Kasparas Jakučionis, born on May 29, 2006, in Vilnius, Lithuania, is a rising basketball star currently playing as a guard for the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Big Ten Conference.
Early Life and Career
Jakučionis began his basketball journey with Perlas Vilnius, a team affiliated with Rytas Vilnius. In 2021, he joined FC Barcelona’s youth academy, where he split time between the junior team and the reserve team in the Liga EBA during the 2022–23 season. His impressive performance earned him a spot on the 2023–24 U-18 Euroleague All-Tournament Team. He made his professional debut for FC Barcelona’s first team in April 2023, becoming the third youngest player to do so.
College Career at Illinois
In May 2024, Jakučionis committed to the University of Illinois, joining the Fighting Illini for the 2024–25 season. Standing 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 200 pounds, he made an immediate impact, averaging 15 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. His performance earned him All-Big Ten honors and a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman Team.
NBA Draft Prospects
Jakučionis is considered a top prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft, with projections placing him as a potential lottery pick. His combination of size, skill, and international experience has drawn comparisons to players like Goran Dragic and Luka Doncic. However, he has expressed some uncertainty about making the jump to the NBA, indicating that he is still considering his options.
International Experience
Internationally, Jakučionis has represented Lithuania, contributing significantly to the team’s success in the 2022 FIBA U16 European Championship, which he cites as his proudest basketball achievement.
For a glimpse into his personality and off-court life, you can follow him on Instagram.