Since the turn of the century, two former Illinois men's basketball stars hearing their names called during the NBA Draft hasn't happened too often. In fact, since 2000, it has only happened on three occasions.
In 2002, former Fighting Illini guard Frank Williams and center Robert Archibald were selected in the first and second rounds, respectively. In 2005, future NBA All-Star Deron Williams was selected third overall, and 21 picks later, Illinois forward Luther Head was drafted. Then, both James Augustine and Dee Brown were picked up in the second round of the 2006 NBA Draft.
Over the last 19 years, only four Illinois players have been selected during the drafts. That could all change this year, and according to ESPN, it will likely change within the first round.
The 2025 NBA Draft finally arrived, and ESPN released its final Mock Draft of the summer, projecting two Fighting Illini to hear their names called during the first round.
Freshman forward Will Riley has drifted between projections for the first and second rounds of this year's draft. Yet, following a solid performance at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, Riley steadily climbed the ranks to the top-20 range.
Currently, the Oklahoma City Thunder (yes, the team that just won the NBA Finals) hold onto Pick No. 24, but based on the franchise's active Draft-night history, don't be surprised if the trade for a better spot in the order.
Point guard Kasparas Jakucionis has been placed on the back burner in a lot of mock drafts this offseason, due in large part to the fact that most teams within the first dozen picks aren't in desperate need of a new backcourt addition.
However, with pre-draft rumors flying in every direction and evolving into reality, Jakucionis could be heading to Portland after the Trail Blazers traded guard Anfernee Simons for Jrue Holiday (from the Boston Celtics).
The 2025 NBA Draft is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. CT on Wednesday, June 25. The second round will take place the following night, at the same time, on Thursday, June 26.