Kasparas Jakucionis grew up far from the NBA spotlight, sharpening his game in Europe before making his mark in U.S. college hoops. With an eye for the game well beyond his years, his rapid rise has caught the attention of scouts.
He blends the frame of a wing with the instincts of a guard, a mix that makes him a unique piece for Miami. His time overseas and brief but electric college stint have added layers to his game and his growing reputation.
Now part of the Heat’s plans, the Lithuanian star arrives with big expectations and plenty to prove. His versatility and competitive edge hint at a player who could soon become a vital piece in the team’s evolving backcourt.
How old is Kasparas Jakucionis?
Born on May 29, 2006, Kasparas Jakucionis is 19 years old as of mid-2025, a teenager already stepping into the spotlight of one of the most demanding franchises. Despite his youth, his size and court awareness give him a maturity beyond his years—a promising trait for a first-round rookie navigating pro expectations so early in his life.
Kasparas Jakucionis answers questions from reporters during media availability at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena on May 14, 2025. (Source: Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
How tall is Kasparas Jakucionis?
Standing at 6 ft 6 in (approximately 1.98 m) and weighing around 200–205 lbs, Kasparas Jakucionis possesses the frame to play multiple guard roles on both ends of the floor. That length allows him to see the floor comfortably as a playmaker and hold his own defensively against bigger wings, blending European fundamentals with physical tools suited for NBA pace and contact.
Kasparas Jakucionis’ injury
During the California Classic opener, Kasparas Jakucionis rolled his ankle late in the fourth quarter, visibly favoring the limb before standing and walking off the court unassisted. Despite the scare, he returned to Summer League play in Las Vegas just days later, suggesting the injury was minor and unlikely to hinder his rookie debut for Miami.
Coaches and team staff treated the incident as a precaution, monitoring his load and minutes early in the season. While there’s no official long‑term concern, ball security remained a focus after the injury interrupting his Summer League rhythm.
What position does Kasparas Jakucionis play?
Kasparas Jakucionis is officially listed as a combo guard, capable of operating both as a point guard and shooting guard, thanks to his size, vision and setup instincts. At Illinois, he logged all 31.8 minutes per game as a freshman, averaging 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists—metrics that underline his dual-threat role both as facilitator and scorer in the half-court and in transition.
What jersey number does Kasparas Jakucionis wear?
Kasparas Jakucionis dons number 25 for the Miami Heat, a number he carried across his short but decorated college career at Illinois and his Summer League debut. It’s now a recognizable identifier among Heat fans.
Kasparas Jakucionis #25 of the Miami Heatdribbles the ball against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half in a California Classic summer league game on July 05, 2025. (Source: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The choice of 25 builds continuity with his NCAA persona and helps brand him early in his pro journey. Though not a flashy choice, it reflects a quiet consistency matching his reserved yet impactful playing style.
Kasparas Jakucionis’ career highlights
- European development to standout prospect: Born in Vilnius, he came up through Perlas Vilnius and FC Barcelona’s youth system, earning MVP honors at the EuroLeague U‑18 qualifiers in Zadar with averages around 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists per game.
- Record-setting Illinois debut: In November 2024, he opened his college career with 11 points and seven assists vs. Eastern Illinois, followed by a 13-assist game against SIU-Edwardsville—freshman records in the program.
- Big Ten honors and national recognition: He earned spots on the Big Ten All-Freshman Team and Second-Team All-Big Ten in 2025, also making The Athletic’s Freshman All-America selection—a testament to his impact in the conference.
- Strong projection and praise: His seasoned scoring and court vision drew comparisons to Goran Dragic and Luka Doncic prior to the 2025 draft, marking him as a polished international prospect despite a mid-level athletic profile.
- Draft entry and pro progression: Selected 20th overall by Miami in 2025, he signed a four-year rookie deal worth around $17.7M. The Heat view him as a long-term fit with room to refine consistency and decision-making.
