2021 NBA Draft Scouting Report: PG Ayo Donsunmu

PSO’s original Scouting Reports strive to be uniquely valuable in evaluating a player’s future outlook by focusing on the four main subjects that summarize a player’s likelihood of succeeding at the next level including: Natural Athleticism, developed NBA-Caliber Skills, proven Production, and overall Risk that each individual player presents to a team drafting him. For a full breakdown of PSO’s Scouting Reports, click here.

BIO

Pos: PG

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

School: Illinois

Class: Junior

DOB (Age): 1/17/00 (Age 21)

Height: 6’5″ | Weight: 200 lbs.

Wingspan: 6’10.25” | Vertical: 33.5 in.

INTERESTING FACTS

Won the Bob Cousey award for the top PG in the country, and was Most Outstanding Player of the Big 10 tournament
3rd player in Illinois history to record a triple double against Wisconsin, and did it again 2 weeks later against Minnesota
Won a gold medal with the U18 USA National team at the FIBA U-18 America’s Championship

ATHLETICISM

Pros

Solid frame for his position; adding some muscle would help him develop as a bigger point guard
Good first step; uses it to get into the lane and then can take advantage of smaller defenders with size
Tough inside; plays well through contact and is never afraid of going into the lane
Defensive hip turns are solid and his lateral quickness signals he will be a respectable defender

Cons

Relies on his right hand too much when dribbling and finishing at the rim, must improve dexterity
Does not have great vertical leaping ability; rarely finishing above the rim with dunks
Does not have the separation speed of most NBA point guards; tough to blow by defenders
Cannot change directions very quickly with the ball in hands, more of a straight line mover
No athletic traits jump off the page, will have to rely on savviness and skill

Grade: B-

NBA SKILLS

Pros

Great at controlling the offense; can take over a game with either scoring or passing ability
Good defender on the perimeter with the frame to switch on to wings if necessary
Good finisher below the rim, always finds a way to get a solid shot attempt
Rebounds the ball well for a guard which allows him to begin the break immediately
Willing passer; teammates will like playing with him; everyone eats!

Cons

Outside shooting is not great, this will be the number one priority of issues to fix when he is drafted
Shot release point is low; will become an issue when he is not able to shoot over most guards
Forced the issue a lot; needs to limit this at the next level where defenses are more complex
Not a great free throw shooter; will be at the line a lot so this must improve
Has not played in a support role; should be able to make this adjustment but it is something worth monitoring

Grade: B

PRODUCTION

Pros

20.1 PPG; improved every year in this category, eventually leading the team in scoring his final season
6.3 RPG, 5.3 APG; is able to contribute in every facet of the game
29.5 USG rate; accustomed to being the focal point of the offense and having the ball in his hands
96.8 D-Rating; defended high level guards in the BIG 10 and held his own; should transition well to the NBA
48% from the field on 15.7 shots is very respectable for a Guard; this should increase with better looks
Increased his production in most categories during his 3 years at Illinois

Cons

1.58 AST/TO ratio; mainly due to the amount of time spent with the ball, but decision making should improve
35% Projected NBA 3P%; this will need to increase so he can open up his slashing game
.333 FT rate; should be getting to the line more as a drive first PG

Grade: A-

RISK

Pros

Leader; plays with lots of heart and was the clear leader of a very talented team at Illinois
Big shot taker and maker; heralded as the “most clutch” player in college basketball this season
Confident on both sides of the floor and sets a good example for his teammates
Mature with lots of basketball experience; should be able to contribute to a contender right away
Effort was never in question; willing to play through injuries and always hustling for his team
Can single-handedly will a team to a win, no questions about him contributing to winning

Cons

There are concerns that his shot will not develop, making him very one dimensional
Does not scare teams as an athlete; is he skilled enough to have sustained success?
Older than other guards in his class; picking him runs the risk of not getting a younger player to develop
Turnovers are a fixable issue, but will take time and good coaching to improve how he reads defenses
Needs to add weight while maintaining his first step; could be difficult

Grade: B+

OVERALL

Before the days of the one-and-done, prospect scouts might have been talking about Donsunmu as one of the draft’s top prospects. After a stellar final season at Illinois, complete with clutch performances and memorable stat lines, Donsunmu comes into the draft with seemingly more questions than answers. Ayo led his team to one of their best seasons in recent history, filled with clutched performances and a conference title in the BIG 10. Ayo’s clutch factor and leadership qualities should translate well to the next level.

Unfortunately, he was not able to replicate his regular-season magic in the NCAA tournament, where the Illini fell to Loyola Chicago in the second round. As a prospect, there are clear areas where Donsunmu falls short of his peers. The first is he’s already 21 years old, a significant factor in the decision-making process for some rebuilding teams. He’s still developing his outside shot and dribble-drive moves as well. Donsunmu will impact the defensive end with his energy and great frame for defending guards.

He is an intelligent player who enjoys having the ball in his hands at the end of the game. He should immediately fit in on a contender with a strong offensive identity like the Jazz or Nuggets. Some might describe him as a sleeper, but after watching his performances during his final collegiate season, it is easy to see Donsunmu succeeding in the NBA.

Pro Comp: Reggie Jackson (LAC)

Projected Rd/Pick: Late Lottery

Prime Destinations: DEN, UTA, MEM

OVERALL Grade: B