Ayo Dosunmu is looking to be an elite finisher at the rim

Ayo has set some big goals for himself.

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While it’s been tough to get consistent playing time with the emergence of Coby White and the presence of other guards like defensive menace Alex Caruso and solid reserve Jevon Carter, third-year guard Ayo Dosunmu has tried to make the most of the time he’s given on the floor.

One priority the former Illinois star has been working to hone is his finishing ability. Dosunmu has the necessary size and strength to finish through contact, but he’s been practicing his skills to refine them into a reliable weapon.

Learning from the all-time greats

Whereas he had plenty of success driving to the rim in college, the pro game hasn’t been as kind to Dosunmu. That hasn’t stopped him from studying the game’s finest finishers and learning how to use those skills on both ends of the floor. Whether watching film or breaking down his play, Dosunmu has taken an analytical approach to improving his touch at the rim.

“If you look at most of the [better] guards in the NBA who finish at the rim, Kyrie [Irving] is good because he has amazing touch,” Dosunmu said.

“His touch is second to none. And then you have guys like Steph Curry. He has a similar touch, but when he does, it’s different from mine because our bodies are different. So I want to pretty much take some of the Kyrie touch when you get to the rim and put it off the backboard with different angles because when you get to the rim with 7-footers, you have to get it over them. [It’s] not what I was accustomed to in college.”

Learning the ropes from his own teammates

Dosunmu doesn’t have to look far for tips on finishing at the rim. With DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine as his veteran teammates, Dosunmu is able to study their finishing moves closely.

“Seeing DeMar and how he gets to the rim at different angles, at some point, you have to have that touch around the rim and not just the speed and athleticism,” Dosunmu said.

“Zach, the way he gets in there — it’s just about finding ways to get better.”

Level up.@AyoDos_11 | #seered https://t.co/ycMq24QplP pic.twitter.com/uc065ZmS1B

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 15, 2023

Ayo Dosunmu shares he's being inspired by the success Coby White is enjoying now