The hometown kid is back at it again. And it wasn’t just a one or two highlights showcasing some hustle plays kind of night. No, the kid played like a full-grown adult.
In 23 minutes coming off the bench, Ayo put up 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 blocks in Brooklyn on Saturday night. He was showcasing what we’ve seen glimpses of, but he did it in a way that seemed so easy for some reason. It’s like one little thing clicked and he was off to the races.
There are highlights on highlights of the team playing dominant against the Nets and Knicks from these past two games, but it couldn’t have been done without #12. Let’s take a look at what made Ayo receive some national spotlight for once.
The Little Things Add Up
Lots of things receive notice throughout games in the NBA. Whether that be funny moments the cameraman/woman catches, people getting rejected on the Kiss Cams, or even the simple technical skills that a player flashes, there’s lots of moment that get attention. For Ayo, it’s time to put some respect on his fundamental basketball skills.
Defense seems to have a bad rep in the NBA, specifically among players like James Harden. Ironically, it was Ayo who showed the veteran how to play some Brad Underwood lovin’ defense.
Nice recovery by Ayo Dosunmu to stick with James Harden’s euro step move. pic.twitter.com/Ipc69wyLjf
— Hoop Informatics 🏀📊🎥 (@HoopInformatics) December 5, 2021
The classic James Harden move is his famed Euro step, which is actually nasty if I’m gonna be honest. Anyway, Ayo stays with Harden and keeps contact clean when he’s going up to the rim. He moves his feet perfectly to stay with him, then chases him down and makes Harden’s layup much harder than it usually is for him in this league.
Another defensive highlight to showcase some fundamental basketball skills? Let’s go.
Cam Thomas tries Ayo Dosunmu.
Ayo is good at moving his feet, shifting his hips and staying with the ball handler to make the contest. pic.twitter.com/cg1e6aM448
— Hoop Informatics 🏀📊🎥 (@HoopInformatics) December 5, 2021
If this doesn’t get you excited, you either aren’t a Bulls fan or you don’t love good basketball. Either way, you’re probably crazy. The play speaks for itself, but it just shows how the little things are starting to add up for Ayo at the right time.
Showtime Ayo? Get Used To It,
Showtime Bulls? I like the sound of that. Led by the Rook himself? I’ll take that as well. Finished off by Caruso? Yes, please.
Ayo plays this perfectly, running up the court and filling into his spot on the transition all while knowing the White Mamba was right behind him to take care of business. It’s these splash highlights that mark the growth of the rookie.
Ayo Dosunmu going behind the back to finish over Kevin Durant🕺🏻 pic.twitter.com/hJYy86qrjr
— Armchair Illinois (@ArmchairIllini) December 5, 2021
Yet again, we see Ayo getting flashy. Not just against some scrubs either, like behind the back against KD? Calm it down, Ayo. We don’t want him hitting you up from his burner accounts on Twitter.
Nonstop Grit
AY🚫
Ayo Dosunmu with the HUGE chasedown swat!@chicagobulls and Nets in a close one on NBA League Pass: https://t.co/V0kkYEEIkG pic.twitter.com/BLJNc8flMX
— NBA (@NBA) December 5, 2021
Ayo has been known for his hard work and love for the game, and it’s his nonstop mentality that sets him apart. In a tight ballgame, Ayo gives it his all and comes from out of nowhere to absolutely volleyball spike this ball. Chills.
On Nets final possession of the game, Ayo Dosunmu blocks Patty Mills 3-point attempt. pic.twitter.com/MM2F6Qlm6Q
— Hoop Informatics 🏀📊🎥 (@HoopInformatics) December 5, 2021
Here we see his grit again. In the final possession, Ayo plays perfect defense to not draw a foul but keep a hand in his face. This is textbook and something that isn’t seen from rookies, let alone most of the NBA.
This may not seem like a big deal to many, but it’s exciting as heck for diehard Bulls fans to see their rookie trying harder than many players we’ve seen wear a Bulls jersey. This is what we live for, and this is the definition of Chicago basketball. Play hard and grind till the end. Ayo does that day in and day out, and it’s time to put some respect on his name.
Appreciate What We’re Witnessing
Is Ayo Dosunmu the best two-way rookie in the NBA?
I think he could very well be. Competes on every play, offense & defense.
— Nathan James (@NJB0115) December 5, 2021
Ayo continues to prove why he was an absolute steal in the draft. He plays his guts out every game, works hard, and does the right things on and off the court. He deserves to receive the national spotlight, and it seems like his time is shortly coming.
It’s early and he’s only a rookie, but how can’t we be hype about a rookie who’s already impacting a team that currently sits 2nd in the Eastern Conference with a 16-8 record? Continue to get hyped, Bulls fans, we deserve to be. A new Bulls team has arrived.
