Illinois Basketball: Top-30 recruit Ayo Dosunmu commits to the Illini

Illinois basketball has been stagnant in the Big Ten the last few years. Local commit Ayo Dosunmu could be the breakthrough player the program needs.

New head coach Brad Underwood comes into a rebuilding situation at Illinois. Not only did they have to settle for a NIT berth last season, but most of their key contributors have moved on as well. In the preseason media poll for the Big Ten that just recently came out, Illinois was picked to finished No. 12. They faired a bit better in our own Busting Brackets’ predictions, placing at No. 11.

These rankings make the recruiting class of 2018 all the more important so that Underwood can set a foundation for the future. Enter local product Ayo Dosunmu, who announced his decision via Twitter. He’s currently ranked No. 27 by 247 Sports Composite rankings. The four-star prospect is a 6’4 point guard with pro level size and athleticism.

In his junior year at Morgan Park High School, Dosunmu averaged close to a triple-double with 22 ppg, 9 apg, and 7 rpg. Those numbers were good enough to lead his team to the state title. Although he can play at the two spot, he’s a player who needs the ball in his hands to create for both himself and his teammates.

The decision came down to Illinois and Wake Forest, which is ironic because one pro player he resembles is Houston Rockets guard and former Wake Forest standout Chris Paul. Even though the Demon Deacons lose out on this player, they currently have a top-15 class and will be in the running of other high-profile prospects.

As for Illinois, the coaching staff will look to use this first commitment to lure other players in. Considering how the city of Chicago is such a hotbed for great basketball players, it’s a good sign that the new regime already has a footprint right in their backyard.

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As for Dosunmu, he’ll come in right away and lead this team in 2018-19. As far as perimeter players the Illini has, it’s primarily sophomore Te’Jon Lucas and senior grad transfer Mark Alstork who will be running the show this year. After Alstork graduates, it will be Dosunmu’s spot. The Illini still have a long way to go, but this is a good start for this new coaching staff.