Champaign, IL (Chambana Today) – Illinois basketball is getting strong performances from its freshman class as Will Riley was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week on Monday, and Kasparas Jakucionis earned a spot on the Oscar Robertson Trophy Midseason Watch List.
Riley led the Illini last week, averaging 20.0 points and 3.5 rebounds while shooting 52% from the field, including an impressive 45.5% from beyond the arc. He had a standout performance in Illinois’ comeback win over Ohio State, scoring a team-high 24 points, making 7 of 9 shots, and setting a career-high with nine free throws on 12 attempts. Riley’s 24 points in that game, including 20 in the second half, tied for the most by a freshman off the bench in a Big Ten game this season. Earlier in the week, Riley scored 16 points at Nebraska, including hitting four 3-pointers and scoring 13 consecutive points to help force overtime. This marks Riley’s second Big Ten Freshman of the Week award, adding to his recognition from the opening week of the season when he broke the Illini freshman debut scoring record with 31 points against Eastern Illinois.
Meanwhile, fellow freshman Jakucionis has been another bright spot for Illinois, earning his place on the Oscar Robertson Trophy Midseason Watch List, which honors the top players in college basketball. The Lithuanian guard is averaging 15.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists while shooting 47% from the field, 35% from 3-point range, and 83.5% from the free-throw line. Jakucionis has been a consistent force for the Illini, recording eight 20-point games, which ties the Illinois freshman season record. He has also been named Big Ten Freshman of the Week twice this season.
With Illinois’ impressive freshmen leading the way, the No. 23 Illini will return to action Wednesday night, playing at Rutgers at 7:30 p.m.