Illinois basketball duo Kasparas Jakučionis and Will Riley received overwhelming support from their Fighting Illini family as they prepare for tonight’s NBA Draft. The 19-year-old freshman responded with heartfelt gratitude after teammates and coaches shared emotional video messages.
Coach Brad Underwood’s belief in his star players has culminated in this moment, with both prospects receiving coveted green room invitations. The Lithuanian point guard and Canadian forward represent Illinois’ first-ever potential one-and-done players heading into draft night.
Illinois Family Shows Love To Their Draft Prospects
The Illinois basketball program showcased its tight-knit culture through a touching Instagram video featuring teammates and coaches congratulating Jakučionis and Riley. Posted on the official illiniMBB account, the emotional tribute highlighted the deep bonds formed during their transformative freshman season.
Jakučionis responded with “All love” followed by heart emojis, while Riley simply posted a heart emoji, both acknowledging the overwhelming support from their Illini family.
Coach Brad Underwood opened the emotional tribute with his heartfelt message: “Casparus, Will, congratulations as your dreams come true. You’ve had a great season at Illinois basketball. We’re excited for you. Congratulations, enjoy the night, and best of luck as you move forward.”
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Current Illinois players shared personal messages throughout the tribute video. One teammate delivered an emotional message stating, “My two sons, I love you guys. Wishing you guys the best going into the draft. Living out your dreams. Watching you two, how much work you’ve put in throughout this last year. You deserve everything coming your way.”
The emotional support continued with another player declaring: “You were amazing teammates, amazing workers, and you deserve all that’s coming to you. I wish both of you great careers, long careers, and yeah, can’t wait to see you again here.”
This genuine affection displayed the program’s family atmosphere under Underwood’s leadership.
Brad Underwood’s Developmental Approach Pays Historic Dividends
Underwood’s patient developmental philosophy with both players has reached its pinnacle as Illinois prepares to make history. The coach previously stated: “Excited about the prospects for Will and KJ. We’ll head to the draft next week. Hopefully, we’re only there a day. That means they’re first-round draft picks.”
His support system proved crucial during challenging moments throughout the season. When Jakučionis struggled with perfectionist tendencies, Underwood encouraged him to embrace a “next-shot mentality.” For Riley, who endured early-season shooting struggles, the coach maintained unwavering confidence in his eventual breakthrough.
The historic nature can’t be overstated as Illinois joins Duke and Rutgers as the only programs with multiple green room invitees. Jakučionis projects as a lottery pick (8th-16th overall) while Riley is projected in the late first round (18th-24th overall), marking only the third time Illinois has had two players drafted together.
Both players delivered impressive statistical performances during their lone Illinois season. Jakučionis averaged 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists while shooting 44% from the field, earning All-Big Ten Third Team honors. Riley contributed 12.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists with 43.2% field goal shooting.
Their success represents the culmination of Underwood’s eight-year program transformation, which includes Big Ten titles, Elite Eight appearances, and five consecutive NCAA Tournament berths.
The coach’s international recruiting strategy, highlighted by Jakučionis’ development, has positioned Illinois as a destination for elite global talent, with more than half of the current roster featuring European players.
As draft night approaches, both players carry the weight of history while embracing the support system that helped them reach this moment. Their journey from international prospects to NBA-ready talent exemplifies Underwood’s vision of building championship-caliber teams through patient development and belief in his players’ potential.
