Ayo Dosunmu committed to Illinois when the program wasn't cool, fell to the second round when doubters questioned his NBA future, and never stopped proving people wrong. Now he's turned that belief into a $112 million contract.
Ayo Dosunmu has spent the better part of his life proving detractors wrong.
And if reports are to be believed on Monday, the former All-American's contract extension of 5-years and $112 million dollars may offer the most clearest validation.
Dosunmu's journey started far before he was offered a lucrative contract by an NBA front office.
Ayo Dosunmu had his choice of colleges when it was time to commit, and eventually picked Illinois. The Illinois program he committed to did not look anything like what the program looks like today. Illinois had just fired head coach John Groce and hired Brad Underwood to help turn things around for the program.
And the commitment that Dosunmu made changed the trajectory of both him and the Illini basketball team.
Over three seasons in Champaign, Dosunmu went from highly regarded prospect to one of the greatest players in Illinois basketball history. In his junior season, he was a consensus First Team All-American, won the Bob Cousy as the nation's top point guard and helped Illinois return to national prominence.
Yet despite that storied college career, when it came to the NBA, he was once again overlooked.
Dosunmu was projected to be a late-first rounder but when the draft started the first round came and went and his name was not called. Finally, at pick No. 38 the Chicago Bulls selected Dosumnu bringing the latest chapter of his story back to the city that he grew up in.
Did he possess enough athleticism? Will his shot eventually develop? Was he truly a point guard?
Dosunmu heard all those criticisms and responded the way he always did. By his play on the court.
Over four seasons with the Chicago Bulls, the guard went from end of the bench to a pivotal member of the rotation. He was able to improve his shooting, and showed to be a versatile two-way player under Billy Donovan.
This past season, the Bulls decided it was time to start over the Minnesota Timberwolves stepped in to trade for the Bulls' guard. In 24 regular-season games for the Timberwolves, Dosunmu averaged 14.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting almost 44% from 3-point range.
The Timberwolves organization and fanbase were largely pleased with their trade deadline acquisition.
And then the NBA Playoffs happened.
Against the Denver Nuggets, Ayo Dosunmu introduced himself and put forth performances that Illini fans always knew he was capable of doing. With Minnesota battling injuries, Dosunmu had the best game of his entire career with a 43-point game in a victory over the Nuggets.
With his performances in the playoffs, the perception of Dosunmu went from valued role player to a potential foundational piece.
Timberwolves President Tim Connelly publicly referred to Ayo Dosunmu as the most important free agent for their team this summer praising his contributions both on the court and off.
With the contract offer of $112 million, the organization showed that they really did mean what they said. Minnesota showed that they believe in the chemistry between Dosunmu and superstar Anthony Edwards. By signing Dosunmu to a new contract they have locked down a vital guard piece whom they know they can count on when the performances matter the most in the playoffs.
Ayo Dosunmu chose Illinois at a time when not many others would have made that choice. He stayed long enough to kickstart building Illinois to the national program they are today. Then he went to the NBA with something to prove and played his way into being a starter. Then he introduced himself to a national audience with a powerful playoff performance. And as of Monday, he is expected to sign a nine-figure contract extension.
His $112 million dollar contract should not be celebrated strictly as a financial achievement, but instead the justification of a career of resilience and self-belief. The player that Illinois bet on when he was just 17 years old, continues to bet on himself.
And win.
