The Providence Friars aren’t likely to be amongst the nation’s best teams. However, they do have one of collegiate basketball’s best all-around players in Kris Dunn.
Dunn is a special player, one that doesn’t come around very often in the college ranks. He is not only a sensational scorer, but an excellent distributor and rebounder. His 2014-15 season statistics speak for themselves.
Dunn record a per game average of 15.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 7.5 assists. The latter was good for third in the country. His shooting percentage stood at a very respectable 47.4 percent.
The temptation of the NBA came calling at the end of last season. Naturally, any player that has the option to earn millions of dollars would weigh their options. However, Dunn knew they time wasn’t right. There is still a lot to be learned, not only about the game of basketball but himself as well.
Dunn spoke out on his decision to stay in school during a recent interview for CBS Sports.
“I know I could’ve had a good chance at being a lottery pick, but I didn’t know the game as well. I’m going to be going to the NBA, 21 years old, and really only played one year of college basketball. I have to not only work on my game, but off the court I’ve got to work on my maturity. “
The NBA might have seemed like a pipe dream two years ago, as it hasn’t been the best of times for Dunn during his college basketball career. The Junior guard has had two major surgeries in two consecutive years. But, when healthy, Dunn has proven to be as good as any player in the country.
Many have predicted Dunn as a First Team All-American. He does face stiff competition from Oklahoma’s Buddy Hield and Indiana’s Yogi Farrell. And because Providence isn’t considered one of the Nation’s better overall teams, Dunn might miss postseason recognition.
Providence was an NCAA Tournament team a year ago. The Friars will be without last season’s leading scorer and rebounder, LaDontae Henton. So if they plan on returning to the big dance, it’s going to take a herculean type effort from Dunn.
Kris Dunn might not be playing for a national championship contender, but he can lead Providence to a respectable Big East record. If the Friars season is anything more than that, Dunn should be the unquestioned best player in college basketball.