Illini star guard Kasparas Jakucionis announces NBA Draft decision

News: The Illinois Basketball program could soon see its first lottery selection since Meyers Leonard well over a decade ago (2012). It’s now official: the Illini’s highly talented European freshman, Kasparas Jakucionis, is bound for New York, as he has officially declared for this summer’s NBA Draft, per ESPN’s Jonathan Givony.

Assuming he keeps his name in, Jakucionis is expected to participate in the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago from May 11–18, where he’ll look to further impress league executives. However, truth be told, the proof may already be in the pudding—and many draft analysts are sold. Averaging 15 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game—shooting 44% from the floor this past season- the buzz around the talented European guard has only grown. Even after a mid-season wrist injury that caused some short-lived struggles, Jakucionis rebounded strongly, boosting his stock down the stretch.

Currently, he’s predicted to go No. 11 overall in Bleacher Report’s latest mock draft. If that projection holds, Jakucionis will make Illinois history as the program’s first-ever one-and-done first-round pick.

Certainly, it’s a thrilling moment for the Lithuanian native as he moves one step closer to a lifelong dream.

For Illinois Basketball, it stands as yet another mile marker of just how far the program has come during the Brad Underwood era.

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

Kasparas Jakucionis Discusses His Decision to Enter the 2025 Draft with Givony

“This has been my dream from a young age,” Jakucionis tells Givony. “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.”

KJ continued, “It went by so fast. There were a lot of ups and downs with a young team, where almost no one had played in the NCAA tournament before. Coach Underwood and my teammates trusted me. We built a great relationship, chemistry, and bond. The connections I made will stay with me for a long time.“

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