Former Illini Roundup: Ayo Dosunmu, Kasparas Jakucionis and Ty Rodgers Updates

Dosunmu's postseason performance pays off, Jakucionis is on the move and Ty Rodgers suffers a setback

May 8, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half during game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images | Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

On Tuesday night, Illinois’ Keaton Wagler will take the next step in his hoops journey, becoming the third one-and-done the Illini have produced over the past two seasons. And very likely, Wagler will be the first top-10 pick the program has sent to the league since Deron Williams in 2005 (No. 3 overall).

Two fellow members of Illinois’ 2026 Final Four squad – Kylan Boswell and Ben Humrichous – also appear poised for an NBA opportunity, be it via the second round of the NBA Draft (Wednesday night) or an undrafted free agent deal.

That trio may be moving on from Champaign, but they are sure to stay in the hearts and minds of Illini Nation for years to come, joining other past Illinois players who still have the rooting interest of hometown fans. Here's an update on three other notable Illini alums:

Former Illini Ayo Dosunmu to sign deal with Minnesota Timberwolves

May 10, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) works around San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) in the fourth quarter of game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images | Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

On Monday night, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Dosunmu intends to sign a five-year deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves worth $112 million. The fifth year will be a player option. This contract comes on the heels of Dosunmu’s incredible postseason run with the Timberwolves, not to mention a stellar regular season following his trade from the Chicago Bulls.

Free agent guard Ayo Dosunmu intends to sign a five-year, $112 million contract to return to the Minnesota Timberwolves, with a player option in the fifth season, sources tell ESPN. Timberwolves made it a major priority to lock in Dosunmu after his tremendous postseason. pic.twitter.com/xw93nAUhJt

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 23, 2026

In 24 regular-season games with the Timberwolves, Dosummu averaged 14.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists on 52.1 percent from the field, 41.4 percent from deep and 92.5 percent from the line.

In the postseason, he maintained those gold-standard shooting splits, going 50.0 percent from the field, 42.5 percent from beyond the arc and 92.6 percent from the line while boosting his scoring to 15.6 points per outing and tacking on 3.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists.

Most importantly, Dosunmu practically single-handedly pushed the Timberwolves past the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the NBA playoffs on back-to-back occasions. He rattled off a 25-point, nine-assist showing in a 113-96 Game 3 win, which he followed up with an otherworldly 43-point night to spark Minnesota to a 112-96 win in Game 4. Illini fans should be able to follow him with the Timberwolves for the forseeable future.

Former Illini Kasparas Jakucionis included in landmark trade

Apr 7, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Miami Heat guard Kasparas Jakucionis (25) controls the ball as Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (5) defends during the first quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images | Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

After endless chatter surrounding a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, the superstar forward was finally dealt from the Milwaukee Bucks, going from the Miami Heat in exchange for a large package that included former Illinois point guard Kasparas Jakucionis.

BLOCKBUSTER: The Milwaukee Bucks are trading franchise icon Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat for Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, 3 first-round picks (including No. 13), 1 pick swap and 1 second-rounder, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/NQT5ZhdJU9

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 23, 2026

In Milwaukee, Jakucionis – who essentially played in a combo-guard role in Year 1 – will battle starting lead guard Ryan Rollins for minutes, as well as star shooting guard Tyler Herro (who was part of Miami’s package to Milwaukee).

Rollins had a massive breakout campaign in 2025-26, but Jakucionis still appears to have a better opportunity for rotational tick in Milwaukee than he did in Miami.

Former Illini Ty Rodgers suffers injury at Boise State

Mar 20, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Ty Rodgers (20) works out during NCAA Tournament First Round Practice at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images | Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

After taking a redshirt season in 2024-25 and missing 2025-26 because of a serious knee injury, Ty Rodgers – a beloved fan favorite and starter on Illinois’ Elite Eight squad in 2024 – elected to transfer to Boise State.

Medical update on Ty Rodgers. #BleedBlue x #UnbreakableCulture pic.twitter.com/YY6Gz7JlXX

— Boise State MBB (@BroncoSportsMBB) June 15, 2026

Per a report from the program, Rodgers “sustained a lower-body injury” and has since “successfully undergone surgery." The mid-June report also stated that he will be inactive for an indefinite period of time.