The 2024 NBA draft is now less than two weeks away and here at College Sports Wire we are evaluating the college basketball stars who are hoping to hear their name called in late June.
Among the more polarizing prospects in this year’s draft class is Ryan Dunn, a 6’8 wing from Virginia. Dunn was the most versatile and productive defensive player in college basketball last season, and is widely considered the best wing defender in this entire class. His elite rate of steals and blocks, combined with high level athleticism, give him a strong projection at the NBA level.
However, Dunn displayed very little offensive potential while at Virginia. Some of that can be blamed on Tony Bennett’s system, but Dunn shot under 53% from the free throw line and under 24% from three across two seasons – and there is little reason to believe the shot will suddenly become a strength at the next level.
Still, the defense and athleticism is enough for teams to take a chance on him, with some projecting him as high as the middle of the first round.
Below is a look at Dunn’s draft profile, including his measurements at the combine, strengths and weaknesses as a player, and current projected draft range and team fits in the NBA:
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
From: Freeport, NY
Played: Virginia (2022-2024)
2023-24 Stats: 8.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, 1.3 steals, 61.8% on twos
Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
Height: 6’6.25
Weight: 213.6 pounds
Wingspan: 7’1.5
Standing Reach: 8’7
Max Vertical Leap: 38.5 inches
Brian Bishop-USA TODAY Sports
- Excellent size and frame for an NBA wing, and his 7’1 wingspan and 38.5 inch vertical leap give him the tools to be impactful at the next level.
- Elite defender. The best in the country, and a very possible All-NBA caliber defender. Can defend at the point of attack, is a tremendous help side defender, and can realistically guard all five positions. A special, special defensive prospect
- Gets out in transition well, and moves well without the basketball on offense. A sharp cutter and strong finisher at the cup, especially as an offensive rebounder
- Great overall rebounder for his position, and a very active hustle player for loose balls
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
- It would be too simple to list “defense” as a strength and “offense” as a weakness, but it’s not far off. Doesn’t do much with the ball in his hands, isn’t much of a passer or screener either
- Outside shot right now is non-existent. Some hope it will develop in time, but he went 12-51 (23.5%) from deep at Virginia and was a 52.5% shooter from the free throw line. Real chance he’s never much of a contributor offensively
- No real scoring skills, not only lacking an outside shot but didn’t display a mid range or floater game
- Will need to add muscle to defend bigger players in the post
Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Draft Range: 20-45
CSW Mock: No. 36 to Indiana Pacers
Team Fits: A team that needs a defensive specialist on the wing, and can afford to play a non-shooter. Indiana, San Antonio, Phoenix, Washington, Cleveland make sense.
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Courtesy : https://collegesportswire.usatoday.com/lists/2024-nba-draft-profile-virginia-cavaliers-forward-ryan-dunn/