Ayo Dosunmu impressed Goran Dragic in training camp: "He really surprised me"

Sophomore slump? It’s looking more like a sophomore jump is coming for Ayo.

Ayo Dosunmu / © Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Goran Dragic is a well-respected veteran who has played for 14 seasons in the NBA. Safe to say, the Slovenian guard has seen it all and isn't easily impressed. So when he came away impressed by Ayo Dosunmu in training camp, it says a lot.

Sophomore jump

Lonzo Ball's absence due to a knee injury has paved the way for Dosunmu to try and seize the opportunity. And while Bulls head coach Billy Donovan has yet to announce who will take Ball's place in the starting five, it seems like Dosunmu has made a strong case for himself, and Dragic has taken notice.

"I really like Ayo. He's a great kid," Dragic said after the Bulls' practice session on Monday as the team gets set for their first preseason game against New Orleans. "He really listens and he's really asking questions. For me, it's just to guide him on the right path. He has such a great talent and he's a positive kid. He really surprised me."

The rookie out of Illinois has been impressive in both drills and scrimmages, showing off his athleticism and scoring ability. If he can continue to play at a high level, Dosunmu could find himself with a significant role this season.

Ayo & AC. pic.twitter.com/mZNFwhs4Hr

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 1, 2022

First-hand experience

Lest you think Dragic's comments regarding Dosunmu are a classic case of a veteran hyping up his young teammate, it's worth noting that the two have been matched up against each other last season. Dragic has had a front-row seat to Dosunmu's skills, and he likes what he sees so far.

"I played last year against him, so I know defensively how tough he is," Dragic said of Dosunmu, who played 77 games during his rookie season, starting 40 of them.

"He's a tough kid."

It remains to be seen what kind of role Dosunmu will have this season, but if Dragic's words are any indication, the young guard is certainly off to a good start. And with the regular season just around the corner, it won't be long before we see if Dosunmu can back up the hype.