Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini loss to Michigan

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CHAMPAIGN, IL – JANUARY 10: Illinois Fighting Illini guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) and Illinois Fighting Illini forward Kipper Nichols (2) walk across the court during the Big Ten Conference college basketball game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Illinois Fighting Illini on January 10, 2019, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Ayo has the college game down

It is hard to keep in mind that Ayo Dosunmu is just a true freshman. I had high expectations for him coming into the season because of his recruiting ranking. Through the first 11 games this season, he wasn’t living up to my imaginary expectations.

Ayo had some good games early on. He dropped 25 points against Georgetown on 9-of-15 shooting from the field. He had 19 points against Xavier on 8-of-12 shooting from the field. But, he would then have the games where he wouldn’t score much. He only had five points against Ohio State on 1-of-9 shooting. He only had two points against Missouri on 1-of-5 shooting.

Something changed over the last four games, though. It seems like the balance of power may have shifted. What started as Trent Frazier’s team this season might now be Ayo’s team. I believe Ayo is the leader of this ball club. He has taken control of the offense more, and his defense has stepped up a notch as well.

Ayo scored 21, 20 and 18 in each of his last three games leading up to the Michigan contest on Thursday night. He ended the game against the Wolverines with 23 points on 10-of-16 shooting from the field and 2-of-4 from three-point land. He had seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks that were sensational.

It is great to see Ayo getting the college game down. He has really come onto the scene. Now let’s start turning these great games into wins. That is only a matter of time.

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