17p 8r 3a 1s 1b 7/8 FG vs The Family

-My favorite attribute in the rising sophomore continues to be an elite competitive streak that spurs him to success on the court as a 2-way dynamo for a very good Durant 15u group. Nuñez is finding opportunities to play effectively out of either role in high-low post entry feeds as both a play-maker and potent finisher around the rim, is showing a better feel for when to crash the glass to keep driving lanes clear for his guards, is operating with a higher IQ as a mobile connector in the halfcourt that will make unselfish drop-off or kick-out passes for assists to teammates, and takes pride in challenging shots around the rim. The touch is improving with the off hand to finish in tight spaces around the basket and his motor on the offensive glass was crucial for his team this week as its leading scorer.

The talented rising sophomore had 13 points in a win over Wesleyan Christian on Friday. Nunez has an impressive combination of size, athleticism, effort and productivity for a young prospect. He is at his best right now attacking the rim off the dribble, in transition and on the glass. He will be one of the most heavily recruited prospects in the 2029 class.

A transfer from Mt. Zion Prep (MD), Nunez averaged nearly a double-double for Team Durant this spring and got off to a great start at DMV Live for Head Coach Book Richardson last weekend. The rising sophomore has high level size and athleticism to go along with a high motor and productivity at both ends of the floor. He can really get downhill and finish in the paint and has an improving perimeter skill set. At the defensive end, he can guard multiple positions and is a productive rebounder.

Another huge addition for Book Richardson at St. James, Nunez brings and old-school sense of intensity and ferocity to the floor. You’re going to know when he makes a play because because you’ll either here the thunderous slam of the rim or the pelting sound of the ball as he swats a shot into the stands. He’s another name on this list that possesses explosive athleticism, making him an impossible prospect to miss.

Nunez jumps five spots into the top-3 after a deserving freshman campaign playing in an extremely tough schedule that included The Grind Session against some of the best bigs in the country. He took his punches, but what was most impressive was the consistence out of his response. He never let a big play negatively impact his effort. In fact, he’d typically respond with a big play of his own. He has one of the more impressive competitive motors regardless of class and never backed down to a challenge around the rim even if that meant being on the wrong end of a poster. It was only a matter of possessions before the vicious, 6-foot-7 threw down one of his own on the offensive end. He rebounds out of his area extremely well, can move his feet in space on switches and is a willing communicator. Coming into the season, Nunez’s jumper was a big question mark, but now as the dust settles on his freshman season, it was one of the more improved aspects of his skillset. Endless upside here.

-The highest riser in a top 10 that usually doesn’t see this type of movement in-season, Nuñez really impressed our scouts with his motor and two-way play as he carved out a bigger role as a starter for MZN down the stretch. He’s very active on the glass to create extra possessions or easy buckets on putbacks for his team, takes individual matchups personally whether they are high-profile or not, and noticeably improved his shooting form over the course of the season to become a respectable threat from beyond the arc. His defensive versatility as a manic wing that flies around to guard multiple matchups within the same possession, he served as an effective shot-blocker both on and off the ball. He’s got a chance to continue his ascension in our rankings over the course of the summer with strong play in the AAU and scholastic live period seasons. 

-Nuñez has performed well in his opportunities as a rotational piece for an experienced and deep MZN roster that has played in some big games this season. His ability to guard multiple spots by using his height and physical tools makes him valuable to this group. His ball skills continue to develop as a ball-handler and shot-maker from the perimeter, giving us a healthy dose on optimism for his long-term projection as a dynamic 2-way wing that has a chance to be a national name.

Nunez is benefitting from playing amongst older, stronger prospects on a nightly basis on Mt. Zion Prep (Grind Session). The 6-foot-7 southpaw forward has not only embraced the challenge from a physical standpoint, but his pace and timing continues to improve quickly as the experience piles up. His footwork around the rim is sharpening, his hands are improving as is his touch from corner three’s off the catch. One thing I’ve liked a lot about Nunez is he isn’t afraid to contest above the rime. Even when facing 6’10″+ opposing bigs, he’s going to attempt to protect the rim with a sense of pride. He doesn’t let a big play against him impact his effort or body language on the following possessions. What we have here is a skilled, energetic utility forward with plenty of upside left to be tapped into.

The flashes have been evident whenever Nuñez is on the floor for his veteran-laden Mt. Zion squad, but Tuesday’s matchup with nationally-ranked Dream City Christian saw him capitalize on extended minutes with an impactful double-digit outing in a narrow loss. Nuñez got the start and seized the opportunity with 10 points and 3 blocks, showing the type of versatility that should make him a coveted frontcourt prospect in due time. The southpaw used his length and athleticism to make a splash around the rim on both ends but also showed an evolving skillset while stepping out for a pair of clean spotup 3s. With experience at the FIBA level for Dominican Republic and key early reps within Mt. Zion’s gaudy national schedule, Nuñez is ahead of the curve for most prospects in his class with the makings of an appealing long-term prospect to be sure.

-Have really enjoyed watching Nuñez play this fall as a wing prospect that is working hard to carve out a role for himself on a stacked MZ National team. The southpaw plays with an impressive motor at both ends of the floor and has already improved the handle and set shot quite a bit over the past few months. Already standing at least 6’6 with a + wingspan with playing experience with the Dominican National team  under his belt, I trust that the young wing’s drive will maximize his ceiling as one of the better long-term prospects in the area.