NEWSLETTER
Ayo Dosunmu was already viewed by many as an Illini Legend, but tonight it became as official.
Legend. Congrats @AyoDos_11! pic.twitter.com/4frN9l4mSt
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 7, 2022
Chicago Bulls guard and former Illini basketball player Ayo Dosunmu attends a retiring ceremony for his jersey during half time between Illinois and the Maryland Terrapins at the State Farm Center Thursday in Champaign. His parents and Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan attended. pic.twitter.com/2u93w8j4RT
— armando l sanchez (@mandophotos) January 7, 2022
The Chicago Bulls rookie traveled back to the University of Illinois for his jersey retirement ceremony. He became the program’s 34th player to receive the honor thanks to his three-year illustrious career.
Dosunmu, who first joined the Illini in 2019, played a pivotal role in putting the school back on the national stage. Before he decided to enter the draft, he averaged 20.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists to propel the team to a Big Ten Tournament victory and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Dosunmu was later named the USA Today National Player of the Year and Bob Cousy Award Winner.
A Chicago kid and top high school prospect, I think it’s safe to say his decision to stay in his home state paid off, and now he continues to make his city proud as a key reserve on the NBA’s top Eastern Conference team.
Watch the moment Dosunmu unveiled his banner:
https://twitter.com/IllinoisOnBTN/status/1479263452287967242?s=20
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In more awesome news, we also learned that teammate DeMar DeRozan followed Dosunmu to Champaign to celebrate. The four-time All-Star sat next to the rookie during the Illini’s game against Maryland, and it sure looked the two were having a grand ole time.
Just guys being dudes. @DeMar_DeRozan @AyoDos_11 pic.twitter.com/1qcaJuCBjn
— The BoardRoom (@ILLBoardRoom) January 7, 2022
You absolutely love to see a true NBA vet supporting his rookie like that. It’s just another reminder of how special this Bulls team has turned out to be.
DeMar came out to Ayo's jersey retirement ceremony in Champaign. That's love â¤ï¸ pic.twitter.com/T5X68wmsMw
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 7, 2022
