Prospect Spotlight: Devon Dunn (2019)
Devon Dunn, a class of 2019 guard at St. John’s, has emerged as an impact player for the Cadets during the BSN Summer League. We expect the versatile rising junior to play an integral role for Head Coach Patrick Behan this season.
“I’m a 6’0 guard that can score, handle the ball and set my teammates up. My jump shot is consistent, and I can create shots for myself and others. I’m also a great defender who takes pride in defense and rarely lets the ball handler get by me. I love to set my teammates up whether it is setting an off-ball screen, driving and kicking, or making them a great pass,” Dunn explained. “One thing I do on the court that others probably don’t see is always encourage my teammates. If they do something wrong or miss a shot, I try my best not to let them get down on themselves. I make sure that they stay confident and keep shooting as if they had made their previous shots. Even if they turn the ball over in a critical situation, there is still time left to play and I make sure they continue to play with their head up.”
One thing that is very evident about Dunn is that he’s a confident jump shooter. He hit six of seven from downtown yesterday in the semifinals vs. Bishop O’Connell. He hit five of seven in the opening round vs. Takoma Academy.
“In the last 12 months, my defense and shot consistency has improved a lot. I have improved my lateral quickness, my speed, and I have been in the gym getting shots up trying to perfect my shot as much as I can. I have gotten a lot stronger in my upper and lower body. Last year I could barely touch the rim and now I can dunk consistently. My ball handling has improved a lot. I used to be a player who could only shoot. Now I can create shots for myself, and use my handle to get others open,” said Dunn. “The part of my game I need to work on is my still my ball-handling, and getting stronger. Even though it has improved, with my size compared to others I will probably play PG or SG which are positions that handle the ball a lot. Also there is no such thing as being too strong and being strong on the court helps you with defense and going past defenders.”
Right now Dunn says his GPA is a 3.4, but says his grades can be “way better”, and expects to get a 4.0 next year by being more focused in the classroom. Montclair State and Bucknell have reached out and expressed interest, and are expected to evaluate him this summer with 16U Team Takeover Orange. What can Dunn bring to a college program?
“I think that I can bring leadership and hard work to a college program. I am a very committed player and will do what it takes to be a great player and a great person. I love to have fun and get work done at the same time. That’s what I look to do at whatever college I end up going to.”