Illinois Basketball: Top 5 Illini point guards of the 2010s

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CHAMPAIGN, IL – FEBRUARY 16: Ayo Dosunmu #11 of the Illinois Fighting Illini dribbles the ball against Chase Audige #1 of the Northwestern Wildcats at State Farm Center on February 16, 2021 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

2. Ayo Dosunmu

I struggled with the No. 2 point guard on this list because this kid played many different roles on the Illinois basketball roster. But I ended up putting Ayo Dosunmu as the No. 2 point guard of the 2010s.

Ayo wasn’t a true point guard by any means. He is more of a point-wing in my book. But his ability to distribute the ball and his leadership of the team is what really put him on this top-five list.

Illinois fans had the great privilege of watching Ayo for three seasons. He was a superstar from the start and someone who fans will always remember. As a freshman, he managed to average 13.8 points, 4 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game. I look for those types of numbers from a senior let alone a freshman.

The next two years were even more special for the Chicago native. Ayo put up 16.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists as a sophomore. He followed that great season up with 20.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game in his final year with the Illini.

Illinois basketball was extremely successful in Ayo’s time with the program. A bad record in year one was followed up by back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances. I am counting his sophomore year as a postseason run despite COVID canceling the tournament.

The great production from Ayo and his ability to distribute the ball is why he ranks as the No. 2 point guard for the Illini in the 2010s. This kid was truly a legend.

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