Illinois basketball stars invited to the 2025 NBA Draft Combine

Per social media posts on X, Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley have been invited to the 2025 NBA draft combine in Chicago, Illinois. The event takes place from May 11-18 at Wintrust Arena and the Marriott Marquis in Chicago. Both Jakucionis and Riley just completed standout freshman campaigns for Illinois basketball and have both recently declared for the 2025 NBA Draft. As it stands right now, both Jakucionis and Riley are projected first round draft picks. Jakucionis firmly sits in the lottery range of all NBA Mock drafts, while Riley’s stock is a bit more labile, ranging from pick 14 to the latter part of the first round.

Because of this, Jakucionis seems unlikely to participate unless he decides to do so in limited fashion. If both players stay in the draft and are selected in the first round, they would be the first one-and-done prospects from Illinois basketball in program history.

Jakucionis’ draft stock

In Yahoo Sports‘ recent NBA Mock draft, the Atlanta Hawks will select Kasparas Jakucionis with the 13th overall pick. CBS Sports‘ Kyle Boone now has Jakucionis at the 8th pick to the San Antonio Spurs. The Lithuanian point guard has impressed a lot of scouts with his size and fluid playmaking skills. At such a young age, Kasparas has a ton of upside at the guard spot. It is safe to say that he will be the Illini’s first Lottery pick since Meyers Leonard in 2012.

Riley’s Draft stock

A number of people online have made arguments that Will Riley should return to college for one more year. Some have even mentioned the fact that Terrence Shannon Jr. has not played all that much during his rookie season as a reason to return. However, that is unequivocally ludicrous. Shannon Jr. has gotten key experience backing up one of the top players in the league in Anthony Edwards and one of the premier shooters in the league in Donte DiVincenzo. When receiving playing time, he has shown the capability. However, his team is currently in the second round of the NBA playoffs. That is good experience.

Currently, Yahoo has Riley going at the 17th overall pick (funny enough, to the Minnesota Timberwolves). CBS Sports has him at the 27th overall pick. Riley could return to somewhat boost his draft stock, however, the opportunity to be a first round drat pick is right there in front of him. He needs to grab it.

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