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Ayo Dosunmu playing the best basketball of his young career: "He competes, he has a winning mentality"

Originally posted on Chicago Bulls on SI | By Nick Raguz | Last updated Feb 2, 2024 8:14 AM ET

The Chicago Bulls are traversing a difficult stretch of the season, battling injuries to key players while trying to stay in the thick of the hunt for a postseason berth. One player helping the Bulls keep their heads above the mud is third-year guard Ayo Dosunmu, who has stepped up and is playing the best basketball of his young career.

Has a winning mentality

Experts had a bleak outlook for the 24-year-old’s prospects this season as he was buried in the depth chart, especially after the Bulls signed free agent Jevon Carter and re-signed Coby White. However, the former Illinois ace worked his way up the rotation and took advantage of the opportunities presented to him.

Dosunmu’s quick bursts of speed, tenacious defense, and timely scoring have been key in the Bulls’ recent success. He has shown a relentless competitive spirit on both ends of the floor, leaving everything on the court every time he steps onto it.

“He’s a dawg,” White shared about his backcourt mate.

“He competes, he has a winning mentality. He’s playing elite basketball now and throughout the whole season.”

Most consistent stretch

Dosunmu has seen plenty of court time as he was the man Bulls coach Billy Donovan tapped to replace the injured Lonzo Ball in 2022. Although he did the best job he could despite being a rookie, he ultimately faltered in his second season, his shooting percentages dipping and his confidence dwindling.

This season, Dosunmu has rediscovered his shooting stroke, and as a result, he’s shooting 49 percent from the field, including 38 percent from long distance. He has also scored in double-figures in 10 straight games, the longest of his career. More impressive is that Dosunmu achieved the rare 50/40/90 in January, as he shot 54 percent from the field, 46 percent on triples, and 91 percent from the line.

White is confident that Dosunmu's relentless dedication will pave the way for brighter days ahead.

“Any role he’s been in, he’s handled with extreme professionalism. He’s always ready to play, and these last 10 games, he’s been really killing it, so I’m super excited for him.”

This article first appeared on Chicago Bulls on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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