Illinois Basketball: 4 big statistics from the Illini win over Iowa

4. 12.2%

A pandemic-shortened season left Illinois fans wondering what could have been last year. Illinois was poised to make a run in the NCAA tournament with sophomore guard Ayo Dosunmu leading the way.

After the season ended, Ayo declared for the NBA Draft, which left many Illinois fans wondering if we had seen the last of the talented Chicago star. Thankfully, Ayo decided to return to Champaign for one more run at the title.

Along the way, I am sure Ayo got some advice and coaching on how to improve his draft stock. As a junior, there are so many improvements you can see in his game. On Friday against Iowa, his star shined bright once again.

The Hawkeyes didn’t have an answer for Ayo. He ended the night with 25 points, 4 assists and 2 rebounds while shooting 61.1-percent from the field. While there are a number of improvements in Ayo’s game this season, one has shined brightest.

Ayo is shooting 12.2-percent better from three-point range.

The talented guard was 3-of-3 from three-point range against the Hawkeyes on Friday. This great night bumped his three-point shooting for the season up to 41.8-percent. That is a massive jump from him shooting 29.6-percent as a sophomore.

Ayo’s hard work is paying off. You don’t slop into improving your three-point shooting by 12.2-percent. That is a fundamental difference in his game. He clearly worked on three-point shooting in the offseason, and that work has paid great dividends.

There is no doubt in my mind that Ayo is heading to the NBA after this season. This will be the final season we get to watch him with the Orange and Blue. Just appreciate what you are seeing, and the dedication Ayo has at getting better. This kid is a star.