FORMER FANS FAVOURITE RETURNS TO MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS ON 5-YEAR, $4.3M DEAL, STATES TWO REASONS FOR HIS RETURN…..READ MORE…….

FORMER FANS FAVOURITE RETURNS TO MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS ON 5-YEAR, $4.3M DEAL, STATES TWO REASONS FOR HIS RETURN…..READ MORE…….

EAST LANSING, Mich. – In a move that has energized the Michigan State basketball community, former All-American and fan favorite Denzel Valentine is officially returning to the Spartans. Valentine has signed a 5-year contract worth $4.3 million to join Tom Izzo’s coaching staff as a player development coach, marking a significant homecoming for the former Big Ten Player of the Year.

Valentine, who played for Michigan State from 2012 to 2016, will now work closely with the program that helped launch his professional basketball journey. After spending several seasons in the NBA and G League, as well as a stint overseas, the 31-year-old is back in East Lansing with a renewed passion and purpose.

“Michigan State is home,” Valentine said during a press conference Thursday afternoon. “Coach Izzo took a chance on me, and this program helped me become the man I am today. Coming back feels like the right move—for me, for my family, and for the next generation of Spartans.”

While the details of his role are still emerging, sources within the program say Valentine will be heavily involved in mentoring players, aiding in skill development, and supporting recruiting efforts. His on-court IQ and experience at both the college and professional levels are expected to be invaluable additions to the staff.

Valentine also addressed the reasons behind his return. “There are two main reasons I made this decision,” he explained. “First, I want to give back to the program that gave me everything. And second, I want to help these young guys grow—not just as players, but as people. I’ve been where they’re trying to go. I know the road, the pitfalls, and the pressure. I want to guide them.”

Head coach Tom Izzo, who coached Valentine throughout his college career, welcomed the return of his former player with open arms.

“Denzel is a Spartan through and through,” Izzo said. “He’s got a brilliant basketball mind, he knows what it takes to win, and most importantly, he cares about people. He’s going to make a real impact here, not just on the court but in our culture.”

Valentine’s return comes at a time when Michigan State is retooling after a couple of underwhelming seasons. His addition could serve as a spark both in recruiting and player development, giving the Spartans a familiar and respected voice on the sidelines.

Fans took to social media to celebrate the news, with many praising both Valentine’s loyalty and the program’s move to bring him back. The deal reportedly includes performance-based incentives and opportunities for further advancement within the coaching ranks.

As the Spartans prepare for the upcoming season, Denzel Valentine’s presence is expected to bring experience, stability, and inspiration to a roster filled with young talent. With his deep roots in the program and clear vision for the future, his return may prove to be one of the most significant offseason moves in recent years for Michigan State basketball.