Kasparas Jakucionis Returns to Illinois Basketball's Lineup

After missing two games because of a forearm injury, Jakucionis came out firing against Indiana
Jan 2, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) is introduced before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
Jan 2, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) is introduced before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images / Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

He's back.

Freshman point guard Kasparas Jakucionis, who missed Illinois' previous two games because of a left forearm strain, returned to the lineup Tuesday against Indiana in Bloomington, Indiana.

Jakucionis didn't just suit up but also staked the No. 19 Illini (12-4, 4-2 Big Ten) to a 27-12 first-half lead by scoring 10 points and hitting his first four shots from the field – including two three-pointers.

Without Jakucionis, who was recently selected to appear on the Wooden Award watch list, the Illini experienced mixed results, blasting Penn State by 39 last Wednesday and then struggling mightily in a home loss to USC on Saturday.

Illinois, which had climbed to a season-high No. 13 in the AP Top 25 poll last week, fell six spots in the rankings on Monday.

Jakucionis entered Tuesday's game averaging 16.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists.

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3 Big Takeaways From Illinois' Basketball's Loss to USC

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No. 13 Illinois Basketball Gets Outworked, Worked Over in Upset by USC


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Jason Langendorf
JASON LANGENDORF

Jason Langendorf has covered Illinois basketball, football and more for Illinois on SI since October 2024, and has covered Illini sports – among other subjects – for 30 years. A veteran of ESPN and Sporting News, he has published work in The Guardian, Vice, Chicago Sun-Times and many other outlets. He is currently also the U.S. editor at BoxingScene and a judge for the annual BWAA writing awards. He can be followed and reached on X and Bluesky @JasonLangendorf.