ESPN: Top international prospect commits to Illinois

This could be the best pickup of all for Illinois this offseason.

According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, top international prospect Kasparas Jakucionis signed with the Illini on Tuesday.

The 6-foot-6 point guard from Lithuania is a potential first-round pick in next year’s NBA draft, according to Givony.

Kasparas Jakucionis, a 6’6 Lithuanian point guard and potential first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, is considered one of the most promising international prospects heading down the college route in the Class of 2024. https:/ /t.co/ 8j4eobNyo7 pic.twitter.com/05knr3qYku

– Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 28, 2024

ESPN reports that Jakucionis made his professional debut at age 16 and was named to the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders camp all-star team in January. He averaged 17.7 points, 6 rebounds, 5.2 assists and shot 37% from three in 34 games last season (at several different levels).

They’re quite a team now, to be quite honest. I don’t know how this plays out, but there is so much talent on board, with big man Tomislav Ivisic, Mr. Illinois Basketball Morez Johnson and a host of other transfers.

Ty Rodgers & DGL, are you ready for your new team?