Illinois basketball players featured in 2025 NBA Summer League action

The 2025 NBA summer league will be starting on Saturday, July 5th. The summer is a dead period for most of the sports world as both basketball and football are in offseason mode. However, the Summer League is a good opportunity to get a glimpse at some of the young players in the NBA. As the action starts, there are a number of Illinois basketball players who will be participating.

The Young Guns: Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley

Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley will both get their first taste of professional basketball in the summer league. Kasparas did get selected later than most had expected; however, he fell into a great situation with the Miami Heat. Jakucionis will likely get a lot of opportunities as the primary ball-handler for the Miami Heat. If he can limit turnovers while also showing his offensive creativity, Jakucionis may be one of the top rookie performers in the Summer League.

Riley will also get ample opportunity with his team, the Washington Wizards. The Wizards are a rebuilding franchise with a lot of different perimeter pieces. Riley, however, is extremely talented as a scorer and wing ball-handler. If he can get on the court, look for Riley to put up some impressive scoring performances.

Terrence Shannon Jr.

The former Illinois basketball player who is expected to dominate is Terrence Shannon Jr. Shannon Jr. had a rather limited rookie season as he played on an extremely deep Minnesota Timberwolves team. However, Shannon Jr. was extremely impressive anytime he found the court. In fact, he was a key spark plug in some games in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. The Timberwolves seem to have high expectations for Shannon Jr. moving forward, and the summer League is a prime opportunity to prove them right. In his few games in the NBA G League, Terrence was dominant.  I fully expect that trend to continue.

Other former Illinois basketball players

In other news, former Illinois basketball forward Quincy Guerrier will be playing with the Toronto Raptors summer league squad. Guerrier played for the G-League affiliate of the Raptors last season and played extremely well. He showed that he is a plus-rebounder and can knock down three-point shots. Hopefully, Guerrier can get more opportunities to earn a position on the main team this season.

Additionally, Coleman Hawkins will be playing with the Golden State Warriors. Hawkins went undrafted in the 2025 NBA draft and quickly signed with the Warriors in hopes of earning a two-way deal. Hawkins has the prototypical NBA skillset and should shine if given the opportunity. Finally, former Illini Dain Dainja joined the Miami Heat summer league squad. Dainja had an extremely productive final season in college basketball with the Memphis Tigers.

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