The Illinois Fighting Illini have added a Lithuanian guard who is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Kasparas Jakucionis verbally committed to Illinois on Tuesday. Jakucionis, who could shoot up mock drafts, is arguably one of the most promising talents playing outside of the United States.
Overseas Talent Commits To Illinois
Jakucionis boasts a solid 6’6″ frame and was one of the youngest players ever to play for Barcelona. He made his debut as a 16-year-old and has since dominated Liga ACB in Spain. He averages 17.7 points, 6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists for Barça throughout 34 games this season. Jakucionis turned 18 today.
“An NBA person reached out to me and said he absolutely loves this guy,” analyst Jeff Goodman told The Field of 68. “One of those guys that can help elevate everyone around him.”
The decision to switch from Barcelona to college basketball in Champaign can be linked to the growth of NIL deals. The average player at a top school can make north of $63,000. Duke star Jared McCain and a select few stars made upwards of $1 million. By contrast, overseas players can earn around $250,000-$500,000 annually.
Jakucionis’ commitment follows Real Madrid guard Egor Demin’s commitment to BYU.
How Jakucionis Will Change Illinois
Jakucionis’ best qualities are his vision and playmaking ability. His huge build — boasting a height of 6’6″ and a wingspan of 6’7″ — allows him to see over the defense and read the movements of his teammates. He shot 37% from three in Spain, and his jumper looks fluid and dependable. Jakucionis has good ballhandling skills and can cut through defenses with his incisive slashing. He draws fouls, gets to the rim, and finishes through strength dependably. He has a nice feel for the game, and if he can adjust well to the technical aspects of American basketball, he could skyrocket in mock drafts.
That’s not to say that Jakucionis is a finished product though. Jakucionis doesn’t have excellent lateral speed, and quicker guards can blitz right by him as Jakucionis clambers behind. He also has trouble handling the ball and making the right calls. Despite being the primary initiator of the Barcelona offense en route to their Liga ACB successes, he often dribbles too much and gets himself in unnecessary pressure. Despite his maturity and intelligence for his age, he also takes too long to decide on options and pays for it dearly. Jakucionis averaged 3.6 turnovers per game throughout the season.
Regardless, Jakucionis has a bright future with the Fighting Illini. He can slot in both at the point guard or the shooting guard position. He would make a killer backcourt pairing alongside Arizona transfer Kylan Boswell. Jakucionis faces stiff competition from the likes of Ty Rodgers, but he can make a huge impact for Brad Underwood’s Illinois squad.
Jakucionis joins an Illinois squad that went 29-9 throughout the season, winning the Big Ten tournament and advancing to the Elite Eight, where they lost to eventual champions UConn. With the addition, Illinois is arguably a frontrunner to repeat as Big Ten champions.
