-My favorite thing about Dunbar’s game is the consistency of his aggression on a nightly basis, he really brings it at both ends of the floor whether you are seeing him during the high school season or during AAU. Dunbar spent the afternoon bulldozing his matchup all the way to the rim to the tune of 17p 8r 1b 2s. Dunbar’s handle has improved to add a shot creation element to his offensive game at the elbows that really opens his driving lanes to the rim. Dunbar also uses his blend of size and strength to be a defensive force on the backline that can switch 1-5 for the Trainers. Although they have added in a few transfers that are already making an impact in the preseason, his team will go as far as he carriers them this season.

Dunbar doesn’t fit in a positional box the way many evaluators prefer from players, but that’s what makes me a fan of him. He’s simply a ball player who can impact a handful of box score categories, defend multiple positions and as he showed on Sunday, continues to polish his skillset on the ball to be the primary option this season for McKinley Tech. He’s no stranger to getting downhill and asserting his power as he jump stops and puts his shoulder into his defender’s chest before laying it in. On other teams that Dunbar has played for, his offensive production relies heavily on being a timely cutter off the ball and those instincts benefit him on his HS team as well as his effort doesn’t die when he doesn’t have it in 1-on-1’s. The other aspect of his game that continues to show improvement is his touch from outside, particularly off the catch. He’s a stout defender who caused a handful of turnovers throughout the day in McKinley Tech’s full court press, rebounds at a plus rate for this height and brings quiet toughness that spreads through those that he shares the floor with.

While he stands 6-foot-4, Dunbar brings a bigger, more physical presence than most players his height. He operates often from the high-post or the top of the key and tries to get downhill where he’ll initiate contact, finishing through harm. He’ll rock the rim off two feet when he’s playing off other’s penetration and can be a handful in transition with a head of steam. At the high school level, Dunbar poses as a mismatch given his ability to take smaller, weaker guards in the post and being able to beat taller forwards with his quick first step.

20p 6r 1a 1s 1b 8/12 FG vs Spring Mill

-One of the most slept-on prospects in the area, Dunbar has progressed each year into a bigger and more meaningful role for a McKinley Tech team that needs his physicality to set the tone at both ends of the floor. Dunbar knocked down both wing 3s that he took in the game to show his shooting development but didn’t settle for 3s, hitting the glass effectively in the key to out-rebound forward prospects and finish through contact around the rim. A strong set of hands and upper body make him a difficult player to stop once he has a head of steam in transition because the handle has improved to adjust on the fly in split-second moments on the fastbreak.

-Dunbar is a throwback 3/4 tweener that plays a lot bigger than his size, carving out space for rebounds or on drives to the rim with a strong upper body. Dunbar joins a good DC Assault team and is a defensive menace off the bench that also puts pressure on the rim at the other end of the floor. Dunbar is an active off-ball defender that reads kick-outs on the baseline well (both on or off-ball) to generate turnovers/deflections in the halfcourt, moves off the ball well to serve as both a connector and play-finisher in the paint, and understands where the ball is coming off the rim to come up with some big rebounds in traffic. He scored off a two foot pro hop in lane and lay off window with left, stole the ball and threw down a 2-handed dunk in transition, then scored a runout 1-handed spike on the next possession.

I was looking forward to getting a live look at Dunbar since my last was back in the fall. The first thing that stood out was the muscle that he’s put on since then and adding to his frame has clearly not impeded with his overall athleticism. If anything, I’d say his activity around the rim and ability to finish over it or through contact on his way seemed vastly improved with his showing in Richmond. Dunbar is still more of an undersized four at this point, but plays with a commanding presence and controls the glass within his area at the rate of someone who is an inch or two taller.

Marcus continues to display an advanced offensive repertoire and is comfortable creating with the ball in his hands. He has a smooth handle and shows strong body control when attacking defenders. His effective use of pump fakes helps him create separation and draw defenders off balance. Overall, he makes a positive and consistent impact on the offensive end. Went down swinging in a tough quarterfinal lost to Coolidge 48-34.

Although he probably doesn’t receive enough attention from the masses, Marcus Dunbar Marcus Dunbar 6'4" | SG McKinley Tech | 2027 State MD is a vital x-factor for the McKinley Tech Trainers (9-3 Conference and 13-5 Overall Record). He consistently does all the little things and thankless work. Dunbar is a smart, unselfish, low-maintenance big guard who dictates the action, defends the point of attack, and fills in the gaps wherever necessary. Scores the ball comfortable from 3 levels…Dunbar simply knows how to impact the game, and that’s evidenced by his approach on a nightly basis. 16 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block a game.

Marcus is a throwback DC City player. Love his size/strong frame…Possesses the goods offensively and tough defensively! He can score with his back to the basket or turning and facing. Really good at straight line drives and knocked down 3 pointers routinely. That young 6’4 wing really brings a toughness that Division 1 schools covet. I am looking forward to seeing Marcus continue to develop into one of the top players in the DC area regardless of class.

Dunbar was one of those very select few sophomores who has overwhelmed older players with his athleticism and considerable physical strength. Dunbar’s smooth scoring ability is noteworthy, finishes off drives, and consistent range out to 17 feet. Defensively he is strong both on-ball and shocking opponents by effectively protecting the rim from the weak side.