Ayo Dosunmu
Illinois Fighting Illini
20.2 Years Old
By Max Feldman
In Partnership with PearlScouting
Strengths
- Elite vision in transition, consistently looking to ‘go’ on outlets
- An NBA-ready physique at 6-5 and nearly 200 pounds
- Strong instincts as a P&R ball handler – floater game, dump offs, skip passes
- Massively improved Iso scoring through his career, strong package of hesitations, crossovers and Euro-steps
- Long, physical defender who loves to disrupt ball handlers and jump passing lanes
- Deadly mid-range pull up game
Weaknesses
- Under-developed left hand offensively
- Elite baseline to baseline speed, but lacks impressive bounce/burst
- Low shot release, poor numbers on spot ups
- Can disappear on the offensive end at times, poor Assist to Turnover ratio
Overall
Dosunmu has largely been thrown on to the NBA radar because of his development from his Freshman to Sophomore season. The Chicago native was the fuel, the engine and the turbo for Illini hoops in a season where they returned to the cream of the crop in the Big Ten.
Offensively, Dosunmu can play on and off the ball. A low, somewhat awkward shot release resulted in below average percentages from beyond the arc, solidifying his role as a playmaker rather than all around offensive bucket getter. Along with his physical measurements, the clearest strength in Ayo’s game is his instincts as a passer. Standing at 3.3 assists per game in both seasons at Illinois, Dosunmu is the type of floor general to elevate the game of his teammates through his energy, toughness and leadership, rather than flashy passes or handles. Decision making and output in those areas can improve, but he was carrying massive volume as the go-to guy in every single outing as an Illini. Not many guards his age use their physique, quickness and IQ to the ability that Ayo has. Incredibly high numbers in transition scoring, isolation buckets, and off-cuts speak to his feel for the game. These variables make his game far easier to project at the next level compared to an uber athletic guard with a raw skillset like many other prospects.
On the defensive end, Dosunmu served as a versatile chess piece often guarding bigger wings in the Illini’s three guard lineup. As mentioned previously as an offensive skill, Dosunmu can rely on his body too much sometimes rather than focusing in on his footwork and sliding his feet. Dosunmu performed extremely well as a pick and roll, off-screen and isolation defender.
Ayo Dosunmu has the tools and proven skillset to produce at the next level. His shooting question marks and offensive versatility limit his stock and overall potential, but his floor is steadily high.
Outlook
Looking ahead, Ayo Dosunmu fills a role all NBA teams could use. Dosunmu is a basketball mind, a gritty, touch guard and the competitive motor to produce day one. In the NBA, Ayo can serve as a secondary scorer and playmaker next to smaller guards with defensive shortcomings.
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