NBA Draft Scouting Report: Hampton's Jerry Deng
Jerry Deng
Forward | Hampton
Height: 6'9” | Weight: 220 lbs
2024 Draft Age:
Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
Prospect Profile
A high upside forward, Deng appears to have the skillet and size that would translate at the NBA level. Over the course of his freshman season his production has been somewhat inconsistent, but he really put himself on the map in a 37-point outing early in the 2023-24 campaign.
At 6-foot-9, Deng’s ability to shoot the ball is really what should get talent evaluators excited. Not only was he a solid 3-point shooter in high school, but he’s proven to be a really good floor spacer at the college level as well. Deng has also been efficient from the free throw line, so at minimum his shooting mechanics are promising.
To really elevate his game across the board, Deng simply needs to get stronger. This will naturally come with time as he continues to fill out his frame, but it will be necessary. This is especially true as it relates to cleaning the glass, as the freshman forward really isn’t a very productive rebounder today. Learning to get more aggressive on the boards and play with physicality will go a long way. He also needs to improve as a passer, even if it’s as more of a connector within the offense.
Deng is a former three-star recruit, but did have offers from several big programs. He ultimately chose Hampton, but may end up needing to transfer to a Power 5 school at some point to prove he can be productive against higher levels of competition. In either case, NBA teams have a good eye for underrated talent, which is the category Deng falls into.
Highlights
Draft Projection
Potential Second-Round Pick in 2024 NBA Draft.
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