Illinois Basketball: 3 reasons why Illini will win 2021 Big Ten regular-season title

3. Ayo Dosunmu

Perhaps the biggest reason that Illinois will claim the Big Ten title this year is the return of Ayo Dosunmu for his third year. As touched on in the earlier slide, Dosunmu is the motor that drives the Illini and his shocking return will cement him as an all-time Illini great.

Dosunmu will surely be Luka Garza’s top competitor for Big Ten POTY and will ultimately be the best player in Champaign this season. The number of times that he came up big last year for the Illini proved that he is not shaken by the spotlight and allowed Illinois to have that go-to-guy that they know would put them in good hands.

It is without a doubt that Dosunmu will be the catalyst for leading his team through thick and thin. His leadership has been praised by Brad Underwood and he has become the ultimate fan favorite.

After averaging 16.6 ppg, 3.3 apg, and 4.3 rpg, look for Dosunmu to improve on those numbers this coming season while quite possibly being a first-team All-American. Dosunmu has what it takes to lead the Illini back to the promise land and will surely be one of, if not the top player in the Big Ten this coming season.

There is not enough that can be said about Dosunmu and his importance to this Illini team. He has been the motor for two years and will continue to be THE guy in Champaign this year.