Kasparas Jakucionis was selected No. 20 overall by the Miami Heat after a freshman season at Illinois that produced 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists while shooting 44.0 percent from the field, 31.8 percent from three and 84.5 percent from the free-throw line. A midseason arm injury and perceived lack of raw athleticism likely contributed to his draft slide. Nikola Jovic said he watched Jakucionis in college and was surprised he fell that far, calling the pick a good one. Summer League showed defensive activity, rebounding and floor vision despite inefficient scoring, and Jakucionis may begin the season outside the rotation while competing for minutes.
I followed him in college because he played with my really good friend Tomislav Ivisic, and that's why I watched his game. I was really surprised when we drafted him because I really thought he was going to be like a Top 10 pick. But it's for sure a good pick for us. He's a great player. I haven't really talked to him, but I can't wait to see him play. And I'm sure he'll be a great piece for us.
He didn't let his inefficient shooting affect the rest of his game. That's all you could ask for from a 19-year-old getting his first taste of NBA basketball, even if it's just a droplet.
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