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Illinois Basketball: Ayo Dosunmu plays well in first U18 game

By Rees Woodcock

CHAPEL HILL, NC - DECEMBER 20: Two basketballs are stuck in a net prior to the game between the Wofford Terriers and the North Carolina Tar Heels at Dean Smith Center on December 20, 2017 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Wofford won 79-75. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - DECEMBER 20: Two basketballs are stuck in a net prior to the game between the Wofford Terriers and the North Carolina Tar Heels at Dean Smith Center on December 20, 2017 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Wofford won 79-75. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /
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The Illinois basketball team is still about five months away from playing a meaningful game, but one of their top additions this season is already lacing up the sneakers.

Ayo Dosunmu was selected to the USA Men’s U18 Team. He is Illinois’ biggest commitment for the class of 2018 and someone who is going to make an impact on the program. 247Sports has Dosunmu rated as a five-star guard who is the No. 27 player in the class of 2018 and the No. 3 combo-guard in the nation.

It is nice to see Dosunmu finally getting some recognition on the national level. While his rating is there, he missed out on the 2018 McDonald’s All-American Game roster and this was a snub. But, Dosunmu is showing why he is one of the best players in the nation through one game already with the U18 Team.

In just 16 minutes of action, Dosunmu dropped 7 points, 4 assists and 2 rebounds on 3-of-5 shooting from the field. He helped lead his USA team past the Dominican Republic 105-73.

When Dosunmu was on the court, he was brilliant. He drove to the hoop to score, and he was able to find the open man by drawing double-teams from other defenders. These are assets that will be amazing when he arrives in Champaign. But, one thing I notice that has me the most excited is his communication.

Dosunmu was vocal on the court. He was directing the other players on where they need to go and who they have to guard. He might not have played the most minutes, but he clearly has garnered the respect from his teammates. This will translate on the court with the Illini as well. The team finally had one of those leaders emerge in Trent Frazier last season, but now the team is going to have two leaders on the court.

The U18 team now plays Panama on 7:15 CT on Monday night. Panama was beaten down by Puerto Rico 84-51. I expect much of the same tonight as well.

Next: Projected Illini starting lineup without Greg Eboigbodin

If you aren’t excited about Illinois basketball, you should be. Dosunmu is going to be a special talent for this program. We haven’t had someone this good come into the program in a very long time. The duo of Dosunmu and Frazier is going to be legendary.

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