SI

Elite 2022 F Jalen Duren Prefers Catching Shots Over Swatting Them

Duren is one of the top players in the country, regardless of class.

Jason Jordan

Jalen Duren won’t go as far as to call it genius, he just thinks it’s simple logic.

Swat a shot out of bounds and you’ll stop a potential basket while likely drawing the “oohs” from the crowd. Catch a shot mid-air and you’ll not only stop the potential basket, but you’ll also retain possession.

The reaction?

“People don’t know what to think,” Duren said. “It brings a different energy because it’s not something you see a lot. It’s almost like getting dunked on.”

RELATED: Nolan Hickman looking to dominate at Kentucky next season

Makes sense that one of the last times Duren caught a shot for a block he made his Sportscenter Top 10 debut, checking at No. 2.

“That was pretty cool,” Duren said. “It was an honor. People just don’t how to act when they see that. They’re so used to seeing people smack the ball out of bounds, but I do it different.”

That’s right, Duren’s block-catches are calculated.

In fact, on the play that won him the No. 2 spot in the Sportscenter Top 10, he gave his teammates the heads up that it was coming the play before.

RELATED: Preseason SI All-Americans Revealed

“Right before I did that I blocked a shot and it went out of bounds,” Duren said. “So, I told them that I was gonna catch the next one and we’re gonna get out on the break. That’s what happened.”

The best part?

Duren doesn’t have to run through multiple reps to perfect the craft of catching shots, it just comes second nature.

“Like I said, it just keeps the play alive so it’s a smart play,” Duren said. “I do it a lot, it’s just that game was on national TV, so more people noticed.”

When it comes to national recruiting rankings, Duren typically checks in at No. 2 behind Ypsi (Mich.) wing Emoni Bates, a fact Duren is “fine with.”

Both Duren and Bates were one of just five underclassmen to make the preseason SI All-American team.

“It’s just an opinion, and that’s cool,” Duren said. “Of course, I feel like I’m the No. 1 player in the class, but this stuff doesn’t matter. The only ranking I want to be No. 1 in is on NBA Draft night. That’s the goal.”

Still, when it comes to the No. 1 spot in the phantom shot-catching rankings, Duren is sure he’s firmly entrenched at the top.

“Oh, now that, I’ve gotta be No. 1 there,” Duren said with a laugh. “I don’t see anyone else doing that. I’m always thinking the game through on the court, so that’s something that I’ll continue to do because, again, it’s the smarter play. More shot blockers should do it.” 

Published
Jason Jordan
JASON JORDAN

Home/Basketball