The Miami Heat drafted Illinois freshman guard Kasparas Jakucionis with the No. 20 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday.
One of the top international prospects in the world, Jakucionis earned Third Team All-Big Ten and Big Ten All-Freshman for Illinois this season after averaging 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists while shooting 44.0% from the field and 31.8% from three.
Jakucionis, who just celebrated his 19th birthday in late May, started the season on a tear before a midseason wrist injury and late-season slump.
The 6-foot-6 guard from Lithuania averaged 16.7 points on 50% shooting (41.6%) three to go along with 5.4 rebounds and 5.4 assists during his first 15 games to lead Illinois to a 12-3 start. Jakucionis then suffered a wrist injury and missed two games but had five 17+ point performances in an eight-game stretch to seemingly bounce back. But Jakucionis struggled in his final nine games at Illinois, averaging 12.2 points on 36% shooting (25% three) with more turnovers (38) than assists (26).
Still, Jakucionis had one of the most productive freshmen seasons in Illinois history. He set the Illinois freshman record for 20+ point games (10) and averaged the fourth most points (15.0) by an Illini freshman behind only Kiwane Garris (15.9), Cory Bradford (15.4) and Deon Thomas (15.1) while also averaging the fourth-most assists (4.7) by an Illini freshman and the seventh-most rebounds by an Illini freshman (5.7).
"Kasparas had a fantastic year, and I am so impressed with how well he handled all that was thrown at him," head coach Brad Underwood said in a statement in April. "To come in at 18 years old, new country, new program, new teammates, and be handed the keys and tasked with running the offense against the competition he faced every night, that's a lot to ask of a freshman. But he impacted the game in every area, by scoring, decision making and passing, and rebounding. KJ is successful because of his love for the game, his intelligence, his work ethic, his desire to be great, and most importantly his character. Those traits will continue to serve him well in the NBA."
Why it matters: Jakucionis is the first Illinois basketball player to become a one-and-done NBA Draft pick. Furthermore, Illinois has now had first-round draft picks in back-to-back years for the first time since Frank Williams and Brian Cook were selected in the first round in 2002 and 2003, respectively. The Minnesota Timberwolves selected Illini guard Terrence Shannon in the first round (No. 27 overall) last year.
What it means: After a sensational run last spring and summer against international competition, Jakucionis came to Illinois as a first-round draft pick, but he only boosted his stock while in Champaign. He had a rough last month, but Jakucionis was one of the Big Ten's best players for most of last season and showed he can succeed against top-tier competition. His success only strengthens the Illini's recruiting pitch in Europe moving forward as Illinois looks to build a Gonzaga-like presence abroad.
GET 50% OFF ILLINI INQUIRER VIP: Get Illini Inquirer for 50% OFF for a limited time only! Join the No. 1 independent source of Illini Inquirer for our best deal of the year. For a limited time , you can get the best Illinois Fighting Illini coverage of the transfer portal and offseasons for Illini basketball and Illini football. All for just $4.48 per month and 15ยข per day! All new members can receive this great deal: 50% off an annual VIP membership for your first year! That's a savings of more than $60! So sign up now!