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2020 NBA Mock Draft: Looking to the future after a chaotic 2019 draft

By Brendon Kleen

MIDDLE VILLAGE, NEW YORK - APRIL 05: Cole Anthony #3 of Oak Hill Academy handles the ball on offense against La Lumiere in the semifinal of the GEICO High School National Tournament at Christ the King High School on April 05, 2019 in Middle Village, New York. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
MIDDLE VILLAGE, NEW YORK - APRIL 05: Cole Anthony #3 of Oak Hill Academy handles the ball on offense against La Lumiere in the semifinal of the GEICO High School National Tournament at Christ the King High School on April 05, 2019 in Middle Village, New York. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 13: Illinois Fighting Illini guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) goes up for a shot against Northwestern Wildcats center Dererk Pardon (5) during a Big Ten Tournament game between the Northwestern Wildcats and the Illinois Fighting Illini on March 13, 2019, at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 13: Illinois Fighting Illini guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) goes up for a shot against Northwestern Wildcats center Dererk Pardon (5) during a Big Ten Tournament game between the Northwestern Wildcats and the Illinois Fighting Illini on March 13, 2019, at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

G. Illinois. Ayo Dosunmu. 14. player. 100.

Dosunmu probably should have declared for the draft. With a strong pre-draft showing at the combine, in workouts, and in meetings, the youngster would have solidified himself as a first-round pick and guaranteed himself several million dollars. However, Dosunmu returns to Illinois with a lot to prove. The Fighting Illini could be a tournament team next season if things break right.

Most importantly, the team figures to be more talented, which will be helpful for Dosunmu in his sophomore season. They added big man Kofi Cockburn, a four-star recruit with elite size and athletic ability, and are currently the favorites to add Adam Miller, a scoring guard from Chicago. The influx of talent will help Dosunmu play more comfortably with the ball in his hands and produce at a higher level statistically.

We watched Illinois’ matchup with Iowa State at the Maui Jim Invitational to refigure our expectations for the sophomore:

  • The jumper is far better when Dosunmu’s feet are set, but as he expands his game to strike fear in defenses off the bounce, Dosunmu will need to work out his upper body. His release looks like it goes across his left eye right now despite him being right-handed.
  • Though he has the physical attributes to compete defensively, his thin frame and lack of attentiveness hurt him. Dosunmu can get knocked off-balance by screens and loses his man off-ball frequently as he watches the ball.
  • Passing and shooting touch are two areas where he can and should improve as a sophomore. Dosunmu has nice coordination on lobs and lead passes in the halfcourt, but gets blocked in the paint often. He rarely uses his left hand to finish.

Using a late-lottery selection on an older point guard is not a bad plan, if Dosunmu can use this extra college experience and better supporting cast to boost his stock.

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