The news finally broke this morning about a big-time Illinois basketball player heading to the NBA.
This was a day most Illini fans were expecting. Earlier today, Will Riley announced that he was declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft. He is now departing the program, but his announcement was preceded by another huge announcement.
On Monday, Illinois point guard Kasparas Jakucionis announced that he was heading to the NBA. He declared for the 2025 draft and will be one of the top talents taken off the board.
NEWS: Illinois freshman Kasparas Jakucionis, a projected top-10 pick from Lithuania, will enter the 2025 NBA draft, he told ESPN.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 14, 2025
STORY: https://t.co/HkaAkxAheT pic.twitter.com/OjXIR4Y4sK
The short time Jakucionis was on the Illinois roster was special. He helped the program get back to the Round of 32 and put up some huge numbers.
As a freshman, Jakucionis averaged 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. He is now going to take this talent to the NBA.
Former Illinois basketball star Kasparas Jakucionis has plenty of room to grow in the NBA
Jakucionis is far from a finished product on the basketball court. He has so much potential. The best attribute about his game is his shot creation. I know many people will go to his distributing ability, but I think Jakucionis is great off the dribble and can do things with the ball that are rare.
The latest NBA Mock Draft by Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report has Jakucionis as a lottery pick. He has the Miami Heat taking Jakucionis with the No. 11 pick in the first round.
Usually, lottery picks are bad teams, but the Heat have a good franchise. They are notorious for developing players into quality contributors and stars. Jakucionis would fit in well with someone like Tyler Herro, who needs a good point guard to help get him open shots.
I fully expect Jakucionis to make an impact on his NBA team in year one. He has to get a little stronger, as he doesn’t take contact well, but this kid is going to be really good. I can’t wait to see him develop over the next few years.