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Illinois Basketball: NBA mock draft has Ayo Dosunmu in first round

By Rees Woodcock

BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 02: Ayo Dosunmu #11 of the Illinois Fighting Illini is seen before the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Assembly Hall on February 02, 2021 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 02: Ayo Dosunmu #11 of the Illinois Fighting Illini is seen before the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Assembly Hall on February 02, 2021 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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It has been a while, but it looks like Brad Underwood might be sending an Illinois basketball player to the first round of the NBA Draft.

The last time the Illini had a first round selection was Meyers Leonard in 2012. He ended up going No. 11 to the Portland Trail Blazers. While he won’t likely go as high as Leonard, Illinois guard Ayo Dosunmu hopes to see his name called in the first round like the former Illini big man.

The chances of Ayo getting picked in the first round seem to be increasing as well. In the latest Bleacher Report mock draft, they actually have Ayo going in the first round. He is projected to be selected with pick No. 25 to the Denver Nuggets.

Having an Illinois player go in the first round would be big for the program. The Illini need that good basketball publicity because I think a part of some of their recruiting struggles with top players is the fact we aren’t sending players to the NBA. That could all start changing in 2021.

How would the Illinois basketball guard fit in with the Denver Nuggets?

Well, I would imagine Ayo would start off in the G-League for the Nuggets. Before this season, the Nuggets didn’t have a G-League program. But in the past few months, they have come to a deal with the Grand Rapids Drive to be their G-League affiliate. That would mean Ayo would start his NBA career in Michigan.

I believe the Nuggets would actually be a great landing spot for Ayo. Denver is a big team that relies mainly on their frontcourt for offensive production. Nikola Jokic and Michael Porter Jr. are 6-foot-10 or taller and can step out from anywhere on the court and drain a bucket.

At guard, the Nuggets have Jamal Murray, who would be playing roughly the same position as Ayo. Murray has a bright future, but that doesn’t mean Ayo won’t be able to see the court. Denver’s guard depth is not good. They need more talent at the No. 1 and No. 2 spots on the court. Ayo could help in this area.

Next. What a Tre Mitchell commitment would mean for the Illini. dark

I would give Ayo a couple of years before he can really make a big impact in the NBA. But this kid has succeeded at every level he has played. Don’t underestimate what he can do at the NBA level. I think he has a chance to be a pretty good player.

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