 | 0.6 | 4.5 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 1.3 | 2.4 | 3.9 | 9.4 | 42% | 1.9 | 4.8 | 39% | 0.5 | 0.7 | 75% | 53% | 52% |
| 2019-20 | 26 | Chicago | SF | 36 | 5 | 13.6 | 6.8 | 2.1 | 1.2 | 0.3 | 1.8 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.7 | 1.4 | 2.7 | 6.6 | 41% | 1.3 | 3.8 | 34% | 0.2 | 0.2 | 75% | 51% | 51% |
| 2020-21 | 27 | Chicago | SG | 62 | 3 | 16.7 | 6.5 | 3.2 | 1.7 | 0.4 | 2.8 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 0.7 | 1.1 | 2.5 | 6.7 | 37% | 1.3 | 3.9 | 33% | 0.3 | 0.3 | 94% | 48% | 47% |
| 2021-22 | 28 | Cleveland | SG | 22 | 0 | 9.3 | 2.9 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 1.0 | 2.8 | 37% | 0.8 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0% | 52% | 52% | |
| 2021-22 | 28 | Utah | SG | 2 | 0 | 9.0 | 2.5 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.0 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 1.5 | 1.0 | 2.0 | 50% | 0.5 | 1.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 63% | 63% | Total | 257 | 45 | 18.8 | 7.0 | 3.3 | 1.8 | 0.4 | 2.9 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 0.9 | 1.6 | 2.6 | 6.7 | 39% | 1.4 | 3.9 | 36% | 0.3 | 0.4 | 79% |
COLLEGE
Following his successful freshman year, Valentine was the recipient of MSU's Unsung Player Award (voted on by players).
As a sophomore, he earned honorable-mention All-Big Ten (Coaches and Media).
With Adreian Payne and Gary Harris leaving MSU for the NBA draft, Keith Appling leaving due to graduation (eventually to the NBA), the dismissal of Kenny Kaminski, and the transfer of Russell Byrd, Valentine saw a increase in leadership and a expanded role on the team as a junior. Before the season started, he was awarded one of the three captain spots. Perhaps one of Valentine's most memorable moments came on Valentine's Day 2015, he hit the game winning shot in a matchup versus Ohio State and finished with 17 points.[3] His junior season saw him earn Orlando Classic All-Tournament Team (averaging 19.3 points and 5.0 rebounds in three games), Third Team All-Big Ten, USBWA All-District V, and NCAA East Regional All-Tournament Team honours.
On November 17, 2015, the senior Valentine became the 4th player in Michigan State history to record a triple-double. He had 29 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists in Michigan State's 79-73 victory over the fourth-ranked Kansas Jayhawks. It was the first triple-double of the 2015/16 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. On December 21, it was announced that Valentine would be sidelined for 2–3 weeks after he underwent a arthroscopic knee surgery. He returned on January 10, 2016.
Valentine finished the 2015/16 regular season averaging 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.5 assists as MSU finished in second place in the Big Ten. On March 8, USA Today named Valentine National Player of the Year over Oklahoma's Buddy Hield. The Big Ten also announced that Valentine was the Big Ten's Player of the Year. On March 9, Valentine was named to the Sporting News All-American Team. Valentine was the first player in school history to be recognised as the National Player of the Year by the Associated Press as well as a consensus First-Team All-American and National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Player of the Year in 2016
Valentine's senior year at Michigan State saw him ranked among the NCAA leaders when it came to three-point shooting. He accumulated many awards and won Michigan State's first College Basketball Player of the Year Award since Draymond Green won the NABC Player of the Year in 2012. Valentine shined during the Big Ten tournament in Indianapolis, earning tournament Most Outstanding Player while winning Michigan State's fifth championship.
Valentine, along with Bryn Forbes, were selected to the NCAA College Basketball Three-Point Contest following his senior year. Valentine defeated his teammate in the first round of the competition when he rattled off 22 points compared to Forbes' 10. Valentine was eliminated from the competition in the semifinals when he hit 17 points, needing 23 to advance. Valentine's senior year also proved very effective in raising his draft stock. Valentine went from being potentially undrafted to being seen as a potential lottery pick in the 2016 NBA draft.
AWARDS
- AP Player of the Year (2016)
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NABC Player of the Year (2016)
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Consensus first-team All-American (2016)
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Senior CLASS Award (2016)
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Julius Erving Award (2016)
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Lute Olson Award (2016)
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Big Ten Player of the Year (2016)
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First-team All-Big Ten (2016)
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Third-team All-Big Ten (2015)
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Big Ten tournament MOP (2016)
Related
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