Today’s entry in our ongoing “Best of the Century” series on Illinois basketball highlights the top 10 Illini players from the last 25 years. Our selection criteria included individual performance, career duration (minimum two seasons post-2000), team achievements, and intangible qualities.
No. 10: Malcolm Hill
No. 9: Frank Williams
No. 8: Luther Head
No. 7: James Augustine
No. 6: Brian Cook
No. 5: Terrence Shannon Jr.
No. 4: Kofi Cockburn
No. 3: Deron Williams
Career averages: 16.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists
Best season averages (2020-21): 20.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists
When Ayo Dosunmu joined Illinois as a freshman in 2018-19, the team hadn’t participated in the NCAA Tournament for six years. Head coach Brad Underwood was in his second year, having led a disappointing 14-18 season. To summarize, Illinois basketball was struggling. However, Dosunmu and Underwood quickly transformed the program.
Hailing from Chicago and having attended Westinghouse and Morgan Park, Dosunmu arrived with advanced skills. He excelled at driving to the hoop and possessed an impressive array of finishes. At 6-foot-5, his size at the guard position, coupled with his athleticism, made him a formidable player.
Renowned for his effectiveness in pick-and-roll situations, Dosunmu showcased an extensive finishing repertoire. His footwork was just as admirable, allowing him to execute various moves, including the Eurostep. With an efficient shooting percentage over 50% during his career, his skill in attacking the basket was evident.
His midrange capabilities were also noteworthy, particularly his pull-up jumper, which the Illini frequently relied on in critical moments. Although not always flashy with his dribbling, he had a knack for outmaneuvering defenders. From three-point range, while his shooting was somewhat sporadic, he remained a credible threat.
Dosunmu distinguished himself as a reliable facilitator and ball-handler, contributing positively on defense with his agility and length, averaging 1.1 steals per game. His accolades included two-time All-Big Ten honors, consensus All-American, and Big Ten Tournament MVP, but his greater legacy was revitalizing Illinois basketball. In his second year, the Illini were poised for a return to the NCAA Tournament, and by his junior year, they clinched the conference tournament title and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Now in the NBA with the Chicago Bulls, Dosunmu has quickly established himself as a significant contributor, averaging double-digit scoring over the past two seasons.
