Profile
Then: Pivot
Cut : 2m10
Weight : 113kg
Crew : Memphis Tigers (AAC conference)
Stats 2021/22 : 12 points (59.7% on shots), 8.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 2.1 blocks
Presentation
Born in November 2003, Jalen Duren initially belonged to the class of 2022 (1st in the ESPN Top 100), which is about to make its NCAA debut next season. But the pivot had rather decided to draw a line under his last year of high school at the Montverde academy, to reclassify in the promotion of 2021. He then joined, at only 17 years old and with a year in advance, the university of Memphis and Penny Hardaway.
After a chaotic start to the season, the native of Delaware has gradually increased in power, imposing himself more and more serenely in the university rackets thanks to his impressive physical qualities, very precocious in comparison to other players of his age in his position. He finally signs a satisfactory “freshman” season, at the end of which he was elected best “freshman” of the AAC conference.
POINTS FORTS
– Insane defensive potential
He admits to being inspired by Evan Mobley in this area, and it shows visually on the field. If he is not, for the moment, as complete and influential in defense as the former USC and current member of the Cavaliers, much more up to date on the defense on “pick-and-roll” in particular, Jalen Duren already shows the potential of a very good defender in the NBA.
From the height of its 2m10, with a wingspan measured at 2m27, it rises high to contest and embarrasses the attackers by its verticality. With 2.1 blocks per game this season in the NCAA, he has shown the potential of a future defensive mainstay for an NBA team.
Jalen Duren is also able to take contact in the circle: he is certainly an aerial defender capable of countering anything that moves, but he is above all a rock of 113kg. He is currently foulting (2.7 in 25 minutes per game this season) and will have to adapt to the speed of NBA fullbacks, but with experience he can become a truly intimidating presence in the paint.
– A powerful finisher, and a promising mid-range shot
Powerful would even be an understatement as Jalen Duren crushed the competition in the racket last year: nearly 80% success in circle shots! Primarily on dunks, but still. For the moment, he does not really bring any variation in this area, since his game at the low post is not (yet?) a strong point, and he does not shine (yet?) by his technical qualities when the leather is in his hands.
But he’s only 18, let’s not forget. At such a young age and with such a developed physique, he represents a diamond to be polished from an offensive point of view. But when it comes to finishing in the circle, he will bring certainties to his future team from day one. If he is surrounded by a good creator to serve him on “pick-and-roll” or in the “dunker spot”, he will do damage.
At mid-range, it’s promising: 36% success rate, with not ridiculous shooting mechanics for a player of this size. Faced with mostly “drop” defenses in the NBA, he will have opportunities to take this shot, on “pick-and-roll” in particular, if he is well served. Efficiency and consistency will have to increase to make him a respected player at this distance. But, again, he will only be 19 next November…
WEAK POINTS
– Crumbly fundamentals
Jalen Duren’s very young age is an advantage from the point of view of his long-term projection, but it is also a source of flaws inherent in his inexperience. On simple things, especially in defense, the pivot is sorely lacking in solid fundamentals.
Very brilliant as a “rim runner”, he however lacks understanding of the game on half-court: where to place himself in relation to his ball carrier and how to put a good screen on “pick-and-roll” in attack, like positioning himself on this same “pick-and-roll” in defense…
Finally, we come to the same conclusion as for his game in attack: the potential is very great, but it will take several years for him to fully exploit it, because there are many areas for improvement.
Comparison
Mitchell Robinson or Robert Williams III, for the verticality and the rampart profile in front of the circle. Note that Jalen Duren is much more physically developed than the two pivots of the Knicks and the Celtics when they were 18 years old.
Prognosis
End of “lottery”, between the 10th and 14th position.
