Size and Speed and Shooting
Indiana landed a commitment from Elon transfer Nick Dorn last week, a 6’7” combo guard who averaged 15.2 points per game with the Phoenix last season.
In an offseason that’s featured a complete roster reset, Dorn is a guy that’s flown a little bit under the radar. Per 247 Sports, he’s the fourth highest-rated prospect in his class, behind Tucker DeVries, Lamar Wilkerson, and Reed Bailey respectively.
Upon watching his tape though, I think Dorn has the potential to be a fast fan favorite for the Hoosier faithful, given the combination of size, speed, and athleticism – three things Indaina’s sorely lacked – that he brings.
Before getting into the rest of his game, it’s worth noting Dorn’s shooting ability. He made 35.1% of his 8.4(!) attempts from behind the arc last year, and shot a notch above 36% on a slightly lower volume the year before.
Unlike indiana’s other shooters though, Dorn brings an athleticism and size that will make him a matchup nightmare no matter where he plays on the floor.
Despite being listed as a combo guard, Dorn is more of a shooting guard, if not a wing. He’s capable of handling the ball and creating for himself, but posted an assist rate of just 5.1 and didn’t even average an assist per game last year.
Dorn can finish at the rim though, making him a threat both off the dribble and as a cutter surrounded by Indiana’s other passers.
Another thing to like about Dorn is that he has two years of eligibility remaining. He has the skillset to be an instant impact guy, but with so many players in their final years of eligibility, it’s good to know there will be a rotation player back again the following season.
Because of his versatility and raw talent, it’s hard to imagine Dorn outside of the top eight in the rotation, though a starting spot may be hard to come by at his primary positions.
He won’t beat out Tucker DeVries or Lamar Wilkerson at the two or three spots, but he brings an athleticism and leaping ability that neither of them have, making him an attractive backup depending on matchup.
He shoots well in catch-and-shoot scenarios, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see him paired with any of the plus passers in Indiana’s first and second units.
Elon only had two high major teams on their slate last year, but Dorn scored above his season averages in each instance, so he doesn’t seem like a guy that will be afraid of the moment at Indiana.