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Jonathan Givoni
Illinois’s freshman Casparus Zacunionis, who is an estimated top -10 pick, told ESPN that he would enter the 2025 NBA draft.
“It has been my dream since an early age,” Jackunis told ESPN on Monday. “I have waited for this moment. Saying goodbye to Illinois will be the most difficult part. I have friendship and have made real relations with everyone around players, coaches, assistant employees and champions. My goal is to do as hard as possible now, and can be the best version of myself.”
Jakucionis, ESPN’s number 9-ran draft probability, was named after the Big Ten All-Freshman Team and the All-Big Ten Second team in this season after an average of 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.7. Illinois lost the 32 round of NCAA tournament from No. 3 Seed Kentkey.
“It went so fast,” Jakusionis said. “There were lots of ups and downs with a young team, where almost no one had played before in the NCAA tournament. Coach (Brad) Underwood and my colleagues trusted me. We built a great relationship, chemistry and bonds. The connections I made will stay with me for a long time.”
Jecianis, who lives from Villanius, Lithuania, became one of the first high -to -the -high international point guards to remove the traditional European League route in favor of playing college basketball in the United States.
When he started his ACB at the age of 16, he was one of the youngest players to play for Eurolegue Powerhouse Barcelona. He was a decorated player at the FIBA level, who represented his country in U16 and U18 Eurobacket in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
“I wanted to be close to the American basketball,” Jacucouses said. “Academic side is very important for me and my family. And of course, for NBA, it helps. Competition in college is very high levels. Every game and expansion matters. You are competing against the world’s best young players. Facilities in Illinois are incredible for players’ development, weight rooms, recovery and employees.
When the season began, the talent of Zakunionis for NBA scouts immediately stood out. He has an impressive combination of size (6 -foot -6), cruelty, speed, feeling for sports, playmaking and shots. He is an excellent pick-and-rol player who plays an intelligent and selfless brand of basketball, plays through spots and aggressive contacts on the floor.
“Luka Donic is the main player who I read the game, I study,” Jacuunis said. “I definitely see the NBA how guards are attacking each other, defensive adjustment and pick-and-rol reed.
The NBA draft combination will be held in Chicago on 11–18 May; The draft will be held in New York on 25-26 June.
Jonathan Givony is a private scouting and analytics service used by NBA, NCAA and international teams, the founder and co-owner of Draftx.Press.com.
