Ayo Dosunmu shares the advice Lonzo Ball gave him on how to be an effective NBA starting point guard

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Point guards have always been a vital part of an NBA team. They are the ones who set up the offense and make sure everything runs smoothly on the court. This is why it is so important for young point guards to get as much advice as they can from experienced players. Ayo Dosunmu, the Bulls' starting point guard, is getting some excellent advice from his recovering teammate Lonzo 'Zo' Ball, who has had a lot of experience as a starting point guard in the NBA.
Veteran guidance
The 22-year-old Dosunmu has earned a reputation amongst the Bulls for being an inquisitive young man, always asking questions and soaking up advice from those around him. So it should be no surprise that he has been seeking out Ball, who is still working his way back from a knee injury, for guidance on being an effective starting point guard in the NBA.
Ball, who recently underwent another surgery to rectify his troublesome knee, is currently back in Chicago and has been working out with Dosunmu and the rest of the team. While he has not been cleared to play yet, Ball has offered Dosunmu some valuable advice on how to run an NBA offense and be a leader on the court.
"After practice, we always shot together. He's always been kind of that guy, that older veteran that always gave me advice," said Dosunmu of Ball.
A crucial part of being an NBA point guard is knowing how to set the table and where your teammates like to eat.
"He told me about the pace, the pace of the game, and understanding where and knowing the personnel of my teammates," Dosunmu added.
"You know, Vooch (Nikola Vučević), DeMar (DeRozan), Zach (LaVine). Just knowing where they like to get the ball at. Just being a student of the game. Managing the game."
Ayo Dosunmu is poised for a breakout year and has all the tools to be an elite guard in the league.
— Hilltop Hoops (@HilltopNBA) October 6, 2022
- Excellent court vision
- Active on both ends
- Great speed and quickness
- High IQ
- Tough shot maker
- Rises up in big moments
22 years old. Unlimited potential. pic.twitter.com/ldXFLAklEk
Developing leadership skills
Dosunmu is still early in his NBA career, but he has shown a lot of promise and is already starting to establish himself as a leader on the court. With the Bulls looking to move up the ladder in the loaded Eastern Conference, Dosunmu has the unenviable task of trying to lead a veteran team while also developing his own game.
"My leadership skills are definitely growing. I think we have a great team who's willing to listen and willing to win. I'm just trying to be that guy to keep everyone together. Be that guy to push us when we need it, and just be that vocal guy because I think that's just a God-given talent that I have."
Ayo Dosunmu on his leadership of the team going into his second season:
— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) October 11, 2022
“I think my leadership skills are definitely growing,” he said. “I think we have a great team who’s willing to listen and willing to win. I’m trying to be that guy to keep everyone together.” pic.twitter.com/UgKnWYc19S

Stephen Beslic is a writer on Sports Illustrated's FanNation Network. Stephen played basketball from the age of 10 and graduated from Faculty of Economic and Business in Zagreb, Croatia, majoring in Marketing.