When you watch a basketball player play for the first time, what do you see and identify right away? What catches your attention? Is it the player’s athleticism? Shooting skill? Slashing abilities? A thrifty handle? Their defensive tenacity? This could go on for a while, as this beautiful game displays so many dimensions, aspects, and facets that are so fun to watch. Look no further than the Chicago Bulls, who recently drafted a young man who brings the rigorous full package to the court. When I say rigorous, I actually mean well beyond that.
The Chicago Bulls picked up a serious hooper in former Arizona Wildcat Dalen Terry. Terry was selected in the first round and was the 18th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. He competed in a top-notch Pac-12 conference for two seasons with the Arizona uniform on.
You watch him play, and you will quickly see that he does every little thing on the court at an elite, already-NBA level. There isn’t necessarily one element of his game that stands out, as he does it all, and with 100% effort, talent, and athleticism.
He received a variety of honors and was a beast on both ends of the floor. This past season, Arizona ended up making it to the Sweet 16 and lost to an incredible Houston team. They also beat a great UCLA team in the championship game of the Pac-12 Tournament. This 6’7 small forward/shooting guard was named to the ‘21-’22 Pac-12 All-Defense Team. He was also named Honorable Mention All Pac-12. He was third in the Pac-12 for assists with 145 total. He was first in the Pac-12 for games played with 37. He was sixth in the Pac-12 for assists per game with 3.9. He was also fourth in the Pac-12 for steals with 46 total. In addition, he shot 50% from the floor and 36.4% from the 3-point line this recent season.
Terry has also succeeded at the national level and has made a name for himself with the big dogs. In the summer of ‘21, he was invited to training camp for the USA Basketball U19 team. He ended up not making the final roster.
The Chicago Bulls drafted a true ceiling-raising player during the 2022 NBA Draft with the 18th pick in Dalen Terry.
Terry was a high-level recruit at Hillcrest Prep in high school and put up some astonishing numbers throughout his career. He was a 4-star recruit ranked in the Top 50 Nationally in the Class of 2020. As a senior, Terry averaged 15.3 points, 8.9 assists, 8.8 rebounds, 3.1 steals, and 2.1 blocks per game. As a junior, he averaged over 16 points and a whopping 11.4 assists per game. He was among the nation’s leaders in assists. He was ranked among the top 10 small forwards in the class nationally.
When I read that Dalen Terry averaged 11 and 9 assists respectively his junior and senior year of high school, I was blown away and almost fell out of my chair. That is truly unbelievable and speaks volumes of his overall skill set and ability to make his teammates look good. It’s always great seeing players who give up shots to dish out a phenomenal dime.
While watching Terry play, it’s very evident he is a winner and will do whatever it takes to be on top. He is a warrior on the defensive end and lives in passing lanes. His passing capabilities are like nothing I’ve ever seen, and he can place the ball right in your hands. He also has an outstanding 3-point stroke. His effectiveness and efficiency to get in the lane and finish at the rim is very good too. He has a quick first step to get by defenders and finish several difficult drives. This will come in handy for him at the NBA level. Also, his ability to run the floor and make cuts to the basket proves his ultimate athletic ability and explosiveness.
Terry averaged 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in 25.4 minutes per game during the 2022 NBA Summer League prior to their final game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Terry went down with a right hamstring injury during the 76ers game the other day and didn’t return for the rest of it.
Coach Billy Donovan and staff did their homework on this kid and have to be totally thrilled about the raw talent they are bringing into the Bulls organization. Terry is going to be a fan favorite and the crowd is going to love him. He’ll have an immediate impact during the ‘22-’23 season and will see significant minutes, possibly even a starting role.
LaVine and DeRozan are going to see a lot of themselves in this young man and are going to have a riot playing with him. Don’t let his 6.6 points per game average fool you in his two seasons at Arizona. He can easily put up big scoring numbers and has proved that. He will thrive in the Chicago Bulls’ system and will give them another weapon on the wing.
There’s a good chance he could follow in LaVine and DeRozan’s footsteps in the near future and can explode on the offensive end just like they do. Terry’s all-around skill set will help the Chicago Bulls reach a playoff berth, no questions asked.