Chicago Bulls rookie Ayo Dosunmu was grateful for the opportunity to compete in the NBA Rising Stars game but the second-round pick acknowledged there is more work to put in on the court.
Dosunmu was among 12 first-year players that participated in the annual showcase game over All-Star Weekend. He recorded five points, two assists and one steal for Team Payton as they lost in the semifinal round of the revamped event.
The 38th pick has often been commended by coaches and teammates this season for his work ethic and demeanor on and off the court. He has had a strong rookie campaign to this point but wants to continue to work and achieve more with the Bulls.
It feels good to be recognized but also understand that there is more work to do. This is just a stop and a stepping stone. I’m excited, humbled to be here and thankful but I also understand that there is more work to be done. I still have that chip on my shoulder and I’m excited to keep working.
Dosunmu, in 54 games, is averaging 8.1 points, 3.1 assists and 2.8 rebounds on 40.7% shooting from 3-point range. He entered the starting lineup on Jan. 15 when Lonzo Ball went down with a knee injury and is averaging 11.8 points, 6.8 assists and 4.2 rebounds in that stretch.
The 22-year-old became the first rookie in history to record at least 20 points and 10 assists while shooting 90% (9-of-10) versus the Boston Celtics on Jan. 15. He is also just one of three rookies with multiple double-digit assist games (Josh Giddey, Cade Cunningham).
Ayo’s first two attempts are good 🔥@AyoDos_11 | #NBAAIIStar pic.twitter.com/2pIC4N6iVQ
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 19, 2022
Led by All-Stars DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, and the contributions of Dosunmu and several others, the Bulls entered the break tied for the best record in the Eastern Conference at 38-21. As a result, they were well-represented at All-Star Weekend.
LaVine believes that shows how the Bulls are on the rise.
It’s been great having more guys on the team being out here to participate. The year that we’re having, obviously, me and DeMar being on the team and Ayo being on the Rising Stars game, it shows the progression of the franchise. We’re trending in the right direction, and obviously, we’re all here for a reason.
Dosunmu has likely become perhaps the biggest steal of the draft based on his production. He has played an integral role with the Bulls as of late but knows there is still much room to improve. That could be a scary thing for the rest of the league.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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