Illinois Basketball: Top 5 most important players for the Illini

2 of 6

BROOKLYN, NY – APRIL 08: Jordan Brand Classic Home Team guard Ayo Dosunmu (24) during the first half of the Jordan Brand Classic on April 8, 2018, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Ayo Dosunmu

I think it is obvious that the best player the Illinois basketball team has snagged in the last decade and possibly in the history of the program is one of the top five most important players heading into next season.

Ayo Dosunmu committed to play basketball for the Illini back in late 2017. He was a five-star recruit who was the No. 27 player in the class of 2018 and the No. 3 combo-guard in the nation. His commitment to the program was huge based on a few reasons.

The first reason being how good he was in high school. There aren’t a lot of top 30 players coming to Illinois, especially lately. The fact Brad Underwood could land Dosunmu in a short amount of recruiting time is impressive.

Another reason his commitment was huge is that he is a big-time player from the Chicago area. Illinois has been missing those kids up there in Chicago and snagging the most talented recruits is what this program needs.

Dosunmu is coming into the Illinois basketball program as a starter from day one. Barring injury, he will start every game in the Orange and Blue. As a true freshman, he will be looked as a leader on this team. He is going to need to develop a great relationship with Trent Frazier as well. This duo should become one of the best in the Big Ten. That is why he is such an important player.

Home/Illinois Basketball