Following a successful freshman campaign with the Memphis Tigers, Jalen Duren fulfilled his lifelong dream by declaring for the NBA Draft. One year later, he’s being hailed as a future star for the Detroit Pistons franchise.
Next Up
Duren was touted as a highly-regarded big-man prospect coming into his freshman year with the Tigers. He earned a consensus five-star ranking by national recruiting sites after his lone season at Montverde Academy. Jalen felt it was time to make the leap, and made the decision to reclass to 2021. He delivered on his hype, earning All-AAC First Team and AAC Freshman of the Year honors. His efforts lead Memphis to the Round of 32 in the NCAA tournament, their best outing since 2014.
A Dream Come True
Soon after, Duren declared for the 2022 NBA Draft. The big man became the 50th Memphis Tiger to be drafted into the NBA. After being selected 13th overall by the Charlotte Hornets, he was then traded to the Detroit Pistons on draft day. He became the league’s youngest player at just 18 years old, not turning 19 until November. Despite his youthful status, Duren quickly transformed into a centerpiece for the Pistons. Detroit expected to bounce back after going 23-59 in 2021-22. Unfortunately, plagued with injuries, the Pistons finished with the worst record in the NBA going 17-65.
But Piston fans realized it was not a season full of doom and gloom. Duren, along with 4th overall pick Jaden Ivey, are seen as building blocks to a promising future.
“I still can’t believe we got Duren and Ivey in the same draft,” Detroit Pistons superfan Carl Alexander said. “They’re exactly what this team has been missing.”
Signs of Stardom
Duren and Ivey were both named to the NBA All-Rookie second team, reflective of their promising debut seasons in the association. Bad news came for the Pistons when star guard Cade Cunningham sustained a season ending injury. Cunningham’s injury instantly thrusted the young Piston core into the spotlight. The two rookies would see an increased role for head coach Dwane Casey throughout the remainder of the season.
In this time, Duren continued to improve upon his skilled, albeit raw overall game. He began to fully realize his All-Star potential, particularly dominating the glass. Duren lead all rookies in rebounding, and notched 19 double-doubles along the way. Against San Antonio, Duren put up 30 points 17 rebounds and four blocks. Duren also faced the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks and had an impressive 23 points and 15 rebounds.
Jalen Duren concluded his rookie season averaging 9.1 points and 8.9 rebounds per game while shooting 64.8 percent from the floor. In his first year, Duren set a successful foundation to build upon. His size, movement skills, and physicality allow him to dominate the game as a rim runner and glass cleaner while doubling as a defensive force.
The most promising part? He still has room to grow. The young big looks to expand his offensive versatility and increase his offensive usage for Detroit while showcasing his impressive frame and developing the instincts defensively to become a two-way star.
“That’s one guy I won’t ever put a ceiling on,” Pistons general manager Troy Weaver said.
As he continues to develop into the NBA player he knows he can be, Jalen Duren looks to follow in the footsteps of Memphis legends like Derrick Rose and his former collegiate head coach Penny Hardaway. If he fulfills this potential, Duren can become the blueprint for NBA success in a new era of Memphis Tigers basketball under Hardaway. His rookie season was certainly a bright start.
