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How Kris Dunn Blew it Open Against UVM

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Kris Dunn’s Monster Five Minute Run versus UVM
– Kevin Farrahar

Kris Dunn is suddenly back for Providence, and with him he brings renewed hope that the 2013-’14 Friars can make a run toward the top of the Big East.

Ed Cooley played Dunn 21 minutes last night, and his point guard delivered beyond any reasonable expectation with eight assists and three steals. Before projecting what Dunn’s return to the lineup could mean long term, let’s not overlook the contributions he made in his first game back — a game that was getting away from the Friars prior to Dunn’s emergence in the second half.

Providence went stale after taking a 30-14 halftime lead, as Vermont ripped off a 10-1 run over the first four minutes of the second half to pull to within seven. PC got jump shot happy, taking and missing four jumpers in the half’s opening minutes, and it looked as though a repeat of their second half against Brown was a possibility (the Bears outscored the Friars 39-29 in the second half after trailing by 14 at halftime).

Insert Kris Dunn.

Upon entering the Friars’ lineup, Dunn came up with a steal and PC found LaDontae Henton for the team’s first field goal of the half with 15:32 to play.

The layup kicked off a 15-2 onslaught triggered by the sophomore point guard. 80 seconds after the Henton layup, Dunn began picking apart the Catamounts. He found Josh Fortune for an open 3 at 14:17 (38-26 PC), came up with a steal on the next possession and assisted on a Kadeem Batts layup (40-26), and then assisted on a third straight Friar possession, this time hitting Fortune for another three pointer (43-26 at 13:02).

In less than three minutes after his return to the lineup, the shaky seven point lead became a 17 point advantage.

A minute later, he found Tyler Harris for a triple to push it to 20.

Dunn assisted on 11 points during the four minute stretch, and his steal led to two more.

There would be no Brown ending on this night. Providence cruised the rest of the way, winning 70-49.

For the second year in a row, Dunn returned to the lineup and ignited the Dunkin Donuts Center. While he struggled to find his niche until February, let’s not forget Dunn’s monster debut last December (13 assists) that left Friar fans buzzing.

Dunn’s return means so many things for this team. Bryce Cotton can play off of the ball on offense; Tyler Harris will get a reprieve from chasing 6’2 guards 20 feet from the basket; the Friars have far more speed, defensive ability and creativity out of their backcourt, yet for as much as last night was supposed to be about getting his feet wet, Kris Dunn’s return turned what could have been an uncomfortable second half — a potential revisit of Brown — into a laugher.

* * *

 How Dunn Changes the Dynamic Going Forward
– Craig Leighton

While Dunn was the difference maker against UVM, he could continue to play that role for the Friars going forward. A healthy Dunn means a big improvement in three key categories.

A Passing Point Guard
Let’s face it, Bryce Cotton is PC’s most valuable player, and handled the point ably, but he is more valuable to this team playing off of the ball. In order for the Friars to be at their best, Cotton has to concentrate on scoring, not setting up his teammates.

When Dunn is in the game, the whole dynamic changes, as we saw on Monday night. He is a natural in looking to set up his teammates in good positions to score. This was evident last night as he dished out eight assists, a couple of which were worthy of SportsCenter. With a healthy Dunn, everyone will be getting better looks — especially Cotton.

Defense
Dunn is this team’s best perimeter defender. With his speed and aggressiveness he disrupts opponents throughout the game, creating steals and causing havoc throughout. He had three in just 21 minutes last night. He sets the tone for his teammates on that side of the ball, and allows them to match up more effectively.

Depth
For the first time this year, Cotton was on the bench and there was not a noticeable drop off. Cotton was their only answer at point guard in Dunn’s absence, and it may have been a long season for Cotton had Dunn been lost for the year. A Bryce Cotton who averages 32-34 minutes a game is going to be a better player than the one who had to play 40 minutes a game last year.

At times this season, PC played Fortune at point guard and Henton at the two. Having Dunn back means that everyone can play their natural position(s) both offensively and defensively.

Cooley said it best last night when he noted, “Hopefully Kris is healthy for the long run, and we can begin to go on a journey that will be special.”

All Friar fans are hoping for the same thing — a healthy Kris Dunn for the rest of the year.

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