Pelica Debrief
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New Orleans Pelicans: Possible draft pick in Illinois vs. Loyola

By Aaron Kellerstrass

A detailed view of the facemask worn by Ayo Dosunmu (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
A detailed view of the facemask worn by Ayo Dosunmu (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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The New Orleans Pelicans will be busy this afternoon with the Denver Nuggets, but that doesn’t mean they won’t have an eye on the NCAA tournament.

The Pelicans currently have what would be the 35th and 36th picks in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft and will be looking to add impact talent.

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Usually second round picks are project players or international guys to stash overseas but some teams also choose to take a risk on an older guy who might not have the highest ceiling but may be able to contribute right away.

The Pelicans desperately need more help on the wing, especially defensively, so they could use one of their second-round picks on a guy who fits this profile.

One such player is Ayo Dosunmu from the University of Illinois, who has some glaring flaws but also a skillset that could fit on the New Orleans Pelicans.

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I actually wrote about Dosunmu last season when it looked like he would leave university early and head for the draft.

He decided to stick around and that was a good choice, as he has led the University of Illinois to a #1 seed and has been a team leader in just about every way.

Dosunmu has good length for a guard at 6-foot-5 and if he makes an NBA team, it will be because he can defend multiple spots on the perimeter.

Dosunmu is more like a point-forward for the Illini, but in the NBA he’d be more of a slasher and rim runner who can defend all over the floor and bring intensity, smarts and hustle.

Intensity. Smarts. Hustle. Know any teams in the NBA that need those? Factor in that Dosunmu is a winner and a natural leader and he seems like someone who would fit the profile of what the Pelicans need, especially if they can get him in the second round.

There are questions about Dosunmu’s shot, as he is not a great volume 3-point shooter, but the hustle, energy and effort are there on the defensive end and that is exactly what the Pelicans need.

If the Pels want to take a risk on an older prospect in the second round, Dosunmu could end up being a steal.

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