Chapel Hill Review

When Kinston High School Basketball Coach Perry Tyndall first started coaching the mild-mannered Dontrez Styles 3 1/2 years ago, he found the freshman to be more than reliable.

“He has a relentless work ethic, wants to be great, wants his team and teammates to be great,” Tyndall told the Chapel Hill Review. “He has a quiet confidence and belief in himself that comes from the countless hours he spends in the gym.”

That dedication landed Styles a scholarship to play for the University of North Carolina basketball team. 

“It's hard to say how he's going to fit in because it's a year away but I love his athleticism and love his focus, love his desire to want to be a better player,” UNC coach Roy Williams told Chapel Hill Review. “He's really putting in the work and I'm hopeful that all basketball gets a chance to happen this year.”

Ranked the No. 57 overall prospect in the 2021 class, Styles has averaged 19.7 points and 11 rebounds as a junior at Kinston High where he led the team to a 26-4 record, according to 247 Sports.

“At Kinston they have a record of winning, and I think he wants to keep that going," Williams told Chapel Hill Review. "We'll have to see. Right now I'm like every coach. I'm holding my breath every day, every time the phone rings and every time somebody comes in to see me. We're just trying to get better today and see what's going to happen tomorrow."

The 6-foot-7-inch, 201-pound Styles is a power forward. 

“His athleticism is above average, which will be beneficial,” Tyndall said in an interview. “He rebounds well and knows that will be important for him at whatever position he will play. He is dynamic in transition. Dontrez continues to improve his shooting and is good in the mid-range off the dribble and from three-point range. He will be able to guard multiple positions. Overall, Dontrez will be a great piece to the Carolina basketball family.” 

Off the court, Tyndall said Styles is easy going, and his desire to be the best he can is what sets him apart from other players.

“He accepts criticism, takes responsibility to get better, does not get complacent and he works incredibly hard,” the coach said. “The great players that have come from Kinston shared these characteristics, and Dontrez has been no different and even more focused in many ways.”

Other players who graduated from Kinston High and landed at UNC include All-American and future NBA standout Jerry Stackhouse and Reggie Bullock. 

“Dontrez is a young man who has great rapport with his teachers,” Tyndall said. “He doesn't draw attention to himself and really is at peace when he is in the gym playing basketball. Dontrez is a young man of character. His parents have done a great job raising a great young man who is a role model to my kids. I will be tickled to death if they turn out like him.”