If you haven’t been paying attention to Champaign lately, you’ve missed a total transformation. Brad Underwood basically handed the keys of the Illinois offense to a teenager from Lithuania, and honestly, it might be the smartest move he’s ever made. We’re talking about a 6-foot-6 lead guard who plays like he’s already been in the league for five years.
This Kasparas Jakucionis scouting report isn’t just about the numbers, though the numbers are pretty wild for a freshman. It’s about the "feel." You hear scouts throw that word around a lot, but with Jakucionis, it’s visible. He doesn't just pass the ball; he manipulates the geometry of the court.
He’s 19. He spent time in the FC Barcelona system. Now, he’s essentially a lock for the lottery in the 2025 NBA Draft. But is he really the next great European point guard, or are we just falling in love with a tall kid who can pass?
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The Passing Genius
Let’s be real: you don't find many 6-foot-6 guys who can throw a live-dribble, cross-court skip pass with their left hand while moving at full speed. Kasparas does it like he’s brushing his teeth. It’s mundane to him.
His vision is elite. Not "college elite," but "NBA starter elite." He led the Big Ten in assists for a huge chunk of the season, finishing around 4.7 per game. That number would be way higher if college shooters were a bit more consistent. He thrives in the pick-and-roll, specifically with guys like Tomislav Ivisic. They developed this two-man game that felt almost unfair.
He uses his eyes to move defenders. He’ll look at the rim, wait for the weak-side tagger to take one half-step toward the paint, and then—boom—the ball is in the corner for an open three. It’s surgical.
The Ringer’s 2025 Draft Guide actually highlighted his ability to make "advanced reads" that most 19-year-olds can't even see yet. He’s not just reacting; he’s anticipating.
The "Jumbo Guard" Archetype
Size matters. Especially at the point.
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Jakucionis measured in at 6'4.75" barefoot at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, with a 6'7.75" wingspan. Toss on some sneakers and he’s a legit 6-foot-6. That height allows him to see over the top of traps and aggressive hedges. When a smaller guard tries to pressure him, he just keeps the ball high and looks right past them.
He’s a stout 205 pounds. He isn't some skinny kid who’s going to get pushed around by NBA vets. He actually seeks out contact. He averaged over five free-throw attempts per game at Illinois, shooting a crisp 84.5% from the line. That’s a massive indicator of touch and poise.
But there’s a catch.
He isn't a "blow-by" athlete. He doesn't have that De'Aaron Fox-level first step. He’s methodical. Some people call it "playing at his own pace," but in the NBA, "at your own pace" can sometimes mean "too slow" if you don't have the craft to back it up.
Where the Kasparas Jakucionis Scouting Report Gets Complicated
Nothing is perfect. If he were 6'6", had a 40-inch vertical, and shot 45% from deep, he’d be the number one pick.
The shooting is... streaky. He finished the season shooting about 31.8% from three-point range. Not great. However, his 84% free-throw shooting suggests the mechanics are sound. He’s a "buy the touch" prospect. Most scouts think he’ll eventually be a 37% shooter in the league because the form is compact and the release is high.
Then there are the turnovers. He averaged 3.7 turnovers per game.
Yeah, it’s high.
Part of that is just the "freshman tax." He’s learning the speed of the American game. Another part is that he sometimes gets "home run" vision—trying to force a highlight pass when a simple swing pass would do. Also, because he lacks elite burst, he can get caught in "no man's land" when he drives into the teeth of the defense without a clear plan.
The Defensive Question Mark
Can he stay in front of NBA speed? Honestly, probably not right away.
His lateral quickness is just okay. He’s smart, and he uses his length to disrupt passing lanes (averaging nearly a steal per game), but shifty guards are going to test him. He gets "stuck in mud" occasionally when he has to change direction quickly.
He’s much better as a team defender than an on-ball stopper. He understands rotations. He knows when to tag the roller. But if you put him on an island against Ja Morant? That’s going to be a long night.
The Comparison Game
Who does he remind you of?
- High Ceiling: A more athletic Goran Dragic or a more physical Josh Giddey.
- Realistic Outcome: Spencer Dinwiddie. A big, capable initiator who can score in bursts and run an offense.
- The "Floor": Greivis Vasquez. A tall, smart passer who struggles to defend and eventually becomes a high-level backup.
The consensus among many scouts, including those at NBADraft.net and Sports Business Classroom, is that he’s a lottery talent. Some Reddit boards and draft theorists even have him in the top five because "big guards who can pass" are the most valuable currency in the modern NBA.
Real Numbers from the 2024-25 Season
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 15.0 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 5.7 |
| Assists Per Game | 4.7 |
| FT Percentage | 84.5% |
| 3PT Percentage | 31.8% |
He also set an Illinois freshman record for points in a season (494) and dropped a massive double-double (16 points, 10 assists) in the NCAA Tournament against Xavier. The kid shows up when the lights are bright.
What’s Next?
If you're an NBA front office, you aren't drafting Jakucionis to be your primary scorer. You’re drafting him to be the engine. You’re betting that his 6'6" frame and basketball IQ will outweigh his lack of verticality.
He likely won’t be the "guy" on a championship team, but he could be the second or third best player who makes everyone else 20% better.
Takeaways for Draft Fans: - Watch his off-ball movement. He’s an underrated cutter who punishes ball-watchers.
- Don't freak out about the 31% from three. The free-throw shooting is the better long-term indicator.
- Pay attention to his handle. If he tightens that up and learns to protect the ball better in traffic, he’s an All-Star.
The transition from the Big Ten to the NBA is a massive leap, but Jakucionis has the professional pedigree from Barcelona and the raw size to make it work. He isn't a project. He's a player.
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Keep an eye on his shooting splits in summer league. If he hits 35%+ from the NBA line early on, the "Draft Steal" narrative will start immediately. He is a high-floor, high-ceiling prospect who fits the modern game's demand for versatile, jumbo playmakers.