Miami Heat makes brilliant NBA Draft selection by taking Kasparas Jakucionis

Illinois basketball has a player off the board in the 2025 NBA Draft.

With pick No. 20 in the first round, the Miami Heat selected Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis. This is the highest an Illini player has been selected in the NBA Draft since Meyers Leonard in 2012.

Playing just one season in the college ranks, Jakucionis dazzled as a freshman in Champaign. He finished his lone season with Illinois averaging 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game.

The 6-foot-6 guard managed to notch a spot on the All-Big Ten Team and was a member of the Big Ten All-Freshman squad as well.

Positives that Kasparas Jakucionis brings to the Miami Heat

Jakucionis is one of those shifty guards who can create a lot of offense. I liken him a bit to Ja Morant in the ability to not only shoot from outside but also create from inside the three-point arc.

You are getting a solid shooter all around as well. Jakucionis won’t let you down from the free throw line.

With the way the NBA plays, I think Jakucionis will flourish in the open court. A lot of college basketball is halfcourt sets, but when in space, Jakucionis can really pick apart a defense. That is going to be a major bonus.

Negatives that Kasparas Jakucionis brings to the Miami Heat

There aren’t a ton of negatives to Jakucionis’ game. There are a few things to note, though. While he is shifty, Jakucionis does lack the ability to separate off the dribble. He might have some issues with the tough defense in the NBA.

I think another issue might be his physicality. The NBA is a rough sport, and Jakucionis will take hits. Being able to sustain those hits and still finish will be a key in his success.