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

"It's motivation because I understand what he went through his second, third, fourth year."

© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Although Ayo Dosunmu is playing a lot more due to the injury suffered by Zach LaVine that will sideline him for an extended period, this season hasn’t been a cakewalk for the third-year guard. Most of his statistics have decreased, and his playing time has been limited to 20 minutes per game because of the crowded guard position on the Bulls' roster.

Rather than letting frustration set in, the former Illinois star draws inspiration from the success his teammate Coby White is having with the Bulls.

Motivated to be great

For all the success White is having this season, it certainly didn’t happen overnight. The former Tar Heel went through a few seasons of inconsistent play before putting it all together this season; it’s something that Dosunmu can relate to.

“It’s motivation because I understand what he went through his second, third, fourth year. I understand how many people counted him out. He did nothing but work,” Dosunmu said.

“Me seeing that front-hand, that gives me motivation to keep going, gives me motivation to rise to the occasion.”

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

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 15, 2023

Stepping up

With Alex Caruso injuring his ankle once again, Dosunmu stepped up to the plate in the first of the Bulls’ back-to-back set with the Miami Heat and played superb basketball, finishing the game with 24 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.

He shared plenty of court time with White, who tallied his first double-double of the season in that game with 26 points and 11 dimes. Most impressive was the two players’ turnover total—zero.

“We push each other to be great. When I see him doing what he’s doing now, it’s nothing but giving me excitement,” Dosunmu shared.

Ayo finished with 24 points and 5 assists off the bench in Miami.

Coby: "He’s the reason we won."

📰 | @SamSmithHoops game recap:

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 15, 2023

Coby White gives Ayo Dosunmu his flowers: "He's the reason we won"