Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis is projected as a top-10 NBA draft decide.
Illinois level guard Kasparas Jakucionis, projected as a top-10 NBA decide, declared for the 2025 draft on Monday.
The 6-foot-6 Lithuanian averaged 15.0 factors, 5.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists as a freshman for the Preventing Illini, however he instructed ESPN he is prepared for the following stage.
“I’ve waited for this second a very long time,” Jakucionis stated. “Saying goodbye to Illinois would be the hardest half. I’ve made friendships and constructed actual relationships with gamers, coaches, help workers, and everybody round Champaign. My objective now’s to work as onerous as I can, and be one of the best model of myself.”
As of Monday morning, Illinois coach Brad Underwood was nonetheless ready for a choice from Canadian freshman ahead Will Riley. The 19-year-old completed the season robust and is projected as a top-20 decide if he opts to enter the June 25-26 draft, based on ESPN.
Jakucionis shot 31.8 p.c from 3-point vary in 33 begins and due to his dimension is considered as a combo guard.
On the adverse aspect of the scouting report will likely be his 3.6 turnovers per sport, which was worst within the Huge Ten.
Jakucionis shot 84.5 p.c from the free throw line.
Illinois final produced a draft lottery choice in 2012, when the Portland Path Blazers chosen Meyers Leonard at No. 11.
–Subject Stage Media
