Former Illinois Basketball Star Drops Career High vs Heat

Former Illinois Basketball Star Drops Career High vs Heat

Ayo Dosunmu has been getting his opportunity this year. After a quiet start to the year, the former Illinois Basketball star has finally started to gain some consistent minutes. With Zach Lavine and Alex Caruso struggling with injuries, Ayo has been thrust into an increased role. Dosunmu has been rather up and down in these increased minutes, however, he put up a career night against the Miami Heat. Dosunmu finished with 24 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Ayo did this on a very efficient 10-12 from the field, including 3 for 4 from the 3-point line.

Starting PG, Coby White, stated that Ayo Dosunmu was the reason that the Bulls pulled out a win. White has provided an outstanding scoring punch in Zach Lavine’s absence, while Ayo has provided the defense and hustle plays.

Coby White on Ayo Dosunmu’s presence for the Bulls: “A lot of Chicago guys, they’re just hounds, they’re dogs. You can tell (Ayo) is from Chicago by the way he plays. He has a killer mentality.” pic.twitter.com/nqueTX43gZ

— Julia Poe (@byjuliapoe) December 15, 2023

Ayo’s future

It may not feel like it, but Ayo is in his third year in the NBA. It seems that we have been talking about Dosunmu on the Bulls for many years. Ayo has definitely improved his game. He is attacking the rim with far more strength and confidence. Additionally, his shooting stroke may not be pretty, however, he is learning how to be effective with it. If Zach Lavine and Alex Caruso continue to miss time with injuries, Dosunmu is in line for some major minutes on both sides of the ball. The Bulls should be a rebuilding squad, and Ayo Dosunmu should hopefully be a huge part of that rebuild.

Ayo Dosunmu with a niiiice 21 points off the bench so far pic.twitter.com/FTOJcDZG6U

— Armchair Illinois (@ArmchairIllini) December 15, 2023

Ayo Dosunmu is a nice compliment to the recent NFL successes. Tommy Devito, Devon Witherspoon, and more have been great in the NFL, hence it is amazing to see some Illinois Basketball representation in the NBA.

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