Tuesday, November 7, 2017 TIP OFF 2017 5B Dunston’s Michigan teammates have noticed the work ethic Joe instilled. “The work ethic and the theme of ‘hardest-working team in America’ is set by our other senior Jillian Dunston,” Barnes Arico said at Media Day. “If you’ve watched us play, (Dunston) … will do everything that’s needed to be done to help our team be successful. Whether that’s taking a charge to win a game, whether that’s a dive on the floor for a loose ball, get a key rebound or whatever we need to do.” This was on full display throughout the WNIT run, where the senior amassed 54 rebounds – including 13 in the championship game. The forward also took a crucial charge at the end of regulation, forcing Georgia Tech’s leading scorer Zaire O’Neil out of the game. Then she hit two clutch free throws in the second overtime to pull Michigan ahead of the Yellow Jackets. Those efforts found their way onto the stat sheet. What Dunston did before the start of the third overtime didn’t — but was perhaps even more important. She told her teammates that they would win by 10. This must have given the Wolverines the confidence they needed. They outscored Georgia Tech 13-3 in the final overtime, winning 89-79. *** None of this should be a surprise. Dunston’s grind-it-out mentality, hard-nosed style of play and persistence on the glass has been a constant throughout her career. With 565 rebounds, Dunston ranks 16th in program history. If she can replicate her 286 boards from last season, she will finish tied for second most all- time. That ability helped her as a sophomore, as Dunston’s role increased, playing 19 minutes per game and making nine spot starts. But the real strides came between her sophomore and junior seasons. All the dedication paid off. All the hours of training. All the time in the gym. “I think patience and confidence was the biggest thing that propelled me my junior year,” Dunston explains. “I learned the impact I can make. I don’t have to be the leading scorer to have an impact on this team. I think that’s why I was able to have such a successful season.” Last season, Dunston finally became an impact player, starting every game at forward spot while averaging 5.8 points per game and a team high 7.7 rebounds. A lot of what Dunston brings to the court often gets overlooked. Grabbing rebounds and playing solid defense isn’t as glamorous as scoring 20-plus points a night. Players like Katelynn Flaherty and Hallie Thome consume much of the spotlight, earning the preseason and postseason accolades. This doesn’t bother Dunston, but she does envy her teammates’ ability to light up the scoreboard. “I don’t mind not being the highlighted player because I know what I do for this team,” Dunston said. “But some days I do want to be that leading scorer. I sometimes do wish I could put the ball in the hoop like Hallie and Kate can. But you take your role, you embrace it, and you do the best you can.” Dunston already does the little things well. This offseason, she worked on becoming more like Flaherty and Thome — and the scorers have taken notice. “I think she’s going to be a big scoring threat,” Thome said. “Her ability to attack the basket and to be able to knock down a jump shot has really improved.” Dunston doesn’t need to score 20 points per game — her other contributions do enough. But her offseason efforts to add another aspect to her skillset only shows how determined she is to help her team improve upon last year’s finish. *** Dunston has clearly found her role on the team as a hard- working rebounder that does all the little things. Yet all that Dunston contributes doesn’t go unrecognized by her teammates. “She’s grown so much since our freshman year,” said Flaherty, Dunston’s roommate. “She’s an incredible athlete. She has great speed and quickness and she rebounds well for us.” Dunston’s most valuable assets are intangible and cannot be seen in the box score; she prides herself on her leadership skills. “Everybody looks up to her,” said freshman guard Desha Church. “And we all respect her.” Not only is she a leader, but anyone that watches Dunston play can see the energy and passion she approaches the game with. Whether it’s going up for a rebound, ripping the ball out of the hands of the opponent or laying out for a loose ball, she feels that she “can bring a spark when needed” – and her teammates agree. “She is a positive energy all the time,” Flaherty explained. “She’s probably one of the funniest people I know. She always looks on the bright side of things and it is very inspirational to be around her.” Her buoyant personality is clear from just watching how she interacts with teammates prior to games – dancing, laughing and performing elaborate handshakes. This vigor was immediately evident to freshmen such as Church. “Her energy at practice is – well, if she wasn’t at practice, you would notice,” Church said. “She makes a presence. I’ve never seen her down before and she just makes you feel good if you’re down. And even outside of basketball, she is always positive.” This sort of high-energy player and personality is what Barnes Arico saw out of Dunston as a high school recruit. “I think every program needs a Jillian Dunston,” Barnes Arico said. “She’s just a really special kid and we’ve been fortunate to have her in our program.” This season, the Wolverines will look to Dunston to continue their success and avoid another late-season skid. Looking back, Dunston admits that the Wolverines may have let their ranking in the top 25 get to their heads. She acknowledges that the losing streak hurt them in the end, and likely cost them a trip to the NCAA Tournament – and all they can do now is learn from it. She also explained that finding out that the Wolverines weren’t selected to the NCAA Tournament was devastating – and this motivates her. As a senior, Dunston feels a responsibility to establish the team’s culture and not allow the group to become complacent. This may prove the difference in earning an NCAA bid or not. If the Wolverines learn from last season and make adjustments, Dunston believes Michigan will continue to make a national name for itself. And with Media Day marking the beginning of a new season, Dunston can’t help but smile. The season hasn’t started yet, but Dunston’s sure of one thing – “This year is going to be even better.” KATELYN MULCAHY/Daily Dunston grabbed 12 rebounds in Michigan’s 65-43 win over Grand Valley State. The early part of her career was tough. It was a journey. I think every program needs a Jillian Dunston. KATELYN MULCAHY/Daily Dunston, now a senior, will be an integral leader for the Wolverines as they attempt to go dancing for the first time since 2012-13.