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Published Dec 21, 2015
Denzel Valentine out 2-3 weeks
Jim Comparoni
SpartanMag.com Publisher

EAST LANSING - Denzel Valentine is expected to miss two to three weeks after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery on Monday, Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said during his weekly press conference.

Izzo said the procedure was "very, very, very minor," done to remove a piece of cartilage. The procedure was necessary after Valentine sustained a minor injury during practice on Sunday. "We couldn't leave it (the cartilage) there. This is best for him in the present and the future."

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Izzo said there were chances of lingering problems if the cartilage remained in his knee.

Izzo said junior guard Eron Harris will likely start in Valentine's place for No. 1-ranked Michigan State (12-0) against Oakland University on Tuesday.

Valentine is averaging 18.5 points, 8.3 rebounds an 7.1 assists a game while emerging as an early candidate for national player of the year honors.

"We've got enough depth," Izzo said. "We'll be fine. We've just got to find a way to win a game."

Being out two weeks would keep Valentine sidelined for games against Oakland University, at Iowa (Dec. 29), at Minnesota (Jan.2).

Being out three weeks might keep him sidelined for games against Illinois (Jan. 7) and at Penn State (Jan. 10).

Harris averaged 17.2 points per game two years ago at West Virginia prior to transferring to Michigan State. Izzo has been leaning on Harris to adapt to Michigan State's style of man-to-man defense, with erratic progress.

Harris moved more efficiently, and with quickness, when working around screens during Michigan State's 78-58 victory at Northeastern on Saturday. Harris was also a bit better in sagging into the gaps as a help defender, but over-helped on two occasions against Northeastern, resulting in allowing drives.

Harris also eased up briefly after initially shutting off a drive by Northeastern's star wing guard David Walker, only to see Walker step back and nail a 3-pointer over Harris at the top of the key due to Harris' brief hesitation.

Izzo has been working with Harris to correct defensive habits that have prevented him from having a larger role. Harris is averaging 7.0 points in 16.3 minutes of play. Harris, who was a 42-percent 3-point shooter at West Virginia, has made 34 percent of his 3-pointers this year.

Harris and freshman Matt McQuaid will see their roles increase, due to Valentine's absence. McQuaid is averaging 3.8 points and 15.6 minutes per game.

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