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Lithuanian Point Guards

  • Thread starter Thread starter Straight forward2
  • Start date Start date
Holly shit, Jakucionis has itl. Really special player. God bless his health and attitudes cause Lithuania's basketball in the hands of this guy. He has it all. Tremendous feel for the game, IQ, skill, unmatched intensity that he generates. Best LTU guard prospect ever, IMO. He has so much in him and it seems like he adds more and more with each month. Now we can see nifty fade away jimmies which we didn't see much previously, even more aggressive change of directions (and the trick passes continues). It was first real deal game against Alabama, their players are strong and experienced and KJ unleashed a good game. Embrace top 5 conversations. He's getting there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-0gsVfK5-M&ab_channel=CBBEurope
 
Jokubaitis growing. Sneakily having an efficient EL season and getting better. 10 dimes, 19eff game against Italians. Second most efficient EL player with 12,3eff. 5.5 dimes in 23mpg is solid, but I think he's only yet to show his best and his shape is catching up what he lost when he was playing to sporadically in Barca last season. What I see from Jokubaitis that he utilizes space better now. Much less unnecessary moves, he just makes couple of power steps, change of directions and gets where he wants to get. I think he got better, playing within even slower pace, but more precise and physical. This is good indications cause what NT has been lacking recently - guys who can get inside against any defense. Soft ass Grigonis can't slash. He simply doesn't have physicality. Jokubaitis slowly approaching prime can be that first player who can brake elite defenses. Sure, he won't be world class player, but he's really growing elite EL PG and he brings what we need. Not enough for now to win big, but surely should be very nice in 2025 EB.

In 2028 Lithuania will have top3 Euro PG section with KJ, Rokas, Marciulionis.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWw_S7Avvik&ab_channel=15min
 
Sneaked into EL stats and Jokubaitis stands 5th in assists. First his teammate Blatt who was stealing his minutes, but when Blatt went down, Jokubaitis started to play +20 minutes and since then he's 6.3apg. Not far away from top tier EL PGs section as Campazzo or the same Shorts.

Zalgiris are hyping Francisco, but Jokubaitis holds similar efficiency. And overall I would want Jokubaitis to be a decision maker of my team, not Francisco. Dude has more ISO, but less facilitation and IQ. Rokas will be better player. Now they are on the same tier, but in three years it won't be even close.
 
Sneaked into EL stats and Jokubaitis stands 5th in assists. First his teammate Blatt who was stealing his minutes, but when Blatt went down, Jokubaitis started to play +20 minutes and since then he's 6.3apg. Not far away from top tier EL PGs section as Campazzo or the same Shorts.

Zalgiris (and some redneck fans here who think he's better than any Lithuanian in EL) hyping Francisco, but Jokubaitis holds similar efficiency. And overall I would want Jokubaitis to be a decision maker of my team, not Francisco. Dude has more ISO, but less facilitation and IQ. Rokas will be better player. Now they are on the same tier, but in three years it won't be even close.
 
KJ finally let the three fly a little bit. Dude gotta unleash that jimmy. It is obviously Brad's impact that he takes less wild shots, but he shouldn't forget his aggressive side. Gotta let those threes fly. 9 shots make more sense, but still too little for the best player on the court. 8/8FTs is nice though. Had a pesky white dude on him and received a technical foul after celebrating on opponents face after a bucket. Brad was proud LOL :D

https://x.com/TheIlliniFN/status/1861457923248943447

https://x.com/glenn_kinley/status/1861279685981696305
 
sbnation.com drops Kasparas at 8th.

I have very mixed feeling when I see projection of Bulls drafting him. Yeah, it would be a blessing for NT KJ playing with Buzelis, like two leaders polishing the game together and come to dominate in summers, but this is same old clueless Chicago...I think if you're good you will play anywhere, like Buzelis now, but I still kinda wish some Spurs or something for him:


8. Chicago Bulls - Kasparas Jakucionis, G, Illinois

Jakucionis’ combination of positional size, elite passing vision, rim pressure, and shooting upside gives him a chance to force his way into top-10 discussions. The 6’6 Lithuanian point guard has a case as the most creative passer in this class. He has a special ability to manipulate the opposing defense and zip outlets, corner skips, lobs, and pocket passes to his teammates for baskets. He’s aggressive getting downhill, and while he’s not an above the rim finisher, he’s already shown impressive craft in getting to the foul line. Jakucionis appears to have a lot of confidence in his jumper, with plenty of pull-up shooting flashes showing up on the tape from his time with Barcelona. The consistency with his three-point shot and overall scoring punch will be under the microscope, but there are a lot of traits here worth betting on.
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https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2024/1...update-first-round-cooper-flagg-wizards-76ers
 
Strange rumor is that KJ might decide to stay for another year in Illini. That's very very off. If you projected lottery you are in perfect situation and sign something like 20mill contract or whatever. Money is the least interesting for me, but being 19yo is the best age to be drafted high. KJ would probably increase his numbers even further next year, but he also wouldn't be a rookie anymore and one more year older. So what's the reason behind that? Can he push his stock even higher? Doubt it. The only reason I see - he prioritizes his development and not instant transition to the NBA. In Illini he would get guaranteed +30 minutes each night and leader's role. In NBA as a rookie he would get just minor role first year and maybe even no playing time in some games. So maybe that's the reasoning. But this way he would risk his lottery status now and he would stick to NCAA BB too much, IMO. I believe it's way better to start to adjust to NBA physicality, space and pace as soon as it's possible. Calderon is a good example. He went to the NBA earlier than Jasikevicius and had long term career. Jasikevicius as more talented player, but his game was already too fixated for Europe and EL. I believe if Saras was in the NBA since his early 20s, he could make it in the NBA. For Jakucionis to be in the NBA as 19yo is a great position, IMO. The sooner he will taste NBA basketball, the sooner he will become a legitimate NBA player. I hope this rumor is false and we'll see KJ in the NBA next season. This will only harden his up for 2027 and 2028 fights with NT. We have no time to waste.

https://x.com/Sam_Vecenie/status/1862339592894259572
 
Straight forward said:
Strange rumor is that KJ might decide to stay for another year in Illini. That's very very off. If you projected lottery you are in perfect situation and sign something like 20mill contract or whatever. Money is the least interesting for me, but being 19yo is the best age to be drafted high. KJ would probably increase his numbers even further next year, but he also wouldn't be a rookie anymore and one more year older. So what's the reason behind that? Can he push his stock even higher? Doubt it. The only reason I see - he prioritizes his development and not instant transition to the NBA. In Illini he would get guaranteed +30 minutes each night and leader's role. In NBA as a rookie he would get just minor role first year and maybe even no playing time in some games. So maybe that's the reasoning. But this way he would risk his lottery status now and he would stick to NCAA BB too much, IMO. I believe it's way better to start to adjust to NBA physicality, space and pace as soon as it's possible. Calderon is a good example. He went to the NBA earlier than Jasikevicius and had long term career. Jasikevicius as more talented player, but his game was already too fixated for Europe and EL. I believe if Saras was in the NBA since his early 20s, he could make it in the NBA. For Jakucionis to be in the NBA as 19yo is a great position, IMO. The sooner he will taste NBA basketball, the sooner he will become a legitimate NBA player. I hope this rumor is false and we'll see KJ in the NBA next season. This will only harden his up for 2027 and 2028 fights with NT. We have no time to waste.

https://x.com/Sam_Vecenie/status/1862339592894259572
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The reason would be obvious. He does not consider himself being ready and wants to go to the NBA in a shape that he can take a role immediately and without pressure
 
Toruko said:
The reason would be obvious. He does not consider himself being ready and wants to go to the NBA in a shape that he can take a role immediately and without pressure
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But it's too risky and he would have to go through first season pains anyway, being 19yo, 20yo or 21yo. Better do it now and learn from this, develop. At least my take.
 
This makes perfect sense to me dropping KJ at 3#. Flagg is No.1. No question. Personally I have some doubts whenever he's a generational USA player, I don't really see that, but he seperates himself from others as being consensual No.1 pick. I studied No.2 pick Dyan Harper. For us 90's Bulls guys, I can say that it's legendary Ron Harper son. Dude is good, he is ISO gifted scorer, strong, athletic. So he obviously is more explosive and athletic slasher than KJ. But he's not a good shooter (solid at best) and he's not special at facilitation. To put it short, I don't see him being a special player. For Kasparas I can see a scenario where he can become a sensation in the NBA as high IQ facilitation freak, Doncic light presense in the NBA (with less booty ball, but more deadly step three). In the best case scenario he can be something close to Doncic or at least sure fire lead guard in the NBA. I don't see how Harper can be anything special in the NBA. He's not. So I don't particularly buy this. KJ is yet not projected as a top 3 as consensus, but I believe he is still underrated, just as most Euro still do. Doncic was also underrated gooing to the draft. Americans still refuse to fully embrace the fact that higher IQ and way more fundamentally sound Europeans taking over basketball. Jakucionis is one of that kind. Amazing IQ, feel and fundamentals. He's gonna have better career in the NBA than such as Harper, maybe even Flagg. I don't see higher IQ players in this draft than Kasparas'. Flagg has fundamentals, but I feel certain limitation regarding his style of play. His game is very much build on athleticism, I don't feel transcendent upside aside athleticism. It's not like he's transcendantly skilled or playing with his mind. He's a about explosiveness, and he's explosive, but he's not young and healthy Zion Williams kinda explosive. That's where my certain pessimism comes for him. He's gonna be a starer, likely an all star, but I don't see generational talent. Actually I feel more upside in Buzelis. His lean body and skills and how he floats on the court. He just seems lighter and more transcendent on his feet. Flagg to me seems to be a bit heavy footed and I lack a degree of finesse.

My projection is crazy, but I wouldn't be shocked if Jakucionis becomes the best player of this draft class. Traore is really good, he's a special slasher, special first step, but he's not as good shooter and not as special facilitator as KJ (even though a magician with the ball too). So it makes sense to put Traore at 4.

To me Flagg, Jakucionis and Traore are best prospects prospects in this draft. I didn't study all players closely, but from what I've seen I have those as the best.

https://x.com/bjpf_/status/1863236864783925750/photo/1
 
jakucionis hype is real, most respectable mock drafts ive seen put him in top 10, calling him possibly the best point guard in this class.whats funny is there is absolutely nothing about that in lithuania, you could probably ask an average lithuanian fan about jakucionis and they wouldnt know who he is, media has done a horrible job covering him. jokubaitis hype was 10 times bigger while being a 3 times worse prosepect, but maybe its for the best.
 
Killer. One of the biggest next guards in the game overall. His step back three is a deadly. His facilitation is nothing short but special. He rebounds. I called Sabonis baby Jokic once when soome people thought I'm crazy (and eventually he became MVP candidate). Now I easily call KJ baby Doncic. He has a potential to be an all star one day in the NBA. First Lithuanian guard as an All Star would be cool. Once Dragic made All NBA. KJ can reach that too.

KJ will be better shooter than Doncic. I believe he can be. His shooting form is better and smoother than Luka's and his feet work is just as outstanding as Luka's generally in the step back three situations. Doncic is considered the best step back three shooter in the game and Jakucionis has a chance to be better at it. Now shoots 43% with 4.4a. Doncic takes almost 10 threes per game, but making only 34%. I believe one day Jakucionis will be taking 6-8 threes in the game and will be making 40%. I can see that. Doncic is a freak and KJ ooff course will never reach his leve;, but he can be a baby Doncic and his level should be around Dragic. In comparison with Dragic, KJ will be better shooter, better facilitator, better rebounder, but worse slasher. Dragic had an amazing burst and ridiculous feet work. If KJ had Dragic burst he likely would be in for GOAT conversation.

https://x.com/pongas06/status/1865399632483807598
 
Bleach Report already figured out KJ is the best PG in this draft class (much deeper than Buzelis' draft class). Dropped him at 6th and he should still climb higher. I can see only 2 players that KJ will struggle to push out, Cooper and Harper. But I believe NBA a bit overrates Harper. I don't see him becoming like Harden or so. Maybe, if he will develop sensationally. I don't see passing touch of Harden and shooting. To me he will be more of one dimensional explosive driver, bet off course I didn't see all that much. ESPN and Bleach Report figured out KJ can be top 5 material in very deep draft class. That's it, he's out there at the top, now he can only get so ridiculously good that he would even convince people that he can move Cooper and Harper. What if KJ will unleash +30pts, 10as, 10rbs game in the March Madness big game? He still didn't show one of his crazy games which inevitably will come, IMO, when he will take +20 shots and will have around 35pts game. Now it's between KJ's sepcial IQ, facilitation and Harper's explosiveness. Recently the former won the battle. SGA, Doncic are better than Edwards.

KJ turns on different tier in scoring when the team is playing tight game. If others shoot well he wouldn't force it, just spray the ball. But even BR still didn't get that he has 20ppg kind agame in him on a regular basis if needed. Last 3 games 22ppg. It's crazy that his true shooting and assists rate for a rookie are insane. Only Lonzo Ball (No.1 pick) and some other dude ever had it in the game of NCAA.

Comparisons? I hear Dragic, Doncic, Nash, Hinrish and now Chauncey Billups. I don't feel any particular player is a very good comparison, Kasparas is really unique.

6. Toronto Raptors: Kasparas Jakucionis


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Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images

Toronto Raptors record: 7-15

Team: Illinois

Position: PG

Size: 6'6", 200 lbs

Age: 18

Nationality: Lithuania

Pro comparison: Chauncey Billups

The eye test on Kasparas Jakucionis' playmaking backs up the numbers. He shows outstanding command in pick-and-roll situations, knowing what speeds to operate at and how to free up and hit the big. His vision is obvious on drives, and he knows where his shooters are before he make his move into the paint.

And he's also ben efficient as a scorer, using touch shots and impressive shotmaking improvisation off the dribble. Though he's not a shot-hunter who'll threaten for 20 points every night, he's done an admirable job picking his spots and capitalizing on what the defense gives up.

Right now, Jakucionis has a 67.4 true shooting percentage and 32.7 assist percentage. UCLA's Lonzo Ball and Long Island's Jason Brickman have been the only other NCAA freshmen to notch those numbers.

The competition will strengthen during conference play, but Jakucionis looked comfortable against Illinois and Arkansas early.​

https://bleacherreport.com/articles...-pro-comparisons-and-full-2-round-predictions





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Straight forward said:
Doncic is considered the best step back three shooter in the game and Jakucionis has a chance to be better at it. ]
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i like jakucionis but thats a crazy thing to say. the stepback three is luka's, the best scorer in the world, signature move, he does it more often and more accurate than any other player.
 
zalias said:
i like jakucionis but thats a crazy thing to say. the stepback three is luka's, the best scorer in the world, signature move, he does it more often and more accurate than any other player.
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Luka has an amazing step back three feet work, but his shooting form is not ideal. He raises the ball too high a bit (he takes time too launch his shot and has a bit of hold up before gathers for release, but gets away with that because of his great feet work and size) and it's not the softest touch in the world, he also has a bit active thumb on a main right hand, It's not a surprise he shoots 34% threes, even though knowing that he takes 10 per game and some really tough step backs it's still good. I can see KJ having more deadly three potentially though. To me his mechanics and form is smoother and quicker.

Three point shooting is actually one of Luka's flaws more. His penetration, mid range game and amazing facilitation what make him unstoppable offensively.

In NT he shot 31.1% 2017, 30.4% in 2020, 32.2% 2022, 32.4% 2023.
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