Illinois star freshman Kasparas Jakucionis to enter NBA draft - ESPN

Illinois freshman Kasparas Jakucionis, a projected top-10 pick, told ESPN that he will enter the 2025 NBA draft.

«This has been my dream from a young age,» Jakucionis told ESPN on Monday. «I've waited for this moment a long time. Saying goodbye to Illinois will be the hardest part. I've made friendships and built real relationships with players, coaches, support staff, and everyone around Champaign. My goal now is to work as hard as I can, and be the best version of myself.»

Jakucionis, ESPN's No. 9-ranked draft prospect, was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team and All-Big Ten Second Team after averaging 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists this season. Illinois made the NCAA tournament's round of 32, losing to No. 3 seed Kentucky.

«It went by so fast,» Jakucionis said. «There were a lot of ups and downs with a young team, where almost no one had played in the NCAA tournament before. Coach [Brad] Underwood and my teammates trusted me. We built a great relationship, chemistry and bond. The connections I made will stay with me for a long time.»

Jakucionis, who hails from Vilnius, Lithuania, became one of the first highly regarded international point guards to forgo the traditional European league pathway in favor of playing college basketball in the United States.

He was one of the youngest players ever to play for Euroleague powerhouse Barcelona when he made his ACB debut at 16. He was a decorated player at the FIBA level, representing his home country at the U16 and U18 Eurobaskets in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

«I wanted to be closer to American basketball,» Jakucionis said. «The academic side is very important for me and my family. And of course, for the NBA, it helps. The competition in college is extremely high