Ayo Dosunmu

Dosunmu is a Chicago native who chose to stay home and play for the University of Illinois, then was drafted by the Chicago Bulls — making him one of the rare players who both grew up and played professionally in the same city.

His three-year college career at Illinois was a key factor in the program's resurgence under coach Brad Underwood, helping attract national attention back to a historically proud program.

He earned his NBA contract after going 38th overall — a second-round pick — and almost immediately became a starter for the Bulls, making him one of the bigger steals of his draft class.

Dosunmu's father is of Nigerian heritage, giving him a dual cultural identity that he celebrates openly and uses as motivation in his career.