Mario Dunn of Salesian High School in Richmond (Calif.) might not have ideal height, but the class of 2013 prospect is talented nonetheless.
A 5-foot-10 point guard, Dunn put his skills on display at the Nike Peach Jam/EYBL Finals with the Oakland Soldiers. Prior to helping lead his squad to the tournament championship, Dunn took the time to speak with NorCalPreps.com about his recruitment.
Dunn plans to wait until after the season to choose a college
Dunn said that he is being recruited by UC Irvine, UC Davis, Pacific, Montana, and Santa Clara. He noted that all of those programs have offered except for Montana.
At this point in time, three of those schools are standing out a bit over the others.
"I'd have to say it's between Montana, UC Irvine and Santa Clara," Dunn said of his favorites right now.
He went on to explain why that trio had caught his attention the most.
"Montana, for basketball, they've been to the Tournament like two, three years in a row," Dunn said. "And then UC Irvine and Santa Clara, they're [good academically]. It's a bright future after you graduate from there."
Dunn said that academics will "most definitely" play a big part in his decision and also shared what else he is looking for in a college.
"Style of play," Dunn said. "Community, how is it, the area, stuff like that."
As it stands right now, Dunn has had the opportunity to visit just one of the programs on his list.
"I've only been to Santa Clara," Dunn said. "It was a nice visit."
Dunn went on to say that he would like to go on visits to Montana and UC Irvine. He added that those trips will come "sometime in the fall."
The floor general also shared his timetable for a college commitment.
"Probably after school season, probably after high school [season ends]," Dunn said.
After confirming that he thinks he will sign in the late period, Dunn explained just why that is.
"Well I'm hoping to get some more scholarships after this," Dunn said, "and from there I'll just play through the high school season [with] stuff off my mind and then at the end I'll just make my decision."
Speaking of the high school season, Dunn shared his goal for his last year of prep ball.
"We're trying to win the Open Division stage championship," Dunn said.
Before high school hoops, Dunn still has some time left on the summer circuit. He shared his goals for the summer as well.
"Pick up more scholarships," Dunn said, "play better, get more of a point guard [game], become more of a point guard."
Dunn also spoke a bit about his individual game on the basketball court. He said of his primary forte, "Defending, I defend really well."
As for his main weakness as a player, Dunn remarked, "I'm not sure. I'll have to say rebounding probably because f my size, but I do rebound pretty well for my size, but just the size thing."
pretty interesting to hear we were only out of state school and the last to offer and still landed him. Gotta love Tinks.