With the 2025 NBA Draft approaching, Illinois basketball fans are eager to see where their standout players will land. Kasparas Jakučionis and Will Riley are the most prominent Illini prospects in this year’s draft class.
However, outside of Jakučionis and Riley, no other Illinois players are projected to be drafted this year. A few former players still chase pro opportunities, but none have locked in a clear shot at the NBA.
The latest CSN mock draft shows Jakučionis as a likely lottery pick. Meanwhile, the projection places Riley in the late first round. Let’s take a closer look at where they might be selected.
Kasparas Jakučionis — Brooklyn Nets (Projected Lottery Pick)
Illinois guard Jakučionis has quickly become one of the top international prospects for the 2025 NBA Draft. His size, skill, and creativity have drawn comparisons to today’s elite NBA point guards. At 6’6”, he has the ideal build to thrive at the next level, and his impressive freshman season at Illinois proved just that.
The Brooklyn Nets have shown interest in Jakučionis, even though they missed out on a top lottery pick. They see him as a fresh, exciting addition to their young roster. Jakučionis averaged 15 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in college, proving he can be a key offensive player.
Kasparas Jakucionis boasts an impressive combination of size (6’6″), toughness, pace, feel for the game, playmaking, and shot-making prowess. He’s an outstanding pick-and-roll player who plays an intelligent and unselfish style, helping him transition from Europe to college. https://t.co/Ne4psVkslQ pic.twitter.com/7TtTpEh8tE
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 14, 2025
Given the current situation, moving to the NBA won’t be easy for him. However, one CSN reporter said, “If he adjusts to the NBA as quickly as he did to college, Brooklyn would be lauded for this pick.”
Will Riley — Washington Wizards (Projected Late First Round Pick)
A talented 6’8” wing, Riley brings a unique path to the NBA. His season at Illinois had its ups and downs, but he still averaged 12.6 points while shooting 43.2% from the field. Though the numbers weren’t eye-popping early on, his strong finish to the season got NBA scouts talking.
The Washington Wizards, deep in rebuild mode, could be an excellent fit for the Illinois talent. They’re focused on collecting young talent, and his skill set fits that vision. He’s known for his defensive versatility and ability to knock down shots from a distance, which are valuable in today’s game.
#Illini Will Riley has met with Portland, Charlotte, Minnesota, Philly, and multiple other NBA teams. Here’s what he told me about the feedback he’s received:
“Just growing physically, gaining more muscle, working on my defense. That’s probably the main thing I’ve heard so far.” pic.twitter.com/jBbK3rSiLY
— Sahil Mittal (@sahil_mittal24) May 15, 2025
But the problem is that he is not a finished product. The CSN mock draft reporter noted, “The 19-year-old has plenty of room to grow to meet his potential.” Even though Riley needs to refine certain aspects of his game, his upside makes him an exciting choice near the end of the first round.
KEEP READING: 5 Best Landing Spots and Scheme Fits for Kasparas Jakucionis in the 2025 NBA Draft
Other Illinois Players in the Draft?
At this point, Illinois does not have additional players projected to be drafted, according to CSN’s latest mock draft. Some former Illini, like Coleman Hawkins and Dain Dainja, have explored professional opportunities but are unlikely to hear their names called on draft night.
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