Billy Donovan says Ayo Dosunmu's improved feel for the game is working wonders for him this season

Dosunmu is starting to master the nuances of the NBA game.

© Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

To say that Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu struggled in his sophomore season is an understatement. After a stellar rookie campaign wherein he ably filled in for the injured Lonzo Ball and helped steer the Bulls into the NBA Playoffs, the former Illinois star couldn’t get it going in his second year.

Despite starting 51 games, Dosunmu couldn’t replicate his shooting stroke from his rookie year. After making 37 percent of his triples in his first year, Dosunmu’s three-point percentage dipped to 31 percent, making it more difficult to space the floor and create opportunities for himself and his teammates.

But now, in his third year, Dosunmu seems to have finally found his rhythm. In a recent interview with reporters, Bulls head coach Billy Donovan credited Dosunmu’s improved feel for the game as one of the main reasons behind his resurgence.

Better feel for the game

Transitioning from college to the pros can be difficult for some guards. Whereas some players can solely lean on speed and athleticism to get by in college, the NBA requires a higher level of skill and basketball IQ. This may be where Dosunmu struggled in his first two years.

However, this season, Dosunmu has looked more comfortable on the court. His decision-making has improved, and he seems to have a better understanding of how to read defenses and make plays for himself and his teammates. This improved feel for the game has resulted in more efficient scoring opportunities for Dosunmu and his team.

Of course, it helps that Dosunmu is shooting a career-high 41 percent from beyond the arc, making him a legitimate threat from the perimeter. This has opened up his driving game, as defenders are forced to respect his outside shot and can no longer sag off of him.

“I think he has a much better feel of how he’s being guarded and what are the things he can go to with the way he’s being guarded,” Donovan said.

Nothing but nylon for Ayo Dosunmu 🎯pic.twitter.com/wdQA9Nf0tN

— Bulls Nation (@BullsNationCP) February 23, 2024

Confidence is way up

Dosunmu’s best asset is arguably his blazing speed. Watching the 24-year-old get out in transition is a sight to see, as he effortlessly glides past defenders and finishes at the rim with ease. But there is no doubt that his improved outside shooting has added another dimension to his game.

“A lot of times teams are trying to keep him out of the lane so they run under on a lot of screens or back off him. And he’s got confidence in shooting,” Donovan added.

Ayo Dosunmu over his last 17 games:

15.8 PPG
56.5% FG
51.3% 3P on 4.6 attempts
79.2% FT
4.8 APG
1.1 SPG

Still only 24 and under contract till 2026 pic.twitter.com/8VplHBpuT4

— Matt (@sixringsofsteeI) February 26, 2024

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