Ayo Dosunmu vows to compete for a spot in the crowded Chicago Bulls backcourt

Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu has his sights set on competing for a spot in the crowded backcourt.

© Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Many eyebrows were raised when the Chicago Bulls re-signed young guard Ayo Dosunmu to a three-year contract reportedly worth $21 million. This is because in bringing back the Illinois guard, the team basically loaded up their backcourt as Dosunmu joins the likes of All-Star Zach LaVine, Coby White, Alex Caruso, Dalen Terry, and Jevon Carter. However, Dosunmu is eager to take on the challenge of proving himself worthy of a spot in the rotation, possibly even the starting point guard slot.

Compete for the starting gig

Lonzo Ball’s extended absence and the uncertainty over his return from a knee injury has led to the Bulls experimenting with one guard after another. While Dosunmu has started 91 games over the last two campaigns, he was sent to the bench late last season in favor of the more experienced Patrick Beverley. Now, with Beverley signing with the Philadelphia 76ers, the door is open once again for Dosunmu to make his case for the starting gig.

“I’m going to make a way. That’s all I can say. You know I always want to come out here and compete. Anybody who says they don’t want to start, they would be not telling the truth. But that’s something that will be taken care of in training camp,” Dosunmu boldly stated.

Loaded backcourt

The competition at training camp will be stiff. White was re-signed to a three-year deal reportedly worth $33 million, while Carter—who had a fantastic last season with the Milwaukee Bucks—was brought in on a three-year, $20-million contract. Add to that Caruso, the defensive ace, and Terry, the 18th pick of the NBA Draft last year, and you have a virtual free-for-all for rotation spots.

Still, Dosunmu was unfazed by the developments and vowed to give it his all.

“Just trying to learn from my mistakes,” Dosunmu added. “Understand the success I had my rookie year and then the stagnant play or the tough road I had a little bit in my sophomore season. My junior year in all of my basketball career has been my best season from high school to college. It’s always been the season where I took the next step. So I’m excited. I know the work that I put in and what I will show. I’m just ready for it.”