Ayo Dosunmu was born in Chicago on January 17, 2000, to Nigerian immigrants Jamarra and Quam Dosunmu.
His father, Quam, was an avid sports fan who attended Kenwood Academy and played basketball and baseball there. He was also an avid fan of the Chicago White Sox during the South Side Hit Men era and never missed a Chicago Bears game.
Dosunmu’s early exposure to sports, which included accompanying his father to games and seeing him play, fuelled his interest in basketball. Dosunmu began honing his basketball skills at Westinghouse College Prep in Chicago, where his talent began to shine. In October 2017, he decided to play collegiate basketball. His performances drew the attention of the basketball world, and he was invited to the USA Basketball Men’s U18 National Team training camp in May 2018. Dosunmu’s outstanding performance was critical to the team’s success, which culminated in a gold medal in the 2018 FIBA Under-18 Americas Championship.
Dosunmu had a successful collegiate career at the University of Illinois. He was named a unanimous first-team All-American and got the coveted Bob Cousy Award as the nation’s best point guard. On April 6, 2021, Dosunmu revealed his intention to join the 2021 NBA draft, capping up an excellent three-year career at Illinois. The Chicago Bulls picked him 38th overall in the draft, achieving his ambition of playing professional basketball with his hometown franchise.
Ayo Dosunmu Parents: Mother Jamarra and Father Quam Dosunmu
Ayo Dosunmu was raised in Chicago, Illinois, United States, with his parents and three siblings: two sisters and one brother. Dosunma’s parents were Nigerian immigrants, and his family included Yoruba ancestors. His name, Ayo, also means “joy” in Yoruba. Ayo’s father, Quam Dosunmu, was likewise raised in America. He was an avid athlete and attended Kenwood Academy, where he played basketball and baseball.
He was also an avid White Sox fan during the South Side Hit Men era and never missed a Bears game. Quam did not pursue a basketball career and instead spent several years working as a UPS manager. However, when he discovered that his children aspired to be basketball players, he quit his work to concentrate on their basketball growth. Ayo’s mother, who works in the beauty business, owns and manages Salon Seven in Chicago’s South Loop.
Despite her hectic schedule, she enthusiastically supports her son’s basketball career. Dosunmu is lucky to have unshakable support from his family, who are there for him every step of the way. His basketball accomplishment has a tremendous impact on his whole family, who feel a great connection to both his and the Bulls’ resurgence.
Ayo Dosunmu Grew Up with Three Siblings
Ayo grew up with three elder siblings: one brother and two sisters. His elder brother, Yakub, also known as Kube, was born on August 24, 1999, along with two older sisters, Joselynn, the oldest, and Khadijat. Kube initially showed an interest in basketball but finally selected a different hobby. Despite their diverse professional choices, Dosunmu’s brothers play a crucial part in his life, providing consistent encouragement and support as he pursues his basketball goals.
