Hey Suns fans, I spend most of my time over on CelticsBlog, and I just wanted to give you the scoop on Jared Dudley. I live near Boston, and I'm a huge Boston College fan. Although I haven't seen much of Dudley in a Bobcats uniform, I've probably seen about 60-70 of his games at BC. Here's all you need to know. 

His coach at Boston College was Al Skinner. Skinner played his college ball at UMass alongside Julius Erving, and is highly respected for what he did in his playing days, as well as the work he's doing now for BC. The one knock on Skinner, possibly the reason why he hasn't jumped to a higher profile program after years of success at Boston College, is that the offense he runs defines a college-style offense. In other words, the offense that Dudley played in for 4 years at BC is unlike anything he will play in or play against at the pro level. In fact, the tight flex offense that Skinner employs is the exact opposite of the run and gun Phoenix Suns attitude (although I understand that that has changed a bit this year). Skinner's version of the flex fit Dudley's playing style perfectly, as the entire offense is meant to be run inside of the 3-point line. It is not pretty to watch, but it's extremely effective if executed properly. Now, onto Dudley's scouting report, which should help explain why he's a good fit for such an offense.

 

- Excellent court vision. Capable of making seemingly impossible passes that most other players aren't capable of making.

 

- Great at creating space down on the block. Made a living in college scoring easy buckets simply because he was able to seal off his defender.

 

- Has a high-arcing shot. Solid free throw shooter. In college, showed the ability to get hot from deep. I'm not sure about how his shot has progressed since he's entered the NBA, or whether he can shoot an NBA three, but I'm sure like most tweeners he's worked on his shot extensively and it's getting more consistent every game.

 

- Yep, he's a tweener. See Ryan Gomes or Craig Smith (also a former BC Eagle) for recent tweener success stories. Dudley doesn't have great speed, and isn't a great athlete. If he were a bit taller, he'd play the 4 position. It's questionable whether he has the quickness to guard opposing 3s. His ball-handling is passable for a wing player's.

 

- Good rebounder in college. Not sure if he can be a consistent force on the boards in the NBA against superior athletes.

 

- Very smart, reliable player. You can count on him not to blow the game for you.

 

- It never came easy for Dudley. He signed with BC only at the last minute - no other premier D1 college teams offered Dudley a scholarship. I'm pretty sure his next best option was San Diego State.

 

- Dudley is fiery. He was BC's emotional leader along with Sean Marshall. Without the passion for the game that he has, he definitely wouldn't be in the NBA today.

 

 

I have nothing but great things to say about Jared Dudley the person. Sure, he's not the model NBA player physically, but up to this point he has succeeded despite doubts about his athleticism. There is no question that he has a good head on his shoulders, that he will work hard, and that he'll be ready to play when called upon. Hopefully, he'll find a home for himself in Phoenix.