At 6-foot-9 and 220 pounds, Jalen Duren exudes power and strength. The power forward/center from Philadelphia turns back the clock to dominant big men owning the paint. A time when offenses ran through the post and shots were bullied into the basket.
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Duren's burly inside game and explosive athleticism construct a high ceiling.
Jalen Duren Highlights
Strength is the main driver of Duren's offensive game. He catches on either block and trudges through defenders on the way to easy finishes. He diversifies scoring options by facing up down low, where he can rise for short jumper or blow by his man. In transition, he runs well and hammers dunks. He's also adept at finding the open man.
Defensively, the five-star recruit makes sure his presence is felt. Drivers are warded away by the threat of their shot being swallowed. Duren's a rebounding machine. Misses are hauled in with huge paws. He's incredibly valuable as a rim protector.
Jalen Duren Basketball Recruiting
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Duren played his first two years of prep ball at Philadelphia's Roman Catholic High School. In April 2020, he announced his transfer to powerhouse Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida. He'll join fellow Philly native Justice Williams.
The newest member of the Montverde basketball team is the second-ranked player in the class of 2022 according to 247Sports, one spot behind Emoni Bates and a spot ahead of shooting guard Chris Livingston. He holds college basketball scholarship offers from Alabama, Auburn, Georgetown, Howard, Maryland, Miami, Michigan, Ole Miss, Penn State, UCLA, and Villanova. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the big man wasn't able to woo college coaches on the AAU circuit. The Duke Blue Devils and Kentucky Wildcats are keeping a watchful eye.
Duren has as much potential as anyone in high school basketball. NBADraftRoom.com lists him as the tenth best prospect in the 2022 draft class. He'll be able to make that jump assuming the projected CBA goes through and high school players can go straight to the league. If his sophomore year was any indication, the future is bright.
