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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The Board of Trustees of Illinois State University approved several resolutions at its regular meeting on August 2, 2024. Full text of the resolutions can be found on the Board of Trustees website.    

Consent Agenda: All items listed on the Consent Agenda are considered routine and enacted in one motion. Details regarding Consent Agenda items may be found on the website.

Approval of Academic Senate Proposal to Amend Article V, Academic Governance of the ISU Constitution
The Board of Trustees approved the Academic Senate’s proposal to amend Article V of the Illinois State Constitution. The Academic Governance section of the Constitution includes provisions to establish the voting membership of the Academic Senate, conduct of elections for the Senate, and establishment of different Senate Committees, including the Campus Communication Committee. The proposed changes are designed to incorporate the new College of Engineering into the membership of the Academic Senate, include new Cabinet positions into the Academic Senate membership, as well as to make updates to language to reflect current titles for faculty, staff, and administrators. The Academic Senate unanimously voted to pass the proposed amendment at the Senate’s February 21, 2024, session.

Higher Learning Commission Assurance Argument
Trustees endorsed a request to the Higher Learning Commission for reaccreditation for a ten-year period. On August 5, 2015, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accredited Illinois State University for a ten-year period. The University is now preparing its request to HLC for reaccreditation through 2035. The reaccreditation site visit is scheduled for October 28-29, 2024. In advance of the visit, the University is also required to submit a document called an assurance argument. In it, the University presents evidence that it fully meets HLC accreditation standards.

Authorization to Name CORE Construction Laboratory
The Board of Trustees approved the naming of the Construction Management Lab, located at 604 N. Adelaide St., as the “CORE Construction Laboratory,” in recognition of financial support to Illinois State. For decades, CORE Construction has partnered with Illinois State and the College of Applied Science and Technology on a variety of projects and initiatives. In 2019, they established the CORE Construction Endowed Scholarship for students in the Construction Management program, contributing funds annually. In addition, CORE participates in the Construction Management Career Fair and supports Athletics with contributions to the Weisbecker Scholarship Fund.

Authorization to Name OSF HealthCare Athletics Training Facility
Trustees voted to approve the naming of the Indoor Practice Facility located next to Horton Field House as the “OSF HealthCare Athletics Training Facility,” in recognition of financial support to Illinois State. OSF HealthCare has partnered with several areas, including the Mennonite College of Nursing and a medical services contract with ISU Athletics created in 2023. These ongoing partnerships provide opportunities for continued growth moving forward.

Authorization to Name Michael and Gina Wey Hospital Simulation Room
The Board approved the naming of the hospital simulation room in the Mennonite College of Nursing Simulation Center as the “Michael and Gina Wey Hospital Simulation Room,” in recognition of financial support to Illinois State University. Michael and Gina Wey are proud Redbirds, having both graduated in 1978.

Approval of 2025 Board Meeting Calendar
The Board approved the recommended 2025 meeting calendar, which will be posted and published in accordance with the Open Meetings Act no later than December 1, 2024.

Authorization to Acquire Property Insurance
Trustees revisited and approved an amended resolution from May 2024, providing authorization to acquire property insurance at an annual premium not to exceed $1.9 million. The University owns and maintains property and business interruption insurance valued at approximately $2.6 billion, an increase of $400 million from the prior year based on property appraisals.

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.