[The following scouting report is part of a series on potential 2024 draft prospects from Sports Business Classroom alumni.]

Ryan Dunn
Frame: 6’7″, 215 lbs
Position: Forward
Team: Virginia Cavaliers
2024 Draft Age: 21
Stats via www.sports-reference.com

Offense

Dunn’s biggest strength offensively is his play finishing around the rim. He can use his size and athleticism at the basket for solid finishes. According to www.barttorvik.com, Dunn shot 67.9 percent at the rim on 131 attempts while being assisted on 67.4 percent. He has shown a sharp awareness of cutting to open space, using his tools to finish through contact. He thrives in transition, where he can quickly get up the court to unleash a powerful dunk.

But Dunn struggled from three-point range, shooting 20 percent on 35 attempts (every make was assisted). His lower body appears rigid and awkward, often too far apart when shooting the ball. He also leaps forward on every shot contest while his lower body leans back, making his body appear slanted instead of rising straight up. Dunn also brings the ball across his body, starting his shooting motion at his left hip, then getting the ball across his body to his right side. His release is high, and both hands have good ball placement. The elbow of his guide arm pokes out, which could also be corrected, but Dunn must improve drastically as a shooter to reach his ceiling in the NBA. He’s not much better at the free throw line, where he shot 53.2 percent on 77 attempts through his two seasons at Virginia. 

Dunn does add some value on the offensive glass, where he averaged 2.2 offensive rebounds and a 9.6 percent offensive rebounding percentage. His motor and tenacity play well here, where he can get to balls before even a big man can use his length. Dunn isn’t much of a playmaker, frequently moving the ball before putting it on the floor. However, he will hit the open man when attacking the rim. He averaged 0.8 assists per game, with an assist percentage of 6.0 percent this past season.

Defense

Dunn shines on the defensive side of the floor, and he has a strong case for being the best defender in the 2024 draft class. His ability to guard one through four effectively is evident on film. His footspeed allows him to shadow driving players, regardless of how quick or shifty they might be. Dunn possesses quick hips that enable him to alter or halt his momentum at any point in time, and when paired with his footspeed, they make it nearly impossible for him to shake off the dribble. He uses his length to pester them on the ball and causes them to cough it up, or he times up perfect shot contests that lead to blocks. Dunn averaged 2.3 blocks per game, with a block percentage of 10.4 percent. 

Dunn’s shot blocking carries over off the ball as well. His IQ and awareness stand out, frequently erasing shot attempts when positioned on the weak side. Even as a strong side defender, Dunn will be in the middle of a driving offensive player and his man in the corner. This will cause the opposing player to guess if he should go up with a shot over Dunn or kick it out to the corner. Players often try Dunn, but he’ll rotate and send the shot back in a blur. He does an excellent job rotating between multiple coverages and covering for teammates’ mistakes. Dunn can hedge a ball screen when guarding a pick and roll, then fly to cover his man who slipped the screen and is open at the rim, only for Dunn to send the shot out of bounds in an unreal display of timing, athleticism, and instincts. 

When playing passing lanes, Dunn’s traits flash as well. He appears to know what an offensive player is about to do before they even do. He uses his 7’2″ wingspan to jump routes like a defensive back and take the ball the other way. This applies to the strong or weak side. Dunn can intercept passes even when fully sliding ahead of a driving defender with his length. When guarding a big man in the post, Dunn will use his length to knock the entry pass away or simply maneuver around the player for a turnover. He averaged 1.3 steals per game, with a steal percentage of 3.0 percent. 

Another area on defense where Dunn shines is the defensive glass. His motor and length play well here, as he frequently crashes the glass and has the size and athleticism to out-rebound big men. Even when the ball hits the floor, you will see Dunn diving for it or wrestle another player for possession. He averaged 4.7 defensive rebounds per game, with a defensive rebounding percentage of 20.8 percent. 

Looking Ahead

Dunn is primarily a defensive prospect. He can wreak havoc by effectively guarding one through four while using his tools as a turnover machine in many different facets. His lack of an outside shot hinders his draft stock and will either make or break his future at the next level. 

Dunn projects as a first-round pick in the late teens to mid-twenties. His floor is that of a fringe to late rotation player, with upside as a starter or even more if his jumper can progress.