We are a week into the 2024-25 NBA season, and several storylines are already floating around. The defending champions are looking good, and a few preseason trades have turned the East into a spicy battleground.
With a promising season ahead, several former Illini are in action throughout the league. Here’s a closer look at how each Illini player is contributing to their team this season.
Ayo Dosunmu
The Chicago Bulls selected guard Ayo Dosunmu with the eighth pick in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft. He’s built a solid presence since his rookie year: He averaged 8.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists over 77 games. Last season, he averaged 12.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 29.1 minutes across 76 games. Dosunmu will aim to secure a bigger role in the lineup this season as the Bulls continue their rebuilding phase.
Dosunmu will face stiff competition for playing time in the Bulls’ backcourt. Guard Coby White solidified his role as a franchise player last year. The Bulls also added former Oklahoma City guard Josh Giddey, which will only intensify the contest.
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Dosunmu’s experience with the Bulls may be key in proving his value as the season unfolds. Keep an eye on the 6-foot-5 guard; he has a long and exciting season ahead.
Brandin Podziemski
The 6-foot-4 guard from Illinois and Santa Clara is in his second season with the Golden State Warriors. Brandin Podziemski had an impressive rookie season, averaging 9.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists over 74 games, earning a spot on the All-Rookie First Team.
Last year didn’t go as well as the Warriors hoped, as they failed to make the playoffs. But, perhaps they found a future star in Podziemski.
Over the summer, the Warriors’ front office went after Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen. The goal was to secure a second star alongside guard Stephen Curry, but the trade never went through. Rumors around the league were that the Jazz wanted Podziemski.
The Warriors’ front office was not willing to give him away, making it clear that Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. have great faith in Podziemski. It is up to him to reward their faith by growing into a better player for Golden State.
Podziemski has stepped up in Golden State’s 4-1 start to the season, playing a crucial role in back-to-back wins against the Pelicans despite Curry and Wiggins being sidelined. He is averaging 10.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game this season.
Last season, Podziemski was extremely good at drawing charges, being the league leader with 38 drawn charges. He is already a force on the defensive end. The Warriors will need him to evolve as an offensive playmaker if they want to make a deep playoff run this season.
To better fit in the Warriors’ offense, Podziemski needs to work on his three-point game. Last season, he averaged 3.2 3PA over 38.5 3P%. His attempts have risen to 5.8 3PA, but his efficiency has dropped to 20.7%. It’s only been five games, but his three-point shot has been concerning. Golden State loves the deep ball, and he will need to find his touch again to remain in the lineup.
Terrence Shannon Jr.
The Minnesota Timberwolves drafted Illinois star guard Terrence Shannon Jr. with the 27th pick in the first round of the 2024 NBA draft. Shanon led Illinois to the Elite Eight last season, averaging 23 points, 4 rebounds and 2.3 assists.
He was an absolute monster at both ends, leading Illinois to their first Elite Eight finish since 2005. Illinois will honor him by hanging up his jersey number at the State Farm Center in Champaign.
He debuted for the Timberwolves at the NBA Summer League, averaging 13.2 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assist across four games. He followed that with a solid preseason showing where he tallied 6 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists over five games.
Standing at 6-foot-6 and 215 pounds, Shannon brings an interesting skill set to the Timberwolves. He will learn and grow amongst veterans like guard Mike Conley Jr. and center Rudy Gobert and play alongside a young, fiery guard Anthony Edwards.
It is probably a development year waiting in the wings for Shannon, as he hasn’t entered a regular season game yet. The Wolves have plenty of depth, but look for him to play if there are any injuries in Minnesota’s backcourt.
