Lonzo Ball injured, Ayo Dosunmu ready to take over

Ayo Dosunmu has an unusual way of looking at his teammates. ” I’ve always tried to be a super rookie in the eyes of my peers, but I’ve always seen them as such because I feel like you generate a culture of winning that way, keeping everyone on the same page. »

Thus, from the height of his only 22 years, he considers himself a “peer” for his teammates. ” As big as they are, we are all human beings after all. […] I’ve always treated all veterans and my teammates with respect because that’s how you get respect, by giving it. »

That says a lot about the level of maturity of the young man, brought to play an important role for the Bulls this season. The 38th choice of the Draft 2021 had started his first exercise quite discreetly, before finding his place in the rotation and being established 40 times. This time, due to the prolonged absence of Lonzo Ball, which he had already taken advantage of, he should recover the starting spot from the start.

Even injured, the former leader of the Lakers and Pelicans will have influence on his young replacement. The two men are often together, side by side in transport or in shooting session after training. “ He was always that type of guy, that older veteran who always gave me advice », says Ayo Dosunmu.

Progress in “catch-and-shoot”

Example ? “ He talked to me about the pace, the pace of the game and knowing the zones of my teammates. Vooch (Nikola Vucevic) DeMar (DeRozan), Zach (LaVine)just knowing where they like to receive the ball, being a student of the game and managing the game. »

Ayo Dosunmu is clearly a worse passer and creator than his injured teammate, who Magic Johnson said at the time of his Draft had the same IQ. But his shooting is already much more developed than that of Lonzo Ball at the start of his career. ” I really had the opportunity to focus on my shooting right after the season. Last year, I was pretty good after a ‘catch’ but I wanted to be more effective at this level. I want to be a player capable of penalizing in ‘catch-and-shoot’ as well as when defenders go under the screens “, Displays the leader who turned to 52% success last year, including 38% from afar.

Reputed to be a strong defender, Ayo Dosunmu thus seems to have a pack of cards in hand to have a second good season. Especially since he also feels that his leadership qualities ” are really developing. I try to be the one who maintains collective unity. To be the one who pushes when needed and speaks up because I think it’s a gift from God that I have. Considering it’s my second year, I have a good relationship off the pitch with these guys. We all know we want to win. »