As Ryan Dunn strode across the hardwood at the Footprint Center, one couldn't help but notice his commanding presence. The 6-foot-8 forward with a wingspan just over 7-foot-1½ inches is quickly making a name for himself in the NBA with the Phoenix Suns. Yet, only a few years ago, Dunn's trajectory was on an entirely different path.
His journey to professional basketball began not on the court but on the diamond. Dunn, originally turning heads as a baseball player, was forced to pivot sports following a significant elbow injury. It was then that he turned his full attention to basketball, joining the University of Virginia's basketball program under the keen eye of Coach Tony Bennett. Bennett once remarked on Dunn's potential: "You're long, you're athletic, you have a chance disrupting offenses."
Dunn's skill set grew rapidly under the tutelage of the Cavaliers' coaching staff. He developed a defensive prowess, boasting an impressive college career block rate of 10.6%. His defensive acumen was noted by Virginia assistant coach Orlando Vandross, who observed, "He covers a lot of ground. He can switch. He can rebound. He'll block a shot."
Transitioning to the NBA has posed its own set of challenges and triumphs for Dunn. In a testament to his defensive abilities, Dunn notably managed a block against none other than LeBron James, sending a ripple of excitement through the league. However, it's not just his play on the defensive end that catches attention. In a preseason game, Dunn shot an impressive six out of 11 from beyond the arc, a performance that caught even his head coach, Monty Williams, by surprise.
His regular-season average from three-point range may hover at 31.6%, but exceptional moments, such as a crucial, game-deciding three-pointer against the Dallas Mavericks, underscore his potential as a clutch performer. JJ Redick, head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, humorously expressed retrospective regret, stating, "Had I known that Ryan Dunn was a 45% shooter, I think our draft board would've looked a little bit different."
Dunn himself has a laid-back perspective on his evolving role, commenting, "Whatever my role is to help the team, I want to do that to win." He attributes his shooting surge to encouragement from esteemed teammates Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. "When you have someone like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker telling you to shoot the ball every time, you're going to get it up," he reflected.
Seasoned trainer Phil Beckner noted Dunn's remarkable development, stating, "He started making every shot. His movements were precise. His movements were confident," adding, "This guy! It has clicked." This evolution in Dunn's game illustrates not just a player finding his stride but also an athlete who embraces the unpredictable journey of a professional career. Dunn himself aptly summed up his outlook, emphasizing, "It's not how you start. Everyone has their own race, and everyone has their own journey."
Having moved from baseball to basketball, from collegiate to professional courts, Dunn's journey is testament to resilience and adaptation. The Virginia native's aspirations stretch beyond mere on-court achievements. As he continues to make waves, he boldly states, "I want people to know who I am." For Ryan Dunn, the spotlight might have only just turned his way, but his story is one sports enthusiasts will follow with great anticipation.