Ayo Dosunmu came into the season buried in the depth chart. With Coby White getting the starting nod and newcomer Jevon Carter expected to play backup, Dosunmu seemed to be an afterthought in the Chicago Bulls' point guard rotation. However, injuries and inconsistent play from Carter have opened the door for Dosunmu to make his case for a bigger role on the team.
Similar to his rookie season
Dosunmu’s role this season is similar to his rookie campaign when he was thrust into a starting role when Lonzo Ball suffered a knee injury. This time around, with Zach LaVine and Patrick Williams both out for the season, Ayo has been inserted into the starting five and has delivered, averaging 15.9 points on 53 percent shooting, including 46 percent from long distance.
Apart from the counting stats, the former Illinois star has also taken on the role of a vocal leader and it’s a responsibility he doesn’t take lightly.
“It comes with the responsibility to know your teammates more than just basketball,” Dosunmu said.
“Off the court, understanding their background, understanding their tendencies, and I think I’ve done a good job of that. And then once you feel like you get to that point, you feel comfortable, your teammates feel comfortable taking tough love and receiving tough love.”
A crucial role
Last season, the Bulls had veteran guard Patrick Beverley, who wasn’t afraid to light a fire underneath his teammates when needed. But with Beverley now on the Milwaukee Bucks, someone else needed to step up and fill that role. That’s where Dosunmu comes in. As a third-year player, he may not have the years of experience like other veterans on the team, but he has shown maturity beyond his years.
“When it gets to that point, and you’re in those battles, you really can’t hold it in because one extra possession of not talking to your teammates and holding that message in may lead to some continuous downfall of play. In those moments, I just try and deliver the message any way I can,” Dosunmu shared.
It’s a trait that Bulls coach Billy Donovan admires and greatly respects.
“He’s got a pretty clear understanding of what’s right and wrong, and when the team is not doing well, he’ll call guys out and say things,” Donovan said.
“But he does it in a very respectful way.”
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