Throughout the 2024-25 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2025 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.
Kasparas Jakucionis
Position: Guard
College: Illinois
Height/Weight: 6'6", 205 lbs
Birthdate: May 29, 2006
Previous Team: FC Barcelona (Spain)
Player Overview
Kasparas Jakucionis, one of the most anticipated international players in college basketball, brings a methodical style and high basketball IQ to the court. Known for his ability to dissect defenses with precision, Jakucionis makes teammates better by delivering passes in scoring positions. His game is smooth and consistent, with a strong handle and a natural ability to create space for his own shot. As he adjusts to the college game, Jakucionis will need to improve his lateral quickness and lower his turnover rate. Still, his foundation as a versatile guard with elite playmaking skills makes him a compelling prospect for the NBA.
"At 6-foot-6, Jakucionis, a guard from Lithuania, is a skilled playmaker with excellent vision. I’m excited to see what he brings in a Fighting Illini uniform." — Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst
Strengths
Playmaking Vision: Jakucionis has exceptional court vision and a knack for creating scoring opportunities for teammates, often putting them in position for easy finishes.
Crafty Shot Creation: He’s skilled at finding angles and creating just enough space for his shot, making him one of the best finishers among college guards.
Ball Handling: With a tight handle, he navigates defenses effectively, able to penetrate and dish out to open teammates with precision.
Basketball IQ: Having played internationally, Jakucionis reads the game at a high level, anticipating plays and seeing scoring opportunities before they develop.
Concerns
Consistency in Shooting: While his mechanics are fluid, Jakucionis needs to improve his shooting consistency to be a reliable scorer at the NBA level.
Lateral Quickness: His ability to keep up defensively could be tested, as lateral speed will be critical to guard quicker opponents.
Turnovers: With the ball in his hands frequently, he’ll need to make cleaner reads to minimize turnovers.
Adapting to College Pace: Adjusting from FC Barcelona to the Big Ten's pace, Jakucionis must prove he can keep up with the physical and fast-paced American game.
Questions
Defensive Adaptability: Can he improve his foot speed to become a more versatile defender?
Three-Point Consistency: Will he find a reliable stroke from beyond the arc to add value as a shooter?
Team Chemistry: With a high basketball IQ, Jakucionis often sees plays develop before teammates do. Will his teammates catch on to his style and capitalize on the opportunities he creates?
Bottom Line
Kasparas Jakucionis is a high-IQ guard with elite playmaking abilities and a calm, methodical style. If he can improve his lateral speed, enhance his shooting consistency, and reduce turnovers, he has the potential to climb draft boards and become a valuable playmaking guard in the NBA. His size, court vision, and international experience set a strong foundation for him as a versatile guard at the next level.