I want to end it out on a bang.”. Please be polite. Nick Irvin, who coached Dosunmu at Morgan Park, remembers the energy and swagger the youngster brought to the team. That summer, Underwood and his staff recruited center Kofi Cockburn to bolster the team’s interior presence. Initially declaring for the 2020 NBA draft, Dosunmu withdrew, electing to come back for his junior year to increase his market value. 2020 Illinois Mr. Basketball, becoming the 13th recipient of the state’s top award to play for the Fighting Illini Two-time Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year Champaign News-Gazette Player of the Year With his new facial gear, he channels Bryant’s competitive spirit. © 2021 ESPN Internet Ventures. For Dosunmu, family is central to his success. Let friends in your social network know what you are reading about. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. Coupled with Dosunmu’s guard play, Illinois rebounded with a 21-10 record. The team is showing its ability to play a complete brand of basketball with Dosunmu as one of its leaders. Family love makes up the fabric of the Yoruba culture. 1 seeds, winning 14 of their last 15 games. Get the latest official stats for the Illinois Fighting Illini. Out of Precaution. Williams is an ultimate glue player. ♾️ (: @AyoDos_11) pic.twitter.com/BQivGJUQnG. But in the semifinals, Dosunmu suffered an ankle injury, knocking him out of the championship game. When Dosunmu transferred to Morgan Park High School, his status as a top recruiting prospect soared. Name POS HT WT ... College basketball transfer rankings for 2021-22. Dosunmu is one of the best players in the NCAA season and is expected to get a lot of consideration for the Player of the Year awards. Dosunmu embraces his family’s support, which fuels his desire to play professional basketball. “I said, ‘Man, it’s a big state.’ He said, ‘I say what I mean and do what I say.’ ”. He is a descendant of the Yoruba people and his parents, Quam and Jamarra, immigrated to Chicago from Nigeria, seeking a better life for their family. Dosunmu made his way up through the ranks in Chicago high school basketball, starting at Westinghouse College Prep. Being a freshman, you can learn so much from him.”. He's one of the best players in the nation — USA Today National Player of … Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Like Batman or Deadpool, Dosunmu said he chose a black mask because it looked cool. “Putting all that work in, it’s definitely going to pay off. Eastern Illinois basketball's masked man isn't a mysterious, shadowy figure trying to disguise his identity. Just ask Illinois Fighting Illini guard Ayo Dosunmu. Senior Trent Frazier also recognizes Dosunmu’s impact on the program the last two years. He's Ayo Dosunmu, and he has played a big role in revitalizing the Illinois Fighting Illini basketball program. CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 05: Dee Brown #11 of the Illinois Fighting Illini brings the ball upcourt on his way to a career high 34 points against the Michigan State Spartans on … The Illinois Fighting Illini are ranked No. A link has been sent to your friend's email address. He's one of the best players in the nation — USA Today National Player of the Year Ayo Dosunmu. He had 9 assists against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Big Ten tournament semifinals. This resulted in Dosunmu spending countless hours in the Morgan Park gym, and he not only became an elite scorer, but also a tough defender against the best players. Yr. Dosumu also calls himself the "Masked Mamba," as a nod to late Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant. Despite not playing, Dosunmu never lost faith that he’d get his team back to this point. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Safety Information/Your California Privacy Rights/Do Not Sell My Info/Children's Online Privacy Policy are applicable to you. In his freshman year with Illinois, Dosunmu made an immediate impact, averaging 13.8 points and 3.3 assists per game, earning All-Big Ten Freshman Team honors. Ayo Dosunmu and his Illinois teammates won the Big Ten championship today. A look at the ALL-USA Central Indiana boys basketball Super Team, Carpenter weathering team's highs, lows in Indy 500 test, VeeKay suffers broken finger in IMS oval test crash, Preps Podcast: Breaking down the race for Mr. Basketball, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The USA Today announced their awards for the season, and Illini guard Ayo Dosunmu earned National Player … With the game tied at 68, the masked guard drove to the rim with ferocity, forcing the and-1 to give Illinois the go-ahead basket. 2020-21 Men's Basketball Roster; No. Team Roster. This is true thanks to its masked savior, Ayo Dosunmu, who … Eastern Illinois guard Karle Pace had just come off a standout season for the Panthers women's basketball team in mid-March when the sports world came to a screeching halt. All rights reserved. Welcome to our new and improved comments, which are for subscribers only. Here's his take on the top players in Illini basketball history. The 1969-70 basketball season for head coach Harv Schmidt saw his team enter the collegiate top 25 rankings in December, only to fall back off the chart in February. If you see comments in violation of our community guidelines, please report them. To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQs. The 6-5 guard missed the Illini's next three games (all wins), returning against Ohio State on March 6 sporting an all-black mask. Dosunmu recreated iconic Kobe photographs after the win. Drive around metropolitan Chicago and it’s impossible not to see public basketball courts filled with players. You will need to register before adding a comment. Powered by WordPress VIP. The following season, in Dosunmu’s senior year, the Mustangs became state champions once again. “I always gave him this look,” Irvin said. Playing in these showcases allowed Dosunmu to prove again why Chicago is still a hotbed of promising young talent. Where are they now: 2004-05 Illini basketball players and coaches. Jermaine Hamlin has reportedly become the second player on the 2020-21 Illinois men’s basketball roster to put his name into the transfer portal. But Dosunmu doesn’t need a mask to prove his worth. “Come on, man, it’s go time. Masked marauders: Illinois prep basketball players adjust to wearing masks on court By MATT SCHUCKMAN Herald-Whig Senior Sports Writer mschuckman@whig.com Matt Schuckman View the full team roster and stat leaders for the 2020-21 NCAAB season on CBS Sports. The transfer portal is nearing 1,200 players, with many top names. Thanks to the Bulls’ dynasty in the 1990s, basketball’s popularity increased across the city, permeating Chicago’s colleges and high schools. Name Pos. Basketball is forever entrenched in the heartbeat of Chicago’s vibrant history and culture. The first thing I said to him was, ‘Do you want to be good or do you want to be great?’ Ayo said, ‘I want to be great.’ ”. Dosunmu’s senior-year performance at Morgan Park earned him trips to compete in the Jordan Brand Classic at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, and the Iverson Roundball Classic All-American Game in Philadelphia. I try to focus on the moment and embrace it. Retired Executive Sports Editor Mark Tupper has seen many of these players in person. About Nielsen Measurement. Bushnell, Ill. St. Rita: 3: … Ht. Dosunmu returned for Illinois’ season finale against the Ohio State Buckeyes wearing the black facial gear. Dosunmu calls himself the “Masked Mamba,” a play on “The Black Mamba,” the nickname his idol Kobe Bryant created for himself. “To go out there and try to win a national championship, being from Chicago, it’s an unreal feeling. Who is the masked player for Illinois? Dosunmu elected to stay close to home, playing for the University of Illinois. Or drive to Foster Avenue Beach Court, where larger pickup games take place, against the backdrop of Lake Michigan and Chicago’s city skyline. Cookie Policy. “Everybody wants to be a part of winners, not losers,” Irvin said. 7 Ohio State while putting up 19 points, four rebounds and three assists. As the college basketball world descends on Indiana, Dosunmu will be one of the standout players to watch in the tournament. For Ayo Dosunmu, a black mask increased his influential persona in college basketball. Much has changed at Illinois in those 10 years. Regular season. Follow IndyStar sports reporter Akeem Glaspie on Twitter at @THEAkeemGlaspie. Their support on me definitely has helped me be the player I am.”, “The family is all in,” Underwood said. Living through the global pandemic, masks are essential for protection. Ayo Dosunmu, Kofi Cockburn and the Illinois Fighting Illini barely needed to break a … The injury, the mask, the new appearance didn’t hinder Dosunmu’s stellar play on the court. He entered when the program was looking to return to its winning ways of the 2000s, when the Illini made nine NCAA tournament appearances, including the 2005 national championship game against North Carolina. But if the IDPH gives us a position of having a season with masks or no season, our board would have to consider it. In 2012, Bryant scored 30-plus points in three straight games, sporting a clear mask after breaking his nose in the 2012 NBA All-Star Game. IHSA doctor says high school basketball could happen in Illinois if players wear masks. I’m going to look back and say this was a memorable season. Illinois basketball had no trouble putting away Drexel in the NCAA Tournament. Dosunmu, a junior from Chicago, suffered facial injuries and a concussion on Feb. 23 against Michigan State. Before 2020, masks were prominent accessories at Halloween parties or masquerade balls. And that’s what he’s doing right now.”. Dosunmu returned for Illinois’ season finale against the Ohio State Buckeyes wearing the black facial gear. March 17, 2015. I feel like a superhero with a black mask on.". However, the coronavirus pandemic shut down the college basketball season in 2020, ending Illinois’ chances for a deep tournament run. Not only is Dosunmu a prolific shooter, but his court vision in transition is superb, creating offense for his teammates. The Illini looked to qualify for its first NCAA tournament appearance since 2013. It's OK to disagree with someone's ideas, but personal attacks, insults, threats, hate speech, advocating violence and other violations can result in a ban. “It’s hard to find anybody that works harder than him,” said Illinois head coach Brad Underwood. CBS Sports - There isn't a hotter, and perhaps more dangerous, team in America right now than Illinois. “They push me each and every day to be the best player I can be, on and off the court. Overview. Illinois basketball's masked man isn't a mysterious, shadowy figure trying to disguise his identity. Illinois Fighting Illini Roster. Fast-forward to the Big Ten championship game, with Illinois and Ohio State squaring off once again, and Dosunmu iced the contest for the Illini. After the game, Dosunmu honored his favorite player of all time. Eager to dive on the floor or get in another player’s face, he provides the Illini with a dose of toughness. If he wants to be mentioned with Michael Jordan and all the great ones, you got to do great things. As the subway zooms along the track, one-on-one battles take place at Clybourn (Archibald) Park. Bryant donned a mask several times during his career. With or without the mask, you’ll soon know Ayo Dosunmu. All of a sudden you look and he’s got 19.”. He attracted attention when he put up 40 points against Crane High School his freshman year. Since donning the mask, Dosunmu is averaging 18.6 points per game. The city boasts more than 150 courts in its neighborhoods, giving kids a chance to hoop with their friends, dreaming of progressing up the basketball ranks. “They’ve been with me through thick and thin, through the hard times to the best times,” Dosunmu said. NCAA College Basketball - Illinois head coach, Bruce Weber, Dee Brown, Deron Williams against Michigan State in East Lansing, Mich. on Feb. 1, 2005. “He puts countless hours in the gym. Bradley Beal opens up about the Wizards, Russell Westbrook and social justice Read now It has been an eventful 10 years since the 2004-05 Illinois men’s basketball team made it to the NCAA championship game. The first thing I said to him was, ‘Do you want to be good or do you want to be great?’ Ayo said, ‘I want to be great.’ ”. No job, no extenuating circumstance prevents Quam, Jamarra and siblings Joselynn, Khadijat and Kube from attending his games. He converted two free throws in the final seconds, part of his 16 points, paving the way for Illinois’ 91-88 Big Ten championship victory. Illinois Fighting Illini Basketball. The Illinois Fighting Illini junior received a facial injury at the end of February after taking a hard foul from Michigan State Spartans freshman Mady Sissoko. “He wanted to be a part of winning a state championship. As the Masked Mamba dons his black mask ahead of Friday’s opening-round game against Drexel, the big stage won’t be too uncomfortable for him. Hometown Previous School; 1: Trent Frazier: G: 6-2: 175: Sr. Wellington, Fla. Wellington: 2: Connor Serven: F: 6-9: 215: Fr. As Coach Underwood says, “That’s what he’s built for.”, Morehouse leaves debate tournament following anti-Black mockery Read now Get the latest Illinois Fighting Illini Basketball news, photos, rankings, lists and more on Bleacher Report The team was led in scoring for the season by Greg Jackson, Mike Price and Rick Howat.Price would finish his senior season by being named on the Converse honorable mention All-American team. Illinois basketball received some big news for their best player on Wednesday afternoon. Dosunmu played like it, too, coming through in the clutch for No. With his family cheering in the stands, Dosunmu looks to play with pride for Chicago and Illinois, both of which have given the young prospect a chance to play the sport he loves. (: @AyoDos_11) pic.twitter.com/hd6vxDionw. “He’s not only unstoppable on offense, but he’s turning to that guy on defense, diving after loose balls, rebounding tremendously every game. Basketball players who never had any facial injuries don’t care about this kind of … Superheroes in comic books sport masks to conceal their identity from the general public. Illinois Fighting Illini guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) dunks during the first round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, at Indiana Farmers Coliseum in Indianapolis, Ind. Dosunmu entered this world, in the Windy City, at a perfect time. His parents’ name for their son was prophetic, given his joy and enthusiasm on the court. Not only is the junior guard producing on the court, but he is displaying effective leadership away from the game with his teammates. © 2021 www.indystar.com. The latest and best from The Undefeated — straight to your inbox. 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