Basketball
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.
_______________________________________________________________
Thank you for reading Armchair Illini. We at Armchair Illini are proudly sponsored by Uncle Fluffy’s Beard Company, the top specialty boutique for homemade beard balms and oils in the state of Illinois. Check out the vast array of Organic products here to keep your facial hair healthy, tame, and smelling great!
For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher at [email protected]. Please use our Seatgeek code for $20 off your purchase on Seatgeek.com: ARMCHAIRILLINOIS. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing Illinois media outlets around!
-
Basketball5 days ago
Why Illinois Basketball will miss Ty Rodgers
-
Basketball4 days ago
Former Illini Niccolo Moretti breaks out in season opener
-
Basketball5 days ago
NEWS: Illinois Basketball Junior Ty Rodgers to Redshirt
-
Basketball6 days ago
Illinois Basketball: Three Storylines heading into 2024-2025 Season
-
Football6 days ago
Former Illini Chase Brown has career day vs Raiders
-
Football3 days ago
Illinois Football: Week 11 Bowl Predictions
-
Football2 days ago
Former Illini receiver Isaiah Williams waived by Detroit Lions
-
Basketball1 day ago
Former Illini Terrence Shannon Jr scores first NBA basket