Virginia standout Ryan Dunn is a projected first-round pick and arguably the top defensive prospect in the 2024 NBA Draft.
During the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, Dunn discussed how he transitioned from baseball to basketball as a teenager, what he enjoys about defense, things he didn’t get to show about his game in college, player comparisons, his draft range, and more with HoopsHype.
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Ryan Dunn: I played baseball when I was young. It was my first sport and first love. I hurt my elbow when I was 13 or 14. I played basketball for fun, but it wasn’t as serious. I played basketball more after I hurt my elbow, and the love of the game changed, and I started to play basketball more. When I turned 15, 16, or 17, I started taking it more seriously. It turned out good for me. I had a good growth spurt, and I’m happy to be here.
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RD: It’s fun. I feel like that’s a known topic we talk about in basketball. Everyone wants to score. At Virginia, I learned this is one of the gifts I have defensively trying to guard the best player. That’s my calling card and what got me here. Throughout this process, I continue to remember what got me here.
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RD: I feel like me having the ball in my hands a little bit. I’m working on closeouts outside the 3-point line and attacking defenders. I’ve been working on that a lot this offseason. I’ve been working on my handle and catching it off the rebound, even if it’s for myself, making plays for others, catch-and-shoot threes, and making that as consistent as I can.
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RD: What they see is what they are going to scout. Defensively, that’s what I was known for. I didn’t really shoot it well, but I feel like I’m a better shooter and a better offensive player.
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RD: There are a lot of players I watch, like Paul George and Herb Jones, too defensively. I think the closest I probably have is OG Anunoby right now, with him in the playoffs with his size and strength defensively.
Michael Scotto / HoopsHype
RD: I’m confident in myself. I think I can be 15–30 around that range.
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RD: You’re bringing in a defensive monster who can guard right away, learn your schemes, and be able to hold my own.
Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images
RD: Hopefully, I’ll win an NBA championship and have some accolades of my own, like being an All-Star, and be one of those guys in the league who is a veteran and helps the rookies.
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