Kasparas Jakucionis will leave Illinois to declare for the 2025 NBA draft. Jakucionis is a projected lottery pick after averaging 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists this season.
"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, who is from 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.
"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 level. Every game and detail matters. You're competing against the best young players in the world. The facilities at Illinois are incredible in terms of player development, weight room, recovery and staff. These are the best conditions in the world. I grew a lot as a player and person, seeing a different culture and different style of basketball. I'm happy I chose the college route and got to be a part of the Illinois program. I would tell any young player in Europe, as long as you aren't scared, and if you want to get tougher, you should pick the U.S. route."