| Name: Damian Dunn Class: Freshman “2019” Height/Weight: 6’3” 180 High School: Kinston High School (Kinston, NC) Position: Point Guard/ Shooting Guard / Small Forward AAU Team: Stackhouse Elite Projected Level of Play: Division 1 Video Link: https://youtu.be/DncfA8RZYxQ |
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Damian Dunn is a smooth, poised and talented young freshman guard (14 years old). He appears poised to be the “next” in line for a storied Kinston High School basketball program. Currently standing at 6’3”, he’s quick, elusive, can shoot and he’s as versatile as they come. Plays multiple positions for Kinston High (including point guard) and appears primed to grow a few more inches. His coming out party came against 2A powerhouse Goldsboro HS in the conference championship, where he went for 21 points and 7 rebounds in the highly anticipated rivalry matchup (see video below). Look out for him in the coming years. He’s going to be a fun player to watch!
Strengths:
Versatility – Damian stands at 6’3”, but plays very strong for a 14 year old freshman. He really gets after it on the glass, goes up strong in the paint, handles the ball well, has good court vision and he can create his own shot in the post or on the perimeter. Being so young, it’s likely that he will grow, potentially making him even more of a nightmare in the future for opponents on both ends. He gets low and moves his feet well defensively. Damian isn’t afraid to get physical with bigger and older players.
Scoring Ability – He’s an effortless scorer that gets in the paint at will using minimal dribbles. Dunn is very efficient with the ball and doesn’t waste much time before making a move towards the basket. Surprises defenders with quick hesitations, crossovers and pass fakes. Has shown a nice touch on his pull up jump-shot. Knocks down free throws at a high rate. Converts on midrange pull-ups and spot up three-pointers. Finishes well at the rim with either hand.
Size for Position – Having point guard abilities as a 6’3’ freshman is always a promising sign. He doesn’t let pressure speed him up. Gets to his spots to run the offense when he’s playing the 1 and on the wing. He’s shown good strength and patience. Uses his height well to shoot over smaller defenders and uses his quickness and creativity to get by bigger ones.
Areas for Improvement:
Consistency – As with most freshman, he’s up and down, showing flashes in some games and not so much in others. That may have to do a lot with Kinston High School having a surplus of seniors. He began to string together more and more strong games as the conference season came around, so all signs point to him having the understanding that players such as himself always have some room to improve.
Athleticism – As noted earlier, he’s only 14 years of age, so he’s young for his class with plenty of time to grow in stature and as a player. He must get stronger and quicker to become more consistent and to improve as a finisher against bigger, stronger and more athletic opponents. This will also allow him to be quicker on his feet when applying defensive pressure and it will enable him to play more physical with bigger opposing guards and wings.
Remember his name. He has the talent to become a very special prospect.
Photo Credits: Junious Smith III (Kinston Free Press)