Illinois freshman Kasparas Jakucionis, a standout point guard from Vilnius, Lithuania, announced his decision to enter the 2025 NBA Draft. The 6-foot-6 player has blossomed into a hotly pursued prospect, recently raising his draft stock to ninth overall. When he accepted the opportunity, he shared his enthusiasm for the unique opportunity against the backdrop of his tenure with the Illinois basketball program.
Jakucionis announced his decision during an interview with ESPN’s Kevin Negandhi to confirm his new plan to turn pro. He stated, “This has been my dream from a young age.” His dynamic performance during the season has more than solidified his status, being a projected top-10 pick in the upcoming NFL draft.
Jakucionis had been the definition of consistency through the season, averaging 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. On the court, his legacy is tremendous due to the depth of his all-around contributions. In doing so, he was awarded, being named to Big Ten All-Freshman team and All-Big Ten Second Team. His capacity to balance scoring while facilitating plays further emphasizes his versatility and potential at the next level.
What makes Jakucionis’s journey especially unique is that he intentionally chose to go off the beaten European-league path. Instead, he followed his dream, playing college basketball in the United States — one of the first well-respected international point guards to do so. He explained his choice, saying, “I wanted to be closer to American basketball.” This decision has turned out to be wise. He was thankful to have had the opportunity to play for the Illinois program and for all of the friendships he’d made across his journey.
The freshman’s departure from Illinois is bittersweet. “I’ve waited for this moment a long time. Saying goodbye to Illinois will be the hardest part,” Jakucionis remarked. He referenced the friendships he built with players and support staff and coaches that left a mark on him in Champaign. These relationships played a profound role in his college experience.
His strong performance this season and commitment to continuous improvement signal a bright future ahead. Jakucionis is excitedly preparing to start his next chapter. FAQs He continues to keep his attention on honing his craft and strives to be “the best version of myself.”
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