From Illinois to the NBA: Kasparas Jakucionis Sets His Sights on a Dream Career After Breakout First Year

Following a season in the NCAA with Illinois, Lithuanian combo guard Kasparas Jakucionis has officially announced his intention to enter the 2025 NBA draft.

“This has been my aspiration since I was a child,” he shared with ESPN while revealing his choice on Monday.

He noted that parting with Illinois will be the most challenging aspect of this transition, after averaging 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.3 blocks over 33 games with the Fighting Illini. “My focus now is to put in the effort and become the best version of myself.”

As developments unfold ahead of the draft, the 18-year-old Jakucionis might also have the opportunity to represent Lithuania’s senior national team in the offseason. He is among the potential candidates being considered by head coach Rimas Kurtinaitis for EuroBasket 2025. At the junior level, he went from winning gold at the 2022 FIBA U16 European Championship to competing in the U18 European Championships in 2023 and 2024.

“Luka Doncic is the primary player I look up to when it comes to understanding game dynamics,” he stated, drawing inspiration from the Slovenian star. “I certainly keep up with the NBA, observing how guards handle one another, how defenses adjust, and how they read pick-and-roll situations. Additionally, I watch a lot of EuroLeague and ACB, following my former teammates at Barcelona. For passing techniques, I admire Nick Calathes and Kostas Sloukas. The level of basketball IQ in the EuroLeague is extraordinary.”

Originally from Vilnius, he left Lithuania at 15 to join FC Barcelona. After making his way onto the senior squad and gaining some experience in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague and Spain’s Liga Endesa, he relocated to Illinois for the 2024-25 season. He is widely anticipated to prepare for the NBA in 2025-26.

“I wanted to get closer to American basketball,” he explained to ESPN, detailing his choice of college basketball over further development in Europe. “The academic aspect is very significant for both me and my family, and it certainly helps when aiming for the NBA. College competition is of an incredibly high caliber; every game and detail counts. You’re up against some of the best young talents globally.”

“The facilities at Illinois are outstanding for player development, including weight training, recovery, and coaching staff. These conditions are among the best available. I’ve grown tremendously both as a player and individual, experiencing a different culture and kind of basketball. I’m glad I opted for the college path and was able to be part of the Illinois program. I would advise any young player in Europe, if you’re not daunted and are eager to become tougher, to consider the U.S. route,” Jakucionis added.

The next NBA draft is set for June 25 and 26.