2 Stars, 2 sleepers for Pistons fans to keep an eye on in college

Kasparas Jakucionis, 6’6 Guard, Illinois

While the first two players are consensus top draft selections, the next two are more debated. On top of some differing opinions on them, they likely will fall more so in the later lottery than the top half, so Detroit’s season can go better, and still grab one of these guys. First is Kasparas Jakucionis, an 18 year old Lithuanian playing for Illinois this upcoming year. He’s somewhat a late riser, and someone who is being mocked so high based on potential, but the potential is there nonetheless. 

Last season, Jaku averaged 19.4 points, 5.3 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.7 steals in the Under-18 European championships, and is expected to lead the Fighting Illini by doing a little bit of everything. Offensively, he has a tremendous feel for the game, both with and without the ball in his hands. He can shoot the ball well, which makes up for his lack of athleticism. 

His defense will have to improve and then maintain at a passable level, but Detroit would love to add a player who has such a feel for the game if they fall in the lottery. You can slot him in at the three spot and expect him to take over for some of the veterans we signed this past offseason.