Kasparas Jakucionis out vs Penn State with Left Forearm Injury

Per Derek Piper of Illini Inquirer, star freshman, Kasparas Jakucionis, has been ruled out for the game vs Penn State with a left forearm injury. The timing of this is certainly surprising, and we do not know much about it at this point as the Illini take on Penn State in less than one hour.. Jakucionis spoke in the post-game press conferences and seemed fine in the previous game vs Washington. The star freshman scored 18 points on 6/11 shooting, while also contributing 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Given that he seemed all right in the postgame press conferences, we assume that this injury is relatively new.

Kasparas Jakucionis also hit a huge mid-range jumper to help seal the victory for the Illini.

Where does the Illini go?

The number 13th ranked Illini will need someone to step up in place of their best player and alpha. The ball will be in Kylan Boswell’s hands a lot more, however, look for Dravyn Gibbs-Lawhorn and Will Riley to have expanded roles in the absence of Jakucionis. Additionally, Tre White will need to continue his strong play. White has been one of the few Illini who has been consistently able to put pressure on the rim and score in the half-court. With Jakucionis out, the Penn State Nittany Lions will probably have their star guard, Ace Baldwin, draped all over Kylan Boswell.

Because of that, Riley, White, and Gibbs-Lawhorn need to have strong and efficient nights from the field. After the game vs Penn State, Brad Underwood will likely clear up the details of the injury heading into Saturday’s matchup vs USC

Just in: Kasparas Jakucionis is OUT tonight with a left forearm injury

— Derek Piper (@DPiper247) January 9, 2025

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