Latest news with #Jakucionis
USA Today
24-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 NBA mock drafts: Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis frequently linked to Rockets
2025 NBA mock drafts: Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis frequently linked to Rockets HoopsHype's aggregate mock draft and draft predictor both have Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis as Houston's most likely pick at No. 10 overall. When the 2025 NBA draft lottery resulted in the Houston Rockets (via Phoenix) landing the No. 10 overall pick in the first round, Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis was a popular early projection at that slot. Two weeks later, over the U.S. Memorial Day holiday weekend, that largely remains the case. This Sunday is exactly one month until the June 25 first round, and Jakucionis is still the consensus projection for the Rockets at No. 10. As part of their latest aggregate mock draft, our friends at HoopsHype explain the methodology: These rankings reflect the composite score of 10 mock drafts (ESPN, CBS Sports, The Athletic, Bleacher Report, Babcock Hoops, USA Today, SB Nation and For The Win) to get a feel for the overall consensus. Regarding Jakucionis and the Rockets, HoopsHype's Cyro Asseo de Choch writes: They would like someone who fits Ime Udoka's switchable and high-IQ system. Kasparas Jakucionis is a top guard prospect, combining elite playmaking with excellent size and offensive versatility. The Illinois freshman showcased advanced floor vision and pick-and-roll mastery (0.934 points per possession, or PPP, as ball-handler, 65th percentile), operating as a primary initiator while maintaining efficient decision-making (1.073 PPP in isolation). His ability to play both on and off-ball adds valuable lineup flexibility, though his inconsistent 3-point shooting and modest transition production (0.568 PPP) currently limit his ceiling. Defensively, he uses his length well (0.867 PPP allowed) but lacks elite quickness, raising questions about his ability to contain NBA guards. While not an explosive athlete, his high basketball IQ, international experience, and well-rounded skill set make him a strong lottery candidate for teams seeking a big, creative guard who can develop into a starting-caliber playmaker. An assistant coach told HoopsHype: 'Kasparas is the real deal. This is another classic example of a combo point guard. Look, Tyrese Haliburton is still who I love to compare him to. The difference between Kasparas and Jeremiah (Fears) is that I have fewer doubts about Kasparas's playmaking ability at the professional level. He gets to the line pretty well; maybe that's just because he's a big point guard going up against smaller defenders in college, but I'm a big fan of his. Plus, he comes from Lithuania, which adds another layer to his skill set. It wouldn't shock me if he ends up being the best out of the three guards after (Dylan) Harper.' More: Kasparas Jakucionis: NBA draft scouting report and intel As of Saturday, HoopsHype's draft predictor formula also lists Jakucionis as the most likely selection (30.8%) at No. 10. South Carolina forward Collin Murray-Boyles (23.6%) is second. Some media reports have indicated that Houston is looking to shop the No. 10 pick on the trade market for a win-now upgrade, since the Rockets already have a deep stockpile of young players to develop. The Rockets struggled to find consistent minutes for guard prospects Reed Sheppard and Cam Whitmore in 2024-25, so adding Jakucionis to the mix could create a logjam. Then again, the Rockets have shown they won't hesitate to use their NBA G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Vipers, for developmental purposes. So, it's possible that if they view a prospect such as Jakucionis to be the best player or asset available (relative to other potential picks or trade options), they could initially play him in the G League while waiting to see if the surrounding roster construction changes — be it from injuries or trades. With the 2025 NBA draft now approximately one month away, expect speculation to ramp up more over the days and weeks ahead. More: ESPN: Rockets willing to shop 2025 draft pick for win-now upgrade
USA Today
13-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
In 2025 mock drafts, Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis draws early projections to Rockets
In 2025 mock drafts, Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis draws early projections to Rockets With the NBA's 2025 draft lottery in the books, Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis is a popular early projection to the Rockets at No. 10 overall. In the initial wave of mock drafts published after Monday's 2025 NBA draft lottery, ESPN is among multiple media outlets projecting Kasparas Jakucionis to the Houston Rockets at No. 10 overall in the first round. 'Jakucionis helped himself quite a bit at Illinois, where he took on an enormous role as an 18-year-old debuting at the Division I level and put together a strong season,' ESPN's Jeremy Woo writes. 'Despite predictable ups and downs as part of that adjustment, NBA teams remain largely optimistic that his toughness, playmaking feel, size, and versatility at either guard spot will lead to a promising pro career.' 'There have been concerns about his ability to create separation off the dribble, but Jakucionis' ball-screen savvy and room to grow as a shooter should enable him to make an impact as part of a team's rotation, at the very least,' Woo adds. Jakucionis veraged 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 31.8 minutes per game. For a guard, he had an extremely efficient true-shooting clip of 59.8%. 'Jakucionis wouldn't directly address a need but would give the Rockets significant backcourt depth to build with as they weigh the future of their roster, particularly if they decide to move on from Jalen Green and/or Fred VanVleet... and transition toward Reed Sheppard and potentially the player they select here,' Woo writes. At 6-foot-6, Jakucionis could also be a useful contrast in size relative to Sheppard and VanVleet, who are on the small side for their position. Kevin O'Connor of Yahoo! Sports also mocked Jakučionis to Houston in his post-lottery projections. 'Jakučionis is a slick shot-creator with a creative passing gene and a fearless scoring ability, carving up defenses with crafty finishes, step-back jumpers, and jaw-dropping passes,' O'Connor writes. 'But as a freshman he'd follow up those highlights with turnover brain-farts that derail the hype train. The Rockets have so many different shot creators that he could lean into his strengths as a shooter and develop his point skills in a minimized role. But they don't have the guy, so there'd certainly be pressure to become the offensive engine.' With a deep young core in place and minutes already at a premium, trading down or out of the 2025 draft could also be an option for Rockets general manager Rafael Stone. But if Houston's brass decides that Jakucionis or another prospect is good value at that No. 10 slot, they often tout a best-player-available approach — and if they need to send a rookie to their G League affiliate (the Rio Grande Valley Vipers) for developmental work, they won't hesitate to do so. More: After unsuccessful lottery, Rockets to pick at No. 10 in 2025 draft
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
San Antonio Spurs Predicted to Pick Two Prospects from One School in 2025 NBA Draft
As all things stand, the San Antonio Spurs will have two draft picks in the lottery of the 2025 NBA Draft. Last season, the Spurs picked fourth and eighth, trading their second pick, Rob Dillingham, to the Minnesota Timberwolves. This year, the Spurs are expected to pick eighth and 14th, courtesy of the Atlanta Hawks. They could move up if the lottery is favorable, and they could once again trade their picks, although a recent mock draft from ESPN has them doubling up on one school. Advertisement Rutgers and Duke are expected to have multiple players picked in the top ten, but the Spurs go a different route in the mock, picking Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley from the University of Illinois. Feb 8, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Will Riley (7) and guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) celebrate during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Williams Arena. © Matt Krohn-Imagn Images In terms of NCAA success, the Fighting Illini were the perfect medium this season. They did not make the Final Four like the Blue Devils, although they did make the tournament, unlike the Scarlet Knights. Jakucionis, along with BYU's Egor Demin, is one of the best pass-first point guards in the draft and could be a solid De'Aaron Fox backup or eventual replacement. Riley, on the other hand, is a solid off-ball player who took home Sixth Man of the Year honors for the Big 10. Advertisement At eighth overall, the Spurs could do a lot worse than Jakucionis, and at 14th, the same could be said for Riley. Playmaking and scoring is always a good thing to add in the draft, although the Spurs have a very clear need: a backup center. This season, it was clear that there was no depth behind Victor Wembanyama, and when his season ended prematurely, the lack of depth continued to rear its head. While adding one of Illinois' top players would be a good call, if the Spurs opt to use both of their picks, adding Derik Queen, Khamam Maluach, or Thomas Sorber would be a better use of a first-round pick, and then either Riley or Jakucionis would be a solid addition, but not both. Check out the Inside the Spurs home page for more news, analysis, and must-read articles. Related: San Antonio Spurs Predicted to Bring Back Fan-Favorite This Offseason Related: San Antonio Spurs Roser Construction Could Dampen Trade Rumors
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
San Antonio Spurs Linked to Elite Playmaker in NBA Offseason Prediction
The San Antonio Spurs will enter the NBA Draft Lottery with two picks, lthough they will most likley end up as eighth and fourteenth overall, preventng them from pairing Vctor Wembanyama with top prospects like Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, Ace Baley, or VJ Edgecombe. Still, there is plenty of talent to be had in the first round, and if the Spurs don't trade up or out of the draft, they should be able to land a high-level rookie, bolstering their young core. Advertisement In a recent mock draft published by CBS Sports, the Spurs select Kasparas Jakucionis eighth overall from the University of Illinois. In his lone college season, Jakucionis averaged 15 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists. He shot 44 percent from the field and 31.8 percent from behind the arc. At his best, Jakucionis is a high-level floor general who excels in the pick and roll, which sounds perfect for pairing next to Victor Wembanyama. However, his shot is shaky, although there is reason to believe it will improve. He is not the best defender, although with Wembanyama or Jeremy Sochan playing next to him, that isn't a major concern. What can't be ignored is his turnovers. He averaged 3.7 per game over the season, and it never really improved as the season went on. Advertisement Unlike the sure-fire stars at the top of the draft, Jakucionis is not guaranteed stud, although adding even more playmaking and talent in the backcourt surely can't be a bad thing, especially if Chris Paul doesn't return. Check out the Inside the Spurs home page for more news, analysis, and must-read articles. Related: Proposed Mock Trade Lands Spurs 2x MVP Next to Victor Wembanyama Related: Proposed NBA Mock Trade Lands Spurs Former Franchise Icon and Infuriates Fans
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Big Ten Powerhouse Loses Top NBA Draft Prospect After NCAA Tournament
In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through college basketball and NBA circles alike, Illinois' star guard Kasparas Jakucionis made the heartfelt announcement on Monday morning. Following a season that saw Illinois ride high on fresh talent, Jakucionis has declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, leaving the Fighting Illini with a gaping hole after their NCAA Tournament exit, per Jonathan Givony. Advertisement In his emotional conversation with ESPN, the 6‑foot‑6 Lithuanian guard admitted, 'This has been my dream from a young age. I've waited for this moment a long time. Saying goodbye to Illinois will be the hardest part.' His decision comes on the heels of a second-round exit from the NCAA Tournament against Kentucky, a loss that ultimately sealed his fate as he opted to make the jump to the NBA. Despite a disappointing ending, Jakucionis's lone season at Illinois put the Lithuanian phenom on the map. Averaging 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists over 33 games at Illinois, the 18-year-old freshman earned a spot on the Third-Team All-Big Ten and the Big Ten All-Freshman Team. Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Sieu-Imagn Images A widely projected lottery pick, Jakucionis is widely celebrated for his high basketball IQ and creative playmaking—qualities that have drawn comparisons to stars like Luka Doncic. Advertisement 'I study Doncic for how he reads the game,' Jakucionis revealed, adding that he also learns from Euroleague greats such as Nick Calathes and Kostas Sloukas. Similar to Doncic, Jakucionis honed his talents in the Liga ACB, competing in the rigorous environments of FC Barcelona's youth system and numerous FIBA tournaments. As the draft approaches, the basketball world now watches eagerly to see if this top prospect can transition his polished college game into an NBA star. Related: Alabama Dealt Unfortunate News After NCAA Tournament Related: Michigan State's Jase Richardson Sends Message to Teammate After Transfer Portal Decision
