CHAMPAIGN, Ill.– Illinois freshmen Kasparas Jakucionis (Vilnius, Lithuania) and Will Riley (Kitchener, Ontario, Canada) announced Monday that they are declaring for the NBA Draft.
Jakucionis led the Illini in scoring and assists, averaging 15.2 ppg and 4.7 apg, and was third on the team in rebounding at 5.7 rpg. He equaled the most points ever scored by an Illini freshman, totaling 494 during his 33 starts, and set UI rookie season records shooting 84.5% from the free throw line and tallying eight 20-point games. Jakucionis was a Big Ten All-Freshman Team selection, first-team NABC All-Great Lakes District, second-team All-Big Ten by AP, and third-team All-Big Ten by the league coaches and media.
"Kasparas had a fantastic year, and I am so impressed with how well he handled all that was thrown at him," head coach Brad Underwood said. "To come in at 18-years-old, new country, new program, new teammates, and be handed the keys and tasked with running the offense against the competition he faced every night, that's a lot to ask of a freshmen. But he impacted the game in every area, by scoring, decision making and passing, and rebounding. KJ is successful because of his love for the game, his intelligence, his work ethic, his desire to be great, and most importantly his character. Those traits will continue to serve him well in the NBA."
Riley, meanwhile, averaged 12.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists while playing in all 35 games. He registered double figures in 13 of the final 15 games, averaging 15.9 ppg over that stretch with five 20-point performances. Riley burst onto the scene by scoring 31 points vs. Eastern Illinois to set the Illini freshman debut scoring record. His instant offense for much of the season came from off the bench, culminating in his selection as Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year by the league coaches.
"Will is one of the most gifted offensive talents I have ever coached," Underwood said. "He came here in August and immediately got after it. His work ethic was unparalleled, to gain over 20 pounds in that short of an amount of time showed an incredible dedication to the weight room. And then you add to that what he did on the court. Will was a great teammate who bought into his role, and that was rewarded with him earning Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year. He came in as one of the highest rated recruits in our school's history, and due to his hard work and commitment, he now has the opportunity just one year later to live out his NBA dream."
Jakucionis and Riley helped lead Illinois to a 22-win season, NCAA Tournament Second Round appearance, and final ranking of 17 in kenpom. Now they look to become the first Illini players in program history to be drafted after just one year of college.
"It says a lot about the status of our program," Underwood said. "The tireless work of our staff brought in highly sought after, talented players in KJ and Will, who fit our culture and who were also bought into the process. They've worked themselves into the position of one-and-done prospects, which now shines a brighter light on Illinois Basketball. It encompasses everything we have, the passion, the support, the terrific fan base, the great facilities, and the continued success. It happens here."
The 2025 NBA Draft will be held June 25-26 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
