Ayo Dosunmu says the NBA draft combine’s format and delays due to COVID-19 influenced his decision to return to Illinois
Ayo Dosunmu prepared two videos to release on social media.
One ended with him announcing he would remain in the NBA draft. The other had him saying he’s returning to Illinois.
He went with the alternate ending Friday night, to the delight of Illini fans.
“I wasn’t sure which way I wanted to go,” Dosunmu told reporters on a video conference Sunday. “The NBA is going to be there. I’m not chasing the NBA. I’m chasing greatness.”
Dosunmu’s announcement was followed Saturday by teammate Kofi Cockburn declaring his return for his sophomore season. Iowa big man Luka Garza, last season’s Big Ten Player of the Year, and Michigan State forward Aaron Henry said Sunday they will return.
It adds up to a stacked Big Ten — with Illinois a legitimate title contender.
Returning for his junior season, Dosunmu said, would allow him to grow “bigger, faster, stronger.”
“Now I have the chance to win a national championship along with it,” he said.
The ripple effect of the COVID-19 pandemic influenced Dosunmu’s decision more than any other factor, he said. His father told the Tribune in April that Dosunmu was “98% or 99%” committed to remaining in the draft, and Dosunmu said Sunday it was “99.9%.”
But that 0.1% prompted him to withdraw before Monday’s deadline.
Unlike other years, draft-eligible players couldn’t work out for teams and had restrictions on how much they could talk to NBA scouts. The dates of the combine and draft were moved back, presenting a time-sensitive decision about returning to college workouts.
Dosunmu was invited to the upcoming draft combine, but the 6-foot-5 guard said the format was structured in a way that wouldn’t allow him to showcase his skill in games, with more focus on physical attributes.
“If I had the opportunity for the (traditional) combine or to work out for teams, I believe I (would) be drafted in the first round and have a guaranteed contract,” he said. “That wasn’t in the cards. I had to find a way.
“I always believe in myself. But it’s the big picture. It’s not about making a decision this year and next year. It’s hopefully for my whole 10-, 15-year career.”
Dosunmu averaged 16.6 points and shot 48.4% from the field last season while leading the Illini to a 21-10 record with a 13-7 conference mark. The Morgan Park alumnus cemented his Illinois legacy with clutch performances throughout the season.
Illinois appeared headed to its first NCAA Tournament in seven years before the season abruptly ended at the start of the Big Ten Tournament amid concerns about the spread of the coronavirus.
Dosunmu is hopeful next season will take place despite swirling uncertainty. The 2019-20 NBA season has resumed in a bubble system that is difficult to imagine for ethical and logistical reasons on a college campus.
“It doesn’t scare me, but there is a chance,” Dosunmu said of a canceled season. “Seeing the NBA be successful is encouraging to see. I want to emphasize people wearing their masks so we can get through this.”
———
©2020 the Chicago Tribune
Visit the Chicago Tribune at www.chicagotribune.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
