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2025 NBA Mock Draft Bodes Well For Illinois Basketball

A way too early 2025 NBA Mock Draft by Sleepers Media bodes well for Illinois Basketball, including two first round picks

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2025 NBA Mock Draft Bodes Well For Illinois Basketball
Mar 20, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood talks to the media during the NCAA first round practice session at CHI Health Center Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

2025 NBA Mock Draft Bodes Well For Illinois Basketball

According to a recent mock draft, the Illinois Basketball team potentially possesses two lottery picks on the incoming roster. On Tuesday (7/2), Sleepers Media hosts Carter Elliot and Greg Waddell dropped a “way-too-early” 2025 NBA mock draft podcast. In addition, they released a list of their projected lottery picks on X.  The predictions made by the duo bode well for the Illini, as they include two of Brad Underwood’s top off-season pickups.

 

The 2 Illini Lottery Picks

According to Carter and Greg, shooting guard Kasparus Jakucionis will be selected 10th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. A massive step forward in the career of the young talent from FC Barcelona. Thanks to the ever-increasing connection between European leagues and the NBA, Kasparus has found his name on several boards early. Jakucionis is an exciting prospect, as he can light up the nets at all three levels. in addition to his ability to distribute the ball very well. The Lithuanian native was a great snag by Orlando Antigua, who has really helped the Illini create European connections of their own.

Furthermore, the projection goes on to detail that wing Will Riley will be selected 14th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. The Canadian sharpshooter recently pledged his commitment to Brad Underwood and the Illini. Additionally, he reclassified himself from the class of 2024 to the class of 2025. Of course, that also makes Will eligible for the 2025 NBA draft, which appears to be his intention. If he can physically develop well under Adam Fletcher and coach Underwood, there is a great chance he could be a first-round pick.

 

History

In this scenario, the Illini would be taking a major step forward as a program. This would mark a major milestone for Illinois Basketball and Brad Underwood, as the Illini have not had a lottery pick since 2012. Of course, a throwback to when Meyers Leonard was selected 11th overall by the Portland Trailblazers.

 

 

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Kirkland is a go-to source for Illinois athletics news. He is the lead Football analyst at Armchair Illini and has been featured in top media publications like Bleacher Report, Yard Barker, Autograph, Newsbreak, CBS Sports and more.

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