The way incoming freshman Kasparas Jakučionis played this summer may have solidified the starting point guard spot for the Illinois Fighting Illini.

After an impressive showing in FIBA U18 championships, he is drawing praise from plenty of college basketball analysts. Former Illini player Mike Latulip, who is a contributor to the The Field of 68 podcast, said Jakucionis is the point this season.

“I think he committed maybe in May,” Latulip said. “Through April, you’re kind of like, `Who’s going to be the guy? Who’s going the guy to where you can properly allocate roles for this team.’ Role allocation is important when you return only two guys. Who’s going to be the guy and who’s going to be the guy that everyone plays off and I think that’s Jakučionis.”

The Illini have the option of using Kylan Boswell or Tre White at point but Jaukucionis is the best facilitator on the roster. He is considered a one-and-done prospect who could go in the first round of next summer’s NBA draft.

“The add of Kasparas makes the rest of this roster make sense,” Latulip said. “I don’t think you were going to say, `Hey, we want Tre White to be our primary ball-handler, primary guy. I don’t think you wanted it to be Kylan Boswell. Even though these guys may be capable of it, but what’s your ceiling as a team if that’s the case.” 

Latulip feels Jakucionis helps bring out the best in newcomers like freshmen Will Riley and Morez Johnson.

“What Kasparas allows those guys to do is fall back into their natural positions,” Latulip said. “Those guys can just operate. They don’t have to overextend … He puts that roster together.” 

Shandel Richardson is the publisher of Illinois Fighting Illini On SI. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com

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JOLIET — The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency posted a press release on its website Thursday letting everyone know it has referred an enforcement action to the Illinois Attorney General’s Office against Will County Metropolitan Exposition & Auditorium Authority, R. Berti Building Solutions, and Universal Asbestos Removal, Inc. following activities that caused, threatened or allowed the discharge of asbestos fibers at the Rialto Square Theatre.

According to Thursday’s press release:

On July 24, Illinois EPA inspected the theatre in response to a complaint and identified three bags identified as containing regulated asbestos-containing material exceeding one cubic meter. The contents were dry, and the bags were unsealed. Illinois EPA inspectors also found that containment measures were insufficient and lacked critical barriers, resulting in potential contamination of all shared airspace.

The theatre is a single building housing the performance and event space. While the building also has a bank, university offices, and theatre offices, these spaces are handled by a separate HVAC system and do not share airspace with the performance and event space.

No workers were present during the inspection and no work was being done. As of July 29, the theatre had been secured, and all work had stopped.

The EPA referral cites improper removal, handling, and disposal of asbestos-containing materials at the Rialto so as to create circumstances of substantial danger to the environment or public health as well as violations of the Illinois Environmental Protection Act, Illinois Pollution Control Board regulations, and the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants.

The referral asks the Illinois Attorney General’s Office to represent the Illinois EPA and requests that the entities implement protective measures, including stopping all activities at the facility and prohibiting entry except for Illinois-licensed asbestos professionals and asbestos workers approved by the Illinois EPA to carry out abatement activities.

GENEVA, Ill. (CBS) — A restaurant and brewpub in west suburban Geneva is closed until further notice after being damaged by a fire this week.

In a newsletter item, Stockholm’s Restaurant & Brewery, located at 306 W. State St. in Geneva, said staffers at nearby Niche Restaurant notified Stockholm’s staff about smoke billowing from an exhaust hood Wednesday evening.

The Geneva Fire Department rushed to the scene, arriving at 9:59 p.m. Wednesday to Stockholm’s Restaurant & Brewery. The fire department said it raised a general alarm due to the number of people calling to report smoke billowing from the second floor and roof of the building.

The fire departments from St. Charles, Batavia, and Elburn also responded.

Upon arriving, firefighters found smoke coming from the front door and roof of Stockholm’s. The basement kitchen was on fire, as was the bathroom above the kitchen.

Firefighters put out the fire in less than half an hour, the Geneva Fire Department said.

The area of origin is believed to be the basement kitchen, with the cause being under investigation, the fire department said. The kitchen and areas directly above sustained fire, smoke, heat, and water damage, the fire department said.

Stockholm’s was pleased the fire was contained before it got a lot worse—and noted that no one was injured. Still, the damage was severe enough that the restaurant will be closed until further notice.

Stockholm’s also offered thanks to Nobel House, located just across the street, for allowing the Stockholm’s staff to regroup and have a drink while firefighters battled the blaze.

The restaurant said it hopes to reopen as soon as possible.

Stockholm’s Restaurant & Brewery opened in May 2002—and features a from-scratch kitchen, and handcrafted beers brewed in the front window using an Old World tradition. It occupies one of several spaces in the Unity Building—right next door to the State Bank of Geneva building, which houses EvenFlow Music & Spirits.