Illinois Basketball has the most impactful International Player

ESPN’s Jonathan Givony rated Illini freshman, Kasparas Jakucionis, as the number one most impactful international prospect in college basketball. The buzz seems to continue to grow for the Lithuanian freshman. He initially impressed during the summer in the Adidas NGT and FIBA play, however, as scouts have watched him in an Illinois basketball practice jersey, the buzz has skyrocketed.

Jakucionis was also seen with the ball in his hands during practically every clip for the Illinois scrimmage vs Butler. The young Jakucionis has shown a maturity in his game beyond the years of a true freshman.

Lithuanian Kasparas Jakucionis is ESPN’s No. 1 most impactful international player entering college basketball. What is Illinois getting, and what kind of role could the 18-year-old play in the Big Ten?

Top-10 incoming internationals: https://t.co/NrgJ4pl8u9 pic.twitter.com/ESjAFgeLdg

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) October 18, 2024

The beginning.#Illini | #HTTO | #EveryDayGuys pic.twitter.com/W0QgGoMZ7u

— Illinois Men’s Basketball (@IlliniMBB) October 13, 2024

Kasparas Jakucionis, the point guard.

During the summer FIBA play, Jakucionis averaged 16.5 points per game, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists. Illinois Basketball is getting a 6 foot 6 wing who is extremely adept with the ball in his hands. I think the Illini will go back to a lot of screen-and-rolls that they ran with Andre Curbelo as opposed to the “booty-ball” offense they ran last year. Illinois basketball has two athletic rim runners Morez Johnson and Carey Booth. They also have guys who can pick and pop in Ben Humrichous and Tomislav Ivisic.

With Jakucionis so adept at finding guys off screens, look for the Illini to hand the keys to their young, impactful international prospect.

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