Ryan Dunn
11 points (5-14 from the field, 0-1 from 3, 1-3 from the free throw line), 11 rebounds (8 offensive), 2 steals, 2 blocks, 0 assists (1 turnover), 2 fouls in 27 minutes
Offense: It’s known how Dunn’s offense has a lot of work to do, and his performance against Memphis backed it up. His field goal efficiency (5/14) is a bit inflated from offensive rebounds and putback attempts, but he’s still incredibly limited. He’s not a creator. His jumper seems a bit like a catapult right now, just shooting out of his hands without much of an arc. He does well in the dunker spot, especially as an offensive rebounder with his 2nd jump, due to his size and athleticism -- which could draw recalibration on his positional archetype.
Defense: His defense has been stellar so far, and it wasn’t much different against Memphis. His work comes as a low man, where he can create defensive events with good rotations and help defender. He possesses great timing on his blocks and his contests, illustrating the patience to not bite on fakes. His quick hands create turnovers and steals when rotating over to cut off passing lanes. He stonewalls drivers with his size and physicality -- demonstrating that ability brightly in matchups with David Jones. His defense was as advertised.
What I'm monitoring going forward: Can he round out a jumper to become a real 3-and-D wing? His defense is great enough where he can contribute at the NBA level. To raise his draft stock, and to amplify the prospects of him becoming a playoff-rotation caliber player, he needs to show a semblance of a jumper. He may not need to become a knockdown specialist, but can he become enough of a threat where he can attack closeouts and get to the basket? But if he’s not an offensive threat, he’s more of a 4/small-ball 5 — which is still a very good role off the bench. However, big 3-and-D wings are such a commodity, and Dunn can theoretically be one of those guys with a jumper. As the draft boards continue to shake out, Dunn’s offensive growth — coupled with his elite defense — will be one of the biggest developments to monitor.
David Jones
26 points (8-15 from the field, 2-3 from 3, 8-8 from the free throw line), 4 rebounds, 2 assists (2 turnovers), 1 steal, 1 block
Offense: David Jones is the definition of a tough shot-maker. He’s a creative, physical wing capable of getting his shot off — no matter the amount of defensive attention. He seeks out post opportunities to power his way to the paint, resulting in either a shot or free throws. Hidden through his scoring prowess, he’s a nifty passer — identifying windows to dart weak-side passes. His off-the-dribble juice coupled with Jahvon Quinerly's floor general abilities allows the Tiger offense to flow with multiple dimensions.
Defense: Despite carrying a heavy load offensively, Jones didn't quite take possessions off defensively. His size from the wing position allows him to slot either as a low man or as the point-of-attack defender. His activity and energy stood out, as he covers a good amount of the floor with his speed when helping.
What I'm monitoring going forward: Can his skillet scale to the pro level? Jones is a typical shot-creator at the college level that can leverage his physicality to rise up and take any shot he wants. That won't be his job at the next level. However, he will be relied upon to bring a bunch off the bench with his energy, defense, and shooting. This season, he's shooting roughly 44% on catch-and-shoot 3's -- including a ridiculous 61.5% on "guarded" catch-and-shoot 3's (small sample size of 13 attempts). His defense intrigued me in this performance, and if he can also show he can serve as a complement here and there (something that's possible for a few games with the talent on this Tigers team), Jones can get a cup of coffee or 2 in the league.
A few other guys
Reece Beekman: Virginia's floor general made really impressive reads off the bounce, finding weak-side shooters in the corner while making his way downhill. His active hands and 6'3" frame make him a viable point-of-attack defender. The Tigers threw different looks at him and applied pressure on him early, which made him force passes and turn the ball over.
Jahvon Quinerly: Quinerly has shown a innate ability to lead this Tiger team. He's a crafty passer that keeps the ball on a string -- although a bit loose with his handle at times. His shooting is pretty solid, but his defense didn't really stand out. Nonetheless, he's a good veteran point guard to lead a college team, and his playmaking and game management should bode well for a professional (G League/overseas) career.
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