Chambana Sun

Illinois freshman point guard Kasparas Jakucionis has been named to the Midseason Top 25 Watch List for the John R. Wooden Award, as announced by the Los Angeles Athletic Club on Tuesday.

Jakucionis is making a significant impact in his first season with the 13th-ranked Fighting Illini. He averages 16.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. This makes him the first freshman from a power conference to achieve such statistics since Markelle Fultz of Washington in the 2016-17 season. Jakucionis is also shooting nearly 50% from the field, over 41% from beyond the arc, and boasts an impressive free throw percentage of 87.5%.

Recognized twice as Big Ten Freshman of the Week, Jakucionis set a University of Illinois freshman record with six consecutive games scoring at least 20 points. He is just two games away from breaking the program's single-season freshman record of eight such performances and is on track to surpass Illini freshman records for both scoring and free throw percentage.

Among those named to this prestigious list are seven freshmen, including five players representing the Big Ten Conference.

The list was selected by national college basketball experts and includes student-athletes who are leading contenders for two major honors: The Wooden Award All-American Team and The Wooden Award Most Outstanding Player.

Players not on this midseason list can still be considered for inclusion in later stages, including the late-season list and National Ballot. The National Ballot will consist of 15 top players meeting or exceeding award qualifications as verified by their universities.

When voting begins during the NCAA Tournament, nearly 1,000 voters will rank ten out of fifteen players based on performance during early tournament rounds, contributions to their teams, and character traits. The announcement of The Wooden Award All-American Team will coincide with the NCAA Tournament's Elite Eight week.

The winners along with all Americans recognized by The John R. Wooden Award will be honored at an event hosted by Los Angeles Athletic Club on April 11.