It has been known for months that Kasparas Jakucionis was likely going to be an early NBA Draft entry. The star freshman for the Illinois Fighting Illini finished his first season as one of the most important pieces for his team. As did Will Riley, who was another very important piece for coach Brad Underwood. Both players had plenty of highlights during the 2024-25 season.
Both also had very important decisions to make about their future. Today, the Fighting Illini fans learned the fate of both Jakucionis and Riley.
Pair of Impact Illinois Freshman Declare for 2025 NBA Draft
Jakucionis, a projected lottery pick, has officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft. Kasparas made the news official via ESPN this morning.
NEWS: Illinois freshman Kasparas Jakucionis, a projected top-10 pick from Lithuania, will enter the 2025 NBA draft, he told ESPN.
STORY: https://t.co/HkaAkxAheT pic.twitter.com/OjXIR4Y4sK
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 14, 2025
” This has been my dream from a young age,” Jakucionis said. “I’ve waited for this moment a long time. 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.”
It was clear that he was destined to leap to the NBA after making the All-Big Ten Freshman Team and earning a spot on the Third Team All-Big Ten this past season. His average of 15 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists helped the Illini reach the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament. The Lithuania-born player should have a great shot of being picked somewhere in the top 10 of the NBA Draft.
He Isn’t Alone
With that news not being shocking, here’s a little bit of a heart-breaker, but maybe it was also expected. Freshman Will Riley also decided to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft. The 6-foot-8 forward had a very impactful season, much like Kasparas, as Riley made his biggest impact coming off the bench. His 12.6 points per game helped him earn the 2024-25 Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year.
There was also a point during the season when Riley had to start, when Illinois was dealing with significant injuries to the likes of Tomislav Ivisic, Morez Johnson Jr, and Jackucionis. Riley shared a farewell message via social media, making it official, according to Glenn Kinley from WCIA3 news.
Will Riley has declared for the NBA draft. On Instagram he says:
“No matter where this journey takes me, I’ll always be a Fighting Illini…” pic.twitter.com/BhSMCgqhVX
— Glenn Kinley (@glenn_kinley) April 14, 2025
No Fear Illini Fans
Coach Underwood has gone through this plenty of times now, with the likes of Ayo Dosunmu leaving early. So, Illini fans, there is no need to fear over Jakucionis and Riley leaving for the NBA Draft. There are plenty of pieces still in Champaign, not to mention that the team has added plenty of great talent this offseason so far.
Photo credit: © Jovanny Hernandez-Imagn Images
