The Bulls definitely didn’t expect Ayo Dosunmu to be around for their only pick of the 2021 NBA Draft. At 38th overall, the Morgan Park grad could be a steal for the Bulls. Dosunmu was a first-team all-American and winner of the Bob Cousy award: given to the nation’s top point guard.
Dosunmu averaged 20.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists last year at Illinois. He showed an advanced ability to get to the rim and make plays on offense as well as an ability to guard ball-handlers on defense. He’s above average at just about everything, but he doesn’t have anything you would call elite at an NBA level.
He should make a very formidable NBA player. That well-rounded game should allow for him to get time early without any glaring weaknesses for opponent’s to attack. He has a strong motor, high IQ, the ability to score at all three levels and displayed great court vision at Illinois. Scouts question the athleticism and the 3.3 turnovers per game last season. Many also don’t like his shot selection; his game involved more mid-range shots than many analytically focused organizations like to see.
Dosunmu was the focal point of an Illinois team that won the Big Ten Tournament Championship and was never afraid to take the big shot. He showed up time and time again when the pressure was on.
He should be a lot of fun for Bulls fans to watch and even more so being a Chicago-guy and a former Illini. I know I was excited to see the Bulls take him in the draft and can’t wait to watch him play. We’ll get our first look August 9th in Summer League.