Latest news with #Jakučionis
USA Today
12-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Erik Spoelstra 'encouraged' by Kasparas Jakučionis amid early struggles
After an inconsistent showing in the California Classic, Miami Heat rookie Kasparas Jakučionis responded with a productive outing in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jakučionis debuted with the Heat in San Francisco, averaging four points, two rebounds, two assists and 1.3 steals on 1 of 15 shooting from the field in three appearances. He committed 12 turnovers and 12 personal fouls across 66 total minutes of action. The 20th pick bounced back by recording a team-high 24 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals on Friday in a loss to the Atlanta Hawks. He shot 7 of 12 from the field, including 5 of 9 from 3-point range, and had only two turnovers in 28 minutes. "Basketball is a lot more than just shooting," Jakučionis said after the game on Friday. "It felt good, but eventually, we still lost, so I didn't do a great job on the other side: rebounding, getting in transition defense. It definitely feels better with the shot." Jakučionis was highly touted entering the draft thanks to his ability to score at all three levels, playmaking, vision and passing. He also boasts high-level experience after playing professionally in Europe before playing last season at Illinois. The 19-year-old still found a way to remain productive on the court in California, despite struggling to shoot from the field. The team was pleased that Jakučionis could showcase other traits of his game to help the Heat finish with a 2-1 record in the event. "We were all encouraged just by the mental make-up that he had and what he showed," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Friday on ESPN. "It was uneven offensively, there is no doubt about it. He had a lot of turnovers, some mistakes, but all of the intangibles -- the defense, hustle plays, passing, all of that -- he was able to do while having some uneven offensive plays. Sometimes that can take a spirit or confidence away from a player, but he still found a way to impact the game." After tipping off their stint in the desert on Friday, the Heat return to action on Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers (7:30 p.m. EDT, NBA TV). The group will play at least four more games, though it is unclear if Jakučionis will suit up in each contest after playing in California. The team will look to help Jakučionis throughout its stay in Las Vegas to prepare him for next season. The group has even had the luxury of having former 20-year veteran Udonis Haslem around, mentoring Jakučionis and the rest of the team, which has helped ease the transition. "He is helping me a lot," Jakučionis said. "Everybody on the staff and the players are helping me a lot. I'm just trying to listen and try to learn as much as I can."
NBC Sports
11-07-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Kasparas Jakučionis bounces back to drop 24 points in Vegas debut
LAS VEGAS- The first three Summer League games for Kasparas Jakučionis came in the California Classic, and it couldn't have gone much worse for him. He finished with a total of 12 points and 12 turnovers while shooting 1-of-15 from the floor during his three appearances in San Francisco. That poor play didn't carry over to Vegas. He scored 14 points in the first quarter alone and had 19 at halftime, which included four three-pointers. He scored in a variety of ways, including some strong finishes at the basket, catch-and-shoot threes and a pair of triples off the dribble. 'I think I was a little bit more aggressive on the offensive end,' Jakučionis said. 'You know, it's a process and it's usually a long process. And it takes some time just getting to know everybody, getting to know yourself during these games. And just try to learn and try to do the best I can.' The spin through traffic 🌀 The fading finish 🔥 Kasparas Jakučionis with a fancy first bucket in #NBA2KSummerLeague! ATL-MIA on ESPN2 Jakučionis, who was projected to be a lottery pick ahead of the draft, fell to the Heat with the 20th overall selection last month. Miami hasn't made many moves this offseason, but they did trade for Norman Powell, which means that Jakučionis will likely join Davion Mitchell in filling out the backcourt minutes off the bench during his rookie season. Jakučionis' hot start didn't stretch into the second half, but he did hit a late corner three that brought Miami within three points. He also set up multiple clean looks from deep for his teammates late in the game that would've given them a chance to win. They ended up losing 105-98 to the Hawks, and he finished with 24 points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals and five three-pointers. While Jakučionis was much improved, he acknowledged that there is still plenty of room for him to grow. 'Basketball is a lot more than just shooting,' Jakučionis said. 'It felt good, yeah, but you know, eventually we still lost, I didn't do a great job on the other side, like, rebounding, getting on transition defense. So, yeah, but, definitely feels better with a good shot.' KASPARAS JAKUČIONIS BACK-TO-BACK-TO-BACK TRIPLES 🎯🎯🎯 11 early points for Miami's First Round pick! Summer League isn't a reliable indicator of how successful a player will be in the NBA, but it was encouraging to see Jakučionis respond to a poor three-game stretch with a big-time performance on Friday. Seeing improvement over the course of Summer League is a great sign for a young player, and Jakučionis said that he will 'watch more and more film' to help him adjust to the pace of play in the NBA.
USA Today
28-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Kasparas Jakučionis points to past stops as helpful experience for the NBA
Kasparas Jakučionis has played basketball with several teams in the past, and the Lithuanian believes that experience will help him as he joins the Miami Heat as the 20th pick in the 2025 NBA draft. Jakučionis began playing domestically with Perlas Vilnius in the second division of the NKL. He joined Barcelona two years later and split his time between the first and second divisions before moving to the United States to play at the University of Illinois last season. The 6-foot-5 guard has expanded his game at each stop and learned how to play various styles of basketball. The knowledge picked up in those countries is beneficial at this stage of his career. "I think every time I moved to play somewhere else, especially from home when I was just 15, it helped me grow as a person and a player, learning new cultures and playing different styles of games because Spain is different than Lithuania," Jakučionis said. "Then I moved to Illinois, (which was) another adjustment, to play U.S. basketball more than Spain. I think these adjustments will give me more experience." Jakučionis was named to the All-Big Ten third team last season at Illinois, averaging 15 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists on 44% shooting from 3-point range in 33 games. He led the team in scoring, tying the freshman record for total points in a season (494). The 19-year-old is highly touted thanks to his ability to score at all three levels, playmaking, vision and passing. His selection by the Heat was met with praise by some because he projects to be able to step in and help the team in several areas on offense. Jakučionis is eager to get to work with the team and begin yet another adjustment on the court. He understands he needs to improve in some areas, but he is up for the challenge. "I need to put the work in the weight room, building my body and strength, and with the process and time, I know it will come," Jakučionis said. "I'm just ready to work hard and be the best version of myself."
Chicago Tribune
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
4 players with Illinois ties were picked in 1st round of NBA draft. Here's what to know about them.
Four players with Illinois ties began their NBA journeys Wednesday night when they heard their names called during the first round of the NBA draft. Joliet native Jeremiah Fears went at No. 7 to the New Orleans Pelicans. Illinois teammates Kasparas Jakučionis and Will Riley were picked back-to-back, Jakučionis going 20th to the Miami Heat and Riley 21st to the Washington Wizards. They became the first Illini teammates selected in the first round of the same draft since Deron Williams and Luther Head in 2005. Finally, Glencoe native Danny Wolf waited much of the night before hearing his name called with the 27th pick by the Brooklyn Nets in an emotional moment with his family. Here's what to know about each of them. No. 7 pick, New Orleans Pelicans Fears' mother, Sekia, couldn't stop crying. Sitting beside Oklahoma coach Porter Moser at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, she watched her son cross the stage and share a photo with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. ESPN cameras caught the moment afterward, tears streaming down Sekia Fears' cheeks. Jeremiah Fears wore a suit in Sooners crimson and two chains: one that said 'Fears' and the other with the Oklahoma 'O.' 'It was super dope,' Fears said afterward. 'It was definitely one of those things that you will never forget, something that you dream about for a long time.' His journey will continue in New Orleans, but it started in Joliet. Fears began his high school career at Joliet West before transferring to Arizona Compass Prep near Phoenix after his sophomore season. He's the younger brother of Michigan State guard Jeremy Fears Jr., and their father, Jeremy Fears, played college basketball at Ohio University and Bradley. A top-rated recruit nationally, Jeremiah Fears initially committed to Brad Underwood and Illinois. Last summer, however, he decommitted from the Illini and decided to join Moser, the former Loyola coach, at Oklahoma. He also reclassified into the Class of 2024 so he could join the Sooners a year early. Thanks to that move, he was one of the youngest players in this year's draft (he won't turn 19 until mid-October). Fears led Oklahoma with 17.1 points and 4.1 assists per game. He showed an ability to get to the rim and the free-throw line. His 183 made free throws were tied for 11th in the nation. 'Great speed with the ball, an excellent handle and dynamic in pick-and-roll situations,' ESPN analyst Jay Bilas said. 'Very productive, uses his body well, a knack to get into the lane and get fouled.' No. 20, Miami Heat Jakučionis went into the night projected as a likely lottery pick. So it was somewhat of a surprise when he was still available at No. 20. The Heat took full advantage. The 19-year-old grew up in Lithuania, a country that has produced numerous NBA talents, including 2024 Chicago Bulls first-round pick Matas Buzelis. 'In Lithuania, basketball is like (a) second religion,' Jakučionis said. He played for FC Barcelona before coming to America to play for Underwood at Illinois. Chicago Bulls draft French teen Noa Essengue at No. 12, opting for upside and versatilityJakučionis plays with a blend of size, feel and vision. He averaged 15 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists while totaling six double-doubles — including one in Illinois' first-round NCAA Tournament win over Xavier. He excelled as a playmaker in pick-and-rolls and showed a high-level ability to find his teammates for open shots. The biggest question mark with Jakučionis seems to be whether he'll develop as a scorer at the next level. He shot 32% from 3-point range last season. Turnovers were a problem from time to time during his lone season in Champaign. Underwood was in New York to support Jakučionis and his teammate Riley. Jakučionis wouldn't have had it any other way. 'I've only been there for one year, but we've connected so good,' Jakučionis said. 'I feel like they're my family and I'm so happy to share the moment with them because I really believe that they trusted me this year, they gave me the keys to the team, and I'm so grateful that they could be here with me.' No. 21, Washington Wizards (via trade with Utah Jazz) After Jakučionis went 20th, Underwood didn't have to wait long for his other freshman to be drafted. Riley went 21st, initially donning a Jazz hat, although his draft rights were traded to the Wizards. Going back-to-back was a special moment for the Illini freshmen. 'We went through the whole season together and we got to compete against each other through the whole season,' Riley said. 'It was amazing building a brotherhood with him. Going back-to-back picks, it was super nice and (we're) family for life, for sure.' Riley grew up in Ontario but spent the last two years of his high school career at The Phelps School in Malvern, Pa. Last summer he reclassified into the Class of 2024 and committed to Illinois. He blossomed into the Big Ten's Sixth Man of the Year, averaging 12.6 points and 4.1 rebounds coming off the bench for the Illini. His 6-foot-8 height combined with the ability to move without the ball and create off the dribble makes him an intriguing prospect. On the flip side, at 186 pounds Riley will have to bulk up if he's going to handle the physical rigors of the pro game. At Illinois, Riley was never afraid to try a contested shot. He credited his more veteran teammates with helping him navigate his freshman season. 'I feel like I already went through all that adversity, so I know how to deal with it now and I know how to stay confident and stay modest through it all and stay level-headed,' Riley said. No. 27, Brooklyn Nets Wolf had his head down, eyes glued to his phone. One of the last players sitting on the floor at the Barclays Center, the nervous energy had long since turned to worry. Worry that he would leave the arena Thursday night and not hear his name announced at all. When the Nets selected Wolf with the 27th pick, the 6-11 big man let out a huge exhale and shared a hug with his brother. Much of Wolf's family was soon in tears. 'It's really hard to put into words,' Wolf said of the emotions involved. 'It's such a unique, special opportunity and experience. In terms of being in the green room, I didn't exactly know how long I would've been sitting there for.' Wolf played his first three years of high school ball at Lake Forest Academy before transferring to Northfield Mount Hermon, a prep school in Massachusetts, for his senior season. He initially played two years at Yale and was a member of the 2023-24 team that upset Auburn as a No. 13 seed in the NCAA Tournament. After that season, Wolf transferred to Michigan to play for first-year Wolverines coach Dusty May. During his lone season in Ann Arbor, Wolf averaged 13.2 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists and totaled 50 blocks in 37 games. Wolf has excellent footwork, is able to handle the ball at his size and can knock down the occasional 3-pointer (34% for the season). After waiting several hours to hear his name, Wolf likened it to his entire basketball journey. His path has been unconventional — he hardly played his freshman year at Yale — but it has led him to Brooklyn. 'I don't think where you're drafted defines you. It's just the start of getting into the league,' Wolf said. 'It's been my basketball journey thus far, having to go step by step. Underrecruited out of high school, unranked, so to speak, and Yale took a chance on me.' The Nets are taking a chance on him too.
Miami Herald
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Heat selects Jakučionis in the 2025 NBA Draft as fans put Durant, Butler drama in the past
Wednesday night at the Kaseya Center, Miami Heat fans spilled into the arena for the team's draft party. Amid pop-a-shot games and meet and greets, they were eager to see what magic the Miami front room would conjure after last season's lackluster performance, culminating in their 4-0 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the Eastern Conference Finals. And that magic came when the Miami Heat selected Kasparas Jakučionis. Now, fans are revved up and ready to go. Jakučionis — the freshman guard from the University of Illinois — was originally projected as a lottery pick, but fell to 20th on draft night when the Heat snagged him in its first-round selection. 'I'm feeling ecstatic because I didn't think Kasparas Jakučionis would be here,' said lifelong fan Kevin Cancelo. 'I think he could be a real difference-maker for the Heat. The playmaking ability that we don't have right now, I mean he's going to have an instant impact.' The Heat's 2024-25 season, and now offseason, has been anything but uneventful. First, there was the Jimmy Butler saga, which culminated in his early February trade to the Golden State Warriors after months of back-and-forth drama — and a very public breakup — between the six-time NBA All-Star and the Heat. 'The Jimmy Butler situation, to me, was handled the best way it could be handled, especially with a player of that caliber,' longtime fan Jonathan Montoya said. 'Everybody knows his attitude. We got what was good enough for us during that time.' Montoya said he has been a fan of the Heat since 2003, and he's hoping to see 'an upgrade' from the team this upcoming season. That upgrade could have come from the Heat's potential trade and acquisition of the 15-time NBA All-Star Kevin Durant, which Montoya said he thought would elevate the team and provide support to Heat leaders Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. The offer reportedly included Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier, Haywood Highsmith and Jaime Jaquez Jr., plus the 20th pick in Wednesday's NBA Draft. In the end, it wasn't convincing enough for the Phoenix Suns, who ended up trading Durant to the Houston Rockets. 'With Kevin Durant, I thought the front office could have pushed a little bit harder to get him, but you know, I'm happy we got to keep all the young assets and be able to keep the draft picks,' 14-year-old from Fort Lauderdale Brad Hochberg told the Miami Herald. Hochberg and his family have been season ticket holders since he was three years old. Now, things could be looking up for the Heat with their selection of Jakučionis. According to Jakučionis, who spoke to Miami media after his selection Wednesday night, he knows 'development is huge there [Miami], and I think I can pull a lot. Just help to make the team better, win as much as we can, and I'm ready to work.'
