VIDEO: Tearful Tom Izzo thanks Denzel Valentine
When asked what he would say to thank Denzel Valentine, Tom Izzo was nearly brought to tears. https://t.co/xOaVz1JHlE
— March Madness TV (@MarchMadnessTV) March 18, 2016
No. 2 Michigan State's stunning loss to No. 15 Middle Tennessee was more than a historic upset and death knell to brackets everywhere.
Friday's loss also ended the collegiate career of Spartans forward Denzel Valentine, who wrapped up his memorable four-year campaign with a disappointing exit.
A teary-eyed Spartans head coach Tom Izzo thanked Valentine for everything he did for the program.
"Thank you, I love you man," Izzo said. "He did everything, he did everything he could do for me. ... Some people give the program, some people give the team - he gave the program, the team, the university, the city - he gave us everything we could ask ..."
Valentine, who worked his way from being a bench player in his freshman season to becoming the face of one of the nation's most popular programs, scored 13 points, dished out 12 assists, and grabbed five rebounds in his last game in a Spartans uniform.
"I may be in it for a long time, and never have another Denzel," Izzo said.