NBA Comparison: Austin Reaves/Max Christie

Strengths: At 6’6 and 200 pounds, Jakucionis fits perfectly into the modern day big guard archetype that scouts fall in love with as basketball becomes less position based … Playing overseas has given him a great natural game sense, understands how to adjust to different paces and plays at his own speed … While not the most important thing for a guard, Jakucionis can crash the glass well for his position (averaged 5.7 rebounds per game this season) and makes good use of his frame to snag boards and extend plays … Shows a lot of potential as a combo-guard at the next level, can score well and was one of the better playmakers in the Big Ten (sixth in the conference in assists per game) … Isn’t afraid to use his bigger frame against defenders to draw contact and is able to finish at the rim through traffic … Not a player you want to send to the stripe (made 84.5% of his free throws this season on over five attempts per game) … Jakucionis showcased numerous times during the season his ability to spread the floor and make deep shots, just needs to become more consistent from beyond the arc … Extremely crafty as a ball handler, is able to regularly get to his spots and doesn’t struggle with beating defenders in isolation… Great vision and has the ability to make high-difficulty passes even under pressure … Impacts the game from the half court setting at a high level and is poised as the lead guard, running plays and controlling the flow of the offense… Defensively, Jakucionis relies on his length, size and defensive IQ to swipe at balls and disrupt passing lanes … Has the upside to be an elite three-level scorer and playmaker without being a defensive liability… A better shooter than advertised, or his numbers may indicate …

Weaknesses: The biggest question regarding Jakucionis is his lack of athleticism and how he will transition to the league … Shows some lead guard skills in college, but likely to end up at the off guard position in NBA … Lacks explosiveness and a quick first step, resulting in him being forced to finish through contact more often than not … His craftiness and creativity as a dribbler will be limited without being able to consistently create space at the next level and break away from pro level defenders… A streaky shooter, was shooting at around 34% from three on the season in February, those numbers have since dipped to under 32% after Illinois lost to Kentucky in the second round … Will need to become better at getting shots off against bigger and more athletic opponents … His upside is based on his offensive talent and his shooting consistency needs to show improvement… Led the Big Ten in turnovers per game (3.7), comes from a mix of dribbling too high and getting his pocket picked and making the wrong read when in high-pressure situations… Will need to stay playing the game at his own pace instead of trying to force a pass when passing lanes are covered… Has average lateral quickness for a guard, length will help force opponents into uncomfortable situations but will most likely struggle with keeping up with guards that play with a high tempo …

Overall: Jakucionis is a prime example of why overseas talent is valued so highly in recent years, as players who come to the states after years of experience in other pro leagues typically translate well to the college / NBA game… The speed and flow of the game is something that he has been familiar with since a teenager and after his first year with the Fighting Illini, it’s easy to see why he’s a projected lottery pick… Offensively, he is an extremely polished prospect that was gifted with a great combination of skill and size… As of right now, Jakucionis is a jack of all trades who even though may not be the best in his class at any one thing, is consistent in a wide variety of things that allowed him to yield some of the best numbers of any player entering their name in the draft… But, as he continues to grow his game and with the speed he’s improving at, he could be right up there offensively with the likes of Dylan Harper and Tre Johnson… There are for sure some visible flaws in his game and he had his fair share of struggles during his time with Illinois but to come into a brand new system, establish himself as the clear star and have his draft stock rise as high as it has, it’s clear that he his doing something right… His game has only continued to develop and as a lock to hear his name on draft night, what’s next for Jakucionis will be to prove that he isn’t just a jack of all trades, master of none, but the leagues next international star …

Notes: Measured: 6’4.5″, 8’5.5″ standing reach, 198 lbs, 6’7.5″ wingspan, 38.0″ max vert at the 2024 Basketball Without Borders … Measured: 6’4″, 8’2″ standing reach, 200 lbs, 6’5″ wingspan at the 2024 Nike Hoop Summit …

Isaiah Maldonado 4/5/25