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Miami Heat Draft Illinois’ Kasparas Jakucionis: What He’ll Bring

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Miami Heat Draft Illinois’ Kasparas Jakucionis: What He’ll Bring


On Wednesday, the Miami Heat drafted Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis with the 20th pick in the NBA Draft. After he was projected in the No. 8-12 range, Jakucionis’ slip to 20 was a bit of a surprise, but the Heat snatched him up in what figures to be an excellent match for both player and franchise.

Here’s what Miami can expect to get from Jakucionis:

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Offensively, Jakucionis is a dynamic scorer and a game-altering playmaker. Although he isn’t a superb athlete, he has solid burst in his first step and plays with a distinct herky-jerky change of pace, while possessing highly coveted positional size (6-foot-6 at point guard). Terrifically crafty and exceptionally patient in the paint, Jakucionis has in his bag seemingly every up-fake, step-through and spin known to mankind.

With the ability to finish with either hand and in practically any manner (same hand, same foot, high off the glass, etc.), Jakucionis finishes well at the rim and is even better at drawing fouls (he shot 5.1 free throws per game last season) – an ability that will only be enhanced by offense-lenient whistles in the league.

As a shooter, Jakucionis has a smooth stroke and always appears to be balanced on his jumper. Although he shot just 31.8 percent from deep, Jakucionis did connect on 1.6 threes per game, and notably took ill-advised jumpers – often step-backs – at times. Between the eye test and his excellent free throw percentage (84.5 percent), he can be expected to boost that percentage as an NBA player – perhaps quickly.

The top table-setter in this draft class, Jakucionis has that third eye – the ability to see a play unfold before it actually happens – and subsequently can move defenders around like pieces on a chess board. He’s an on-target passer, able to deliver dimes with either hand.

Jakucionis brings together the best pieces of his game – change of pace, craftiness, feel and passing – to create a dominant ball handler in screen-and-roll situations. He makes consistently strong decisions in the two-man game, understanding when to hit his roller, the spot-up shooter in the corner or finish off a play with a bucket himself.

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Yet Jakucionis is hardly a perfect player – and the shortcomings in his game are quite apparent. He led the Big Ten in turnovers per game last season (3.7) and has a tendency to dribble himself into poor situations too often – or simply lose his handle altogether. With a high dribble and an occasionally overconfident attitude toward ball security, Jakucionis is prone to getting his pocket picked. He also forces passes into tight windows, which can make him look like Magic Johnson’s heir apparent but just as often makes him look like an alter ego: Tragic Johnson.

Still, the turnovers can be cleaned up over time, and they often aren’t a stat that deters NBA front offices – especially in young point guards. The biggest question mark surrounding Jakucionis in the early going will be his lack of athleticism and, in turn, his ability to effectively defend at the next level.

His quick burst on the offensive end hasn’t translated to defense, and he isn’t a high flyer. Jakucionis’ tendency to fall asleep in help-side certainly doesn’t bolster his case. But given his high-IQ offense, there’s potential for him to develop into an average NBA defender who can rely on anticipation to stay afloat, while making sure his presence is felt on the other end.

Come back to Illinois on SI for news, analysis, social media reactions and more coverage of Illinois in the NBA Draft.

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Pedestrian hit by SUV on busy Touhy Avenue in Niles, Illinois

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Pedestrian hit by SUV on busy Touhy Avenue in Niles, Illinois



Busy Touhy Avenue was completely shut down in the north Chicago suburb of Niles early Tuesday, after a sport-utility vehicle hit a pedestrian.

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The pedestrian was struck in the 5600 block of West Touhy Avenue, according to Niles police.

Police did not specify the pedestrian’s condition.

The stretch of Touhy Avenue where the crash happened is a busy suburban road dominated by large retail centers and big-box stores.

Following the crash, Touhy Avenue was closed in both directions between Central and Lehigh avenues, police said.

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Homicide investigation underway after woman found dead inside bar in Momence, Illinois

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Homicide investigation underway after woman found dead inside bar in Momence, Illinois



A homicide investigation is underway after a woman was found dead inside a bar in Momence, Illinois, on Monday morning.

The Kankakee Sheriff’s Office said just before noon, deputies arrived at The Line bar near the Illinois-Indiana state line along Route 114 for reports of a possibly deceased person.

Upon arrival, they found the victim, who was identified as 30-year-old Courtney M. Drysdale of Momence. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

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The office said detectives classified the incident as a homicide based on the “evidence gathered during preliminary investigation.”

The bar posted on social media, “In spite of tragic events, we will be closed until further notice.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office at 815-802-7150.

Individuals who wish to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers at (815) 93-CRIME. Anonymous tips may be eligible for a cash reward.

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Three Observations From Illinois WBB’s 75-66 Win Over No.25 Washington

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Three Observations From Illinois WBB’s 75-66 Win Over No.25 Washington


West Coast trips are rarely comfortable, and Illinois (16-6, 6-5 Big Ten) learned that the hard way earlier this season. After dropping a tough road game at Oregon State in their first trip out to the Left Coast, the Illini returned to the Pacific Ttime Zone this week with something to prove – and this time, they left with a win.

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Illinois took care of business in Seattle, knocking off No. 25 Washington (17-5, 7-4) 75-66 in a game that was never particularly pretty but was controlled for most of the night. The Illini led for long stretches, absorbed Washington’s runs and consistently responded when things threatened to get tight. It wasn’t a highlight-reel performance or a shooting clinic, but it was the kind of road win that good teams learn how to secure as the season goes on.

After a disappointing result on their first West Coast swing, this one felt like a step forward.

1. Cearah Parchment has cemented herself as Illinois’ No. 2 option

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Berry Wallace has been the offensive engine for Illinois all season, but games like this highlight how important it is to have another reliable scorer next to her. Cearah Parchment delivered exactly that in Seattle.

Parchment finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds, showing her ability to score efficiently while also impacting the game on the glass. She knocked down shots from the perimeter, finished inside and punished Washington when attention shifted toward Wallace. That balance changes the ceiling of the Illini offense. When Illinois can play through more than one primary option, it becomes much harder to defend – especially on the road.

2. The Illini won in spite of a poor three-point shooting day

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Illinois didn’t exactly catch fire from deep, finishing just 4-for-15 from three-point range. Instead of forcing shots or letting misses spiral into momentum swings, the Illini stayed patient.

They attacked the paint, earned trips to the free-throw line and converted when it mattered. Illinois attempted 24 free throws and made 17, quietly building separation without relying on long-range shooting. That’s a positive sign, especially in a hostile environment where shooting legs can disappear quickly. Winning a road game without relying on threes is a trait of a mature team.

3. The defense did enough to survive the Huskies’ stars

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Washington star guard Sayvia Sellers got her points, but Illinois avoided letting her completely take over the game. Only three Huskies reached double figures, and none scored more than 17 points – a sign of how difficult Illinois made consistent offense all night.

The Illini didn’t dominate defensively, but they stayed connected, avoided extended breakdowns and forced Washington to work for nearly every basket. By making scoring a grind and preventing a single explosive run, Illinois maintained control and closed the game out comfortably – exactly what you want from a road performance.





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