Jakucionis finding balance as scorer, facilitator

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Dec. 14—CHAMPAIGN — Kasparas Jakucionis had more than double the number of assists compared to shot attempts through his first three games of the season but got to the free-throw line enough he still put up double-digit points in two of those three games.

Jakucionis was just leaning into what the Eastern Illinois, SIU Edwardsville and Oakland defenses were willing to give him. They clearly didn’t mind the Illini freshman being more facilitator than scorer, and the 6-foot-6, 205-pound guard turned that into 23 assists in his first three games while taking just 10 shots.

Brad Underwood didn’t want to overload Jakucionis in the first two weeks of his college basketball career, but a gentle reminder that he could do both — facilitate and score — wasn’t out of line.

“I think there’s that fine line with freshmen, a young guy,” the Illinois coach said. “How much do you want to give them? How much do you want to expect from them? How much do you want to demand and not push overload? He just took what came to him early. It was so impressive to see because he was dominating the game with assists and passing.”

Jakucionis’ dominance has taken on a new form as the season has progressed into its second month. And that’s what it is. The Vilnius, Lithuania, native has struck a balance between calling his own number offensively and getting his teammates involved and done both at a high level.

That’s led to four straight games of at least 20 points as Illinois (7-2) gets ready for a shot at No. 1 Tennessee (9-0) at 4:30 p.m. Saturday at a sold-out State Farm Center.

Jakucionis almost assuredly has migrated to the top of the Vols’ scouting report after averaging 22 points, seven rebounds and 5.3 assists in his last four games. Not to mention shooting 46 percent from the field overall, 56 percent from three-point range on what comes off as an unstoppable stepback and 95 percent at the free-throw line.

“He’s absolutely dominating every game, and it’s insane,” fellow Illinois guard Kylan…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/jakucionis-finding-balance-scorer-facilitator-154800758.html

Author : The News-Gazette, Champaign-Urbana, Ill.

Publish date : 2024-12-14 15:48:00

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