Illinois Basketball: Projected roster rotation and minutes for 2024-25 season
Point Guard
Projected starter: Kasparas Jakucionis (27 mpg)
Potential first-round 2025 NBA Draft pick Kasparas Jakucionis, who committed to Illinois in late May, was among the top international prospects Underwood reeled in this offseason. At 6-foot-5, Jakucionis is a longer-bodied PG who excels as a true facilitator and dime-disher who shined during the FIBA U18 EuroBasket Championship this summer.
Incoming Illinois freshman Kasparas Jakucionis put on a show today for Lithuania’s U18 squad
— Arman Jovic (@PDTScouting) July 22, 2024
22 points in the wing against Spain pic.twitter.com/oe3k3EZL4j
With his excellent court vision and ability to create open opportunities for teammates, it makes sense for Jakucionis to join the starting lineup as the point guard. Brad Underwood has options at this spot (i.e. Boswell), but putting the ball in Jakucionis's hands plays to both of their strengths -- facilitating (Jakucionis) and three-point shooting (Boswell).
Bench: Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (7 mpg)
Despite being a freshman on a roster littered with experience, Gibbs-Lawhorn carved out a role off the bench last season, averaging 2.4 PPG in seven minutes per contest. As an explosive scorer with another offseason of development, expecting a role off the bench for Gibbs-Lawhorn as the backup PG seems wise.
Bench: Ty Rodgers (6 mpg)
G/F Ty Rodgers was last year’s starting point guard. This season, Underwood has assembled more natural fits at the PG spot. However, given Rodgers’ experience running the point, Underwood likely will want to role with some experience in certain situations as the lead guard.