With the NBA Draft Combine underway in Chicago this week, Illinois freshman guard Kasparas Jakučionis had his media availability Wednesday as a projected first round pick in next month’s draft. Here are four takeaways from what he had to say about the draft process and personal goals at the next level.
Dream come true
“If your dream is not to play in the NBA, then you are not a real basketball player,” Jakučionis stated.
Following his own words, Jakučionis can definitely say that he is a true basketball player. From moving to Spain at 15 to play for FC Barcelona, the Lithuanian born powerhouse has soared to new heights since becoming an Illini.
In his freshman season, he put up nearly 500 points and played over 1,000 minutes as one of the most highly used players on the team. Jakučionis averaged nearly 32 minutes, 15 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. For a player who was primarily used to playing in Europe, Jakučionis adjusted well enough to the American style of play, despite some bumps in the road, to warrant being a projected lottery pick after a single season.
Get The Daily Illini in your inbox!
“It’s really amazing being here,” Jakučionis said. “Seeing the NBA logo everywhere, it’s everything I’ve been working for and that I’ve been dreaming for.”
Importance of leadership
When Jakučionis was asked about how he grew in his first year of college basketball, developing into a leader was at the top of his list.
“Just being a true leader of the team,” Jakučionis said. “To inspire others, to motivate them. To win, to see the vision that we have. Just inspire everybody. Making plays for the team. Just trying to be the best version of me.”
Despite being in his first year of college basketball, Jakučionis came in with professional experience as a player overseas. This translated into his ability to grow into a leadership role for his teammates rather quickly. At the next level, though, Jakučionis will be in a different role, where he will need to prove himself and fit into what the team needs from him, which he is looking forward to.
“All out effort, 100% every day,” Jakučionis said. “Just working my best. I think I can adapt to whatever a team needs me to do.”
Getting stronger
Measuring shy of 6-foot-5 and just over 205 pounds, Jakučionis’ main goal moving in his NBA process is getting stronger each and every day. He will have to deal with even more physically developed players in the NBA, including both on-ball perimeter defenders and strong forces in the paint when he attacks the basket.
“That is the thing I am working on in the weight room, putting my strength and my foot speed and everything in the weight room,” Jakučionis explained. “I think it’s very important, especially moving forward. I won’t stop improving in that area and I won’t stop doing that.”
Throughout his year as an Illini, Jakučionis worked closely with strength and conditioning coach Adam Fletcher. Fletcher’s training and diet plan are big parts of the major gains he made throughout the year, but Jakučionis is still young and has more room to develop his body.
In terms of on-court improvements, Jakučionis also mentioned that he is focusing on being more consistent with his shot mechanics and shooting as many shots as he can to get repetitions.
Friends along the way
Also present at the NBA combine was freshman forward Will Riley. Jakučionis and Riley grew to be close friends throughout the season. Being roommates on the road and sharing the commonality of being two international Illini, they now share a bond.
Both Jakučionis and Riley spoke highly of each other during their separate media availabilities on Wednesday.
“I’m so happy for him,” Jakučionis said. “He’s here too. I’m just enjoying being here together with him. It’s pretty cool. We were teammates for the whole year. We were roommates. And now we’re here, together chasing our dreams. I just wish him the best of luck and I know he will do great.”
When speaking about Riley, it was clear by the smile on his face that Jakučionis was truly joyful knowing his fellow Illini was alongside him throughout the process. Although they only spent one year together, the Illinois “famILLy” remains strong.
“Good roommate,” Jakučionis said with a smile.
@lauram0131
