MSU set to face likely lottery pick in Kris Dunn

FULLERTON, Calif. -- When Michigan State plays Providence in the Wooden Legacy tournament title game tonight the NBA scouts in attendance could be looking at a couple of first-round picks, one of whom is a likely lottery pick.

Kris Dunn, Providence’s 6-foot-4-inch shooting guard, is a former McDonald’s All American who is fulfilling that promise so far this season. Dunn scored 19 points against Arizona Friday night, in just 21 minutes.

The junior struggled with foul trouble and sat for almost 10 minutes in the second half before coming in and taking over down the stretch. Much like Valentine did against Boise State, when he hit five straight threes on his way to a 32-point, nine-rebound, six-assist night.

The size difference between the two players is about an inch – Valentine is listed at 6-5. But the similarities stop there. Dunn is an exceptionally athletic attacker of the rim. He can get his shot whenever he wants. He is a streaky shooter.

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Valentine is a better range shooter, a better rebounder and commands the court like no other player in college ball right now. His vision and feel for the game are what make him a nightly triple-double threat.

When MSU entered the tournament the thought was they would meet Arizona in the championship game. But the undefeated Friars (6-0) looked like the better team all night against the Wildcats.

Expect MSU to use Valentine to guard Dunn for part of the game but to also try either Jevon Bess or Lourawls “Tum Tum” Nairn Jr, who should have the best shot at keeping Dunn from the lane.

Right now, Dunn is a projected Top 10 pick and Valentine is not. But he’s playing like one.