Kellen Dunham, Senior, Butler, Guard, 6’6, 200
(2014-15, 33.9 mpg) 16.5 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 0.9 apg, 0.6 spg, 1.5 tpg
42.9 FG%, 85.0 FT%, 41.0 3FG%, 58.6 TS%, 52.5 eFG%
24.2 USG%, 6.1 AST%, 9.6 TOV%, 1.0 STL%
DOB: 6/18/1993 (22) Hometown: Pendelton, Indiana
2015 First Team All-Big East
The Watch List is not meant to replace full scouting reports and is only meant as a guide for who and what to watch for this upcoming season
Dunham has been a valuable player for the Bulldogs since entering his freshman year, and last season, he stepped up to become one of the Big East’s most dangerous scorers. At 6’6, Dunham has good size for the shooting guard spot, and he uses his size well to get quality looks over many other college defenders at his position. His biggest strength is his shooting ability, with a consistently quick motion and release, and the ability to hit from long-range off the catch or dribble. Dunham is range out to the NBA three-point line, and his shot selection is very good, for the most part. He does have a tendency, especially off the dribble, to let shots fly when he is off-balance or not square to the basket, but it doesn’t happen too often. With a better eye on taking good shots, Dunham was able to get his three-point percentage up to 41 percent last season on 188 attempts. His ability to shoot from long-range also sets up his mid-range game, allowing him to draw out defenders and get them off-balance with a shot fake, before taking a few dribble into open space for the jumper, though his tendency for off-balance shots affects him more in this area. Dunham uses screens well to create space, whether with or off the ball, and his motions are all with the intent to get in great position to shoot off the catch. Dunham is an average ballhandler, much better going to his right than left, and though he is often able to find space in the mid-range area, he often lacks the burst to get all the way to the rim off the dribble. He’s not very quick, and can have some trouble finishing against long defenders if he does get to the basket, but he is generally a good finisher and willing to draw contact. Defensively, Dunham is an average to above-average on-ball defender, showing good positioning and anticipation. As mentioned, he doesn’t have great speed, but he moves well laterally and he has learned to play angles well to cut off penetration. In isolation against quicker opponents, he has a tendency to play on his heels, leaving him vulnerable to changes of directions, as well as easy jumpers, though he does try to close well on shooters. He moves well off the ball, and does a good job playing passing lanes. Dunham can be used as a secondary ballhandler in transition, making smart decision with the ball, and having the ability to knock down open jumpers off the dribble.
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What he needs to show this season: Dunham’s offense is very one-dimensional at this point, relying on long- or mid-range jumpers. With good size and decent ballhandling ability, he should look to try and get to the basket more often, especially since he is fantastic free throw shooter. Dunham does draw a good amount of fouls for a perimeter shooter, often getting defenders to reach when he fakes a shot and makes a move off the dribble, but if he doesn’t get fouled, he’s often content to settle for a mid-range jumper. To help with that, he should also work on his ballhandling ability, especially being able to go to his left more consistently. One area I would be interested in seeing Dunham try to do more is using his size advantage to back down smaller defenders in the post area, though it may not fit the Butler offense. He has the skills to take advantage there, and could lead to him getting to the line more often. He’s not much of a passer, and if he makes a move off the dribble, it’s usually with the intent to take a shot, but I’d like to see him work on drawing defenders more and hitting open teammates. Defensively, Dunham knows what he needs to do on and off the ball; he just doesn’t always have the quickness to do it. Even so, he is fundamentally sound, and some improvements to his foot speed can help him from being beat off the dribble. He does a good job getting through screens, which doesn’t allow other teams to force switches. Dunham could also do more trying to help out on the defensive boards, especially with decent size. He doesn’t have the strength to consistently battle, but he could put more effort into getting involved.
Where he fits at the next level: Dunham’s shooting ability is his ticket as a pro, but where he ends up playing could depend on how much more progress he can make at the defensive end. While I certainly wouldn’t rule the NBA out this early, the athletic ability doesn’t seem to there right now, but with his size, shot, understanding of the game, and better defensive play, he will certainly get looks at all levels.
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