Illinois Basketball on the Rise: Two First-Round Picks in 2025 NBA Mock Draft?

The 2024 NBA Draft may be behind us, but Illinois basketball fans have plenty to look forward to in the 2025 NBA Draft. With two incoming freshmen projected to be selected in the first round, the Illini are poised for a bright future.

The Illinois basketball team is on the rise.

Terrence Shannon Jr.’s selection in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft was a significant moment for the program. It marked the first time an Illinois player had been taken in the first round since Meyers Leonard in 2012. However, with two players projected to go in the first round in 2025, the Illini are set to make a bigger impact on the NBA.

According to ESPN’s early 2025 NBA mock draft, incoming freshmen Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley are both projected to be selected in the first round. Jakucionis, who averaged 19.0 points, 12.7 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.7 steals per game in the Euro League last season, is expected to go 18th overall to the Utah Jazz. Riley, who averaged 21.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game in the Nike EYBL AAU league, is projected to go 22nd overall to the Brooklyn Nets.

“The 2025 NBA draft is 12 months away, but we’ve had our eyes on these players for years already.” - Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo, ESPN

While Jakucionis and Riley are the only two Illinois players listed among the top prospects in ESPN’s 2025 NBA mock draft, there are other players on the roster who could make a push for the NBA. Kylan Boswell, a physical guard with a strong all-around game, could be a dark horse candidate for the first round. Ben Humrichous, who shot 41.4% from three-point range with Evansville in the Big Ten, and Morez Johnson Jr., who has shown flashes of brilliance on the glass, could also attract NBA scouts.

NBA draft night is always an exciting time for college basketball fans.

This season promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory for Illinois basketball fans. With a talented roster and a strong coaching staff, the Illini are poised to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament and send multiple players to the NBA.

The Illinois basketball team is looking to make a statement in the 2024-25 season.