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The Illinois basketball team hasn't been to the NCAA Final Four since 2004-2005, despite high expectations under Coach Brad Underwood lately. The ‘Flyin Illini' of years past haven't quite come together under Coach Underwood just yet, but Illini fans seem to believe they could have the perfect playmaking guard to bring back the glory days in Kaspara Jakucionis.
The news came amid an NBA Draft Combine update on Coleman Hawkins that could affect his possible college basketball future. Ex-Illinois basketball star Terrance Shannon shared his thoughts on rape accusations.
The makeup of the Illinois basketball team will likely be dramatically different next season, and the addition of Jakucionis, a talented guard from Lithuania, could be the biggest and most important roster change.
Illinois basketball fans buzzing over new addition
The addition of the 6-foot-6 point guard gives Illinois basketball one of the most exciting and promising basketball prospects in this year's international class.
Jakucionis is considered to be a potential first round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and shows smooth handles and a quick release on his jumper in recent video highlights.
Kasparas Jakucionis, a 6'6 Lithuanian point guard and potential first-round pick in the 2025 NBA draft, is considered one of the most promising international prospects committing to the college route in the class of 2024. https://t.co/8j4eobNyo7 pic.twitter.com/05knr3qYku
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 28, 2024
The point guard/swingman became one of the youngest players to ever join and take the floor for Spanish powerhouse Barcelona at age 16. He made his Euroleague debut in January, leading the Adidas Next Gen Tournament in assists at nine per game before he was named MVP of the ANGT Belgrade.
The Illinois basketball addition was named an NBA Basketball Without Borders Camp All-Star in January and has averaged nearly 18 points through 34 games in several different competitions this season according to ESPN.com. He has shot 37% from three-point range and added six rebounds and 5.2 assists while playing an average of just 24 minutes per game.
Jakucionis is expected to form one of the Big Ten's most high ceiling backcourts next season along with expected returnee Ty Rodgers.
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Fans impressed by Lithuanian guard
Fans seemed impressed by the highlights clip of the Lithuanian, premium international prospect.
“His movements are elite,” one fan said.
“Definitely passes the eye test as a legit NBA prospect,” another fan wrote.
Still another fan wrote that he has a “nice looking shot,” while another said it is “too low” to be effective in the NBA.
