The 2020 NBA Draft was yesterday but it’s never too early to start looking ahead to next year. CBS Sports unveiled its mock draft for 2021 and Illinois guard Ayo Dosunmu is forecasted as a lottery pick.

CBS Sports has Dosunmu going 12th to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Dosunmu enters this season as a Preseason AP All-American, Preseason CBS Sports First-Team All-American, Unanimous Preseason All-Big Ten Team member and is on the Bob Cousy Award Watch List.

Many thought Dosunmu would declare for the 2020 draft after a strong sophomore season in which he averaged 16.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. Dosunmu was selected First-team All-B1G by the media and AP

“It was somewhat surprising when Ayo Dosunmu, a possible first-round pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, decided to return to Illinois for his junior season,” CBS Sports columnist Gary Parrish said. “Assuming he turns the Illini into a Final Four contender, and makes jumpers consistently, it’s a decision that should pay off.”

The return of Dosunmu is a major boost to an Illinois squad that finished last season 21-10 overall and 13-7 in B1G play.

If Dosunmu can elevate his game even higher and take Illinois on a deep run during the NCAA Tournament, his stock should rise even more.

Illinois tips off the season at home vs. North Carolina A&T on Nov. 25 (1 p.m. CST/BTN).