Busting Brackets
Fansided

Big Ten Basketball: Breaking down the 5 highest-rated 2018 commitments

By Lukas Harkins

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 12: A general interior view of the empty court during the semifinals of the 2011 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament at Conseco Fieldhouse on March 12, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 12: A general interior view of the empty court during the semifinals of the 2011 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament at Conseco Fieldhouse on March 12, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 20: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 20: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

SG Ayo Dosunmu, Illinois

Illinois basketball fans have not had a lot to cheer about recently. The program has not reached the NCAA Tournament in any of the last five seasons and there have not been many bright spots. Thankfully, second-year head coach Brad Underwood is starting to make his imprint on the program with his recruiting prowess. The crowning jewel for him so far is definitely Ayo Dosunmu.

The top recruit from Illinois, this in-state commitment is huge for the Fighting Illini. Dosunmo, 6’4″, is the No. 30 ranked recruit in the class and can score practically at will. Although he is not a deadeye shooter from beyond the arc, he is incredibly athletic and finishes well in the lane despite traffic or contact. In addition, he has a deadly pull-up mid-range game that makes him difficult to cover. As a defender, sometimes you just have to guess if he is popping the jumper or using his elite first step to get to the basket.

Due to his ability to play off the ball, Dosunmu should be able to fill out a starting guard position next to rising star sophomore Trent Frazier. That backcourt combination will be one of the best in the Big Ten and could carry the team to more wins than most people expect. They will be that exciting.

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