‘Not Ready’: Illinois basketball fans have mixed reactions to 2 freshmen bolting for NBA draft

Illinois basketball fans had strong reactions to news on Monday that two freshmen players are entering the 2025 NBA Draft. The No. 6 seeded Illini finished their season with an 84-75 loss to Kentucky in the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament on March 23.

That will be the final game Will Riley and Kasparas Jakucionis play for Illinois.

Two Illinois Basketball players are going pro

Per ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, Jakucionis is declaring for the NBA draft. The six-foot-six, 200-pound guard from Vilnius, Lithuania, averaged 15 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game in his freshman season. He struggled late in the year, committing six turnovers in each of his final three appearances.

Per Givony, Riley, the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year, is also entering the draft.

“While far from a finished product, NBA teams view Will Riley as a significant long-term talent,” Givony posted on X.” He is a 6’8 versatile scorer with shot-making prowess who shows impressive flashes creating shots for himself and others, with polished scoring instincts and creativity as a passer.”

While far from a finished product, NBA teams view Will Riley as a significant long-term talent. He is a 6'8 versatile scorer with shot-making prowess who shows impressive flashes creating shots for himself and others, with polished scoring instincts and creativity as a passer. https://t.co/4lbLJeoThU pic.twitter.com/TLjcyNCkrs

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 14, 2025

Riley, a native of Kitchener, Ontario, averaged 12.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 2024. The freshman forward finished with five points, five rebounds, and one assist in Illinois’ loss to Kentucky.

Riley is projected by ESPN to be a top-15 pick. Jakuscionis is projected as a top-10 player.

Fans react to Kasparas Jakucionis  and Will Riley going pro

Fans on social media had mixed reactions to Riley and Jakucionis choosing to go pro after one season. Some think they need more time. Others are glad Illinois will be represented in the association.

“Seems like a less athletic version of Donte Vincenzo.. probably needs a year or two to get stronger,” wrote a fan about Jakuscionis.

“Illinois is going to miss him. Wish he could have developed over a longer period of time at Illinois,” posted another.

“He ain’t ready,” argued a poster.

“He’s not ready. Needs 25-30 lbs of muscle,” suggested a fan about Riley.

“Dude went on a tear to end the year. Whatever team drafts him is getting a good one,” posted another.

“My guess is he definitely doesn’t go top 15,” argued a fan.

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