July 18, 2011
Mario of the eponymous Nintendo video game series first debuted in 1981 in the Donkey Kong game. Mario's main playing characteristics were his jumping ability to stomp out the enemy and relentless drive to save the captured princess. For the Salesian Pride, 2013 guard Mario Dunn displays similar attributes as his uncanny athleticism and leaping ability allows him to blow by and above defenders and he has a relentless drive to win the state title for his team.
At 5-foot-10 and 165 pounds, Dunn is a slashing guard who plays similar to former Marquette Golden Eagle Dwayne Wade. The No.14 ranked 2013 NCP prospect can play both guard positions in addition to the wing position. Dunn is very apt at attacking the rim and applying pressure defense on the full court press.
Salesian Coach Bill Mellis has this to say about Dunn, "Mario is the heart and soul of our team. He plays extremely hard and always leads our team in hustle plays and is one of our top rebounders. This off-season, he has drastically improved his shooting and he is now playing above the rim with ease. On the court, he is extremely unselfish and does not care about his personal stats, although he could be one of our top scorers. He works hard in the classroom and is very popular among his teachers and fellow classmates."
With the departure of 2012 guard Dominic Artis to Findlay Prep in Nevada, Dunn will be getting even more minutes for Salesian in this upcoming season. In addition, he will be expected to be more of a leader and his guard play will be needed even more. Dunn has been working on his game with his Norcal Supreme 16 club team during the summer.
Dunn's game has definitely improved over the summer club season. Norcal Supreme 16 Coach Glen Graham says, "Mario's strengths are his Defense. He'll guard the 1-5 if called upon, getting to the basket at will as he finishes everything around the bucket with either hand, and he does all the dirty work that most guys shy away from. On the court, he's a joy to coach as he's always giving you 110%. I think he's a low D1 player some college is going to get a steal whoever signs this kid. He does all the intangibles that coaches at any level are looking for. The things we're working on during the summer are his jump shot (mid-range), three point shot, and playing the point guard position. At 5'10, he's one of the toughest kids I've seen in a long time. One thing about the game of basketball is that you can't teach heart. This kid's heart and willingness to win is off the charts!"
Salesian has several current and past players who are Division 1 level basketball talent. Dunn has a good chance of being part of that D1 pipeline. Mellis has this college assessment of Dunn, "He will be a Division 1 player at the next level and has been getting interest from numerous schools such as Santa Clara, Santa Barbara, Colorado, and San Francisco. Off the court, he is involved in lots of community service activities and this undoubtedly helps make him the well-rounded person he is."
For Salesian to reach the state title game again, Dunn will have to display his Super Mario skills of high energy hustle, above average athleticism, and relentless mental pursuit of excellence. Watch for Dunn to have a super year in Richmond in the upcoming season. And do not expect this Pride to be "Dunn" as he will be playing on the college scene in 2013.
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