Illinois point guard Kasparas Jakucionis, projected as a top-10 NBA pick, declared for the 2025 draft on Monday.
The 6-foot-6 Lithuanian averaged 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists as a freshman for the Fighting Illini, but he told ESPN he’s ready for the next level.
“I’ve waited for this moment a long time,” Jakucionis said. “Saying goodbye to Illinois will be the hardest part. I’ve made friendships and built real relationships with players, coaches, support staff, and everyone around Champaign. My goal now is to work as hard as I can, and be the best version of myself.”
As of Monday morning, Illinois coach Brad Underwood was still waiting for a decision from Canadian freshman forward Will Riley. The 19-year-old finished the season strong and is projected as a top-20 pick if he opts to enter the June 25-26 draft, according to ESPN.
Jakucionis shot 31.8 percent from 3-point range in 33 starts and because of his size is viewed as a combo guard.
On the negative side of the scouting report will be his 3.6 turnovers per game, which was worst in the Big Ten.
Jakucionis shot 84.5 percent from the free throw line.
Illinois last produced a draft lottery selection in 2012, when the Portland Trail Blazers selected Meyers Leonard at No. 11.
–Field Level Media
Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison didn’t back down on his decision to trade star guard Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, a move that sparked outrage…
By virtue of a better overall record than the Miami Heat, the Chicago Bulls earned home-court advantage for their Eastern Conference play-in game Wednesday night. Despite winning all three meetings…
Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard will miss the start of the playoffs as he continues to recover from a blood clot, ESPN reported Tuesday. Lillard has not played since March…
Bulls host Heat but injuries could make Chicago a play-in underdog
Report: Bucks’ Damian Lillard to miss start of playoffs
Gamecocks F Collin Murray-Boyles declares for draft
Report: Joe Dumars to become Pelicans’ president