May 14, 2025; Chicago, Il, USA; Kasparas Jakucionis talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images David Banks-Imagn Images

Why Miami Heat's Kasparas Jakucionis Is The Anti-Dion Waiters, Marshawn Lynch

Originally posted on Miami Heat on SI
By Shandel Richardson | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 9:14 AM ET

Miami Heat guard Kasparas Jakucionis is a bit more experienced than most rookies. He played professionally long before he arrived at the University of Illinois last summer. He joins the Heat seasoned as Jamie Jaquez, who played four years at UCLA before he was drafted in 2023.

It's why Illini coach Brad Underwood thinks Jakucionis is the perfect fit in Miami.

"He was a pro long before he was announced as a draft choice," Underwood said on the Tobin and Leroy on 560 AM Thursday morning. "He was a great student of the game, maybe the best that I've ever had in terms of film."

Thanks to @CoachUnderwood for joining us today to talk about Miami Heat first round pick Kasparas Jakučionis, his work ethic, passing ability, lobs to Kel'el Ware and fitting in with Erik Spoelstra. @IlliniMBB @MiamiHEAT #HEATCulture #HEATNation pic.twitter.com/2rFvmCD1L0
— Brendan Tobin (@Brendan_Tobin) July 2, 2025

Underwood also revealed some of Jakucionis' interesting habits, including diet. Underwood said Jakucionis is super strict when it comes to what he puts in his body. Candy is off-limits. It puts him in a different category from former Heat star Dion Waiters, who was often eating sweets in the lockeroom.

Jakucionis will never appear in a commercial alongside ex-NFL Marshawn Lynch, who used to peddle Skittles.

"He's very serious in terms of his approach," Underwood said. "His diets, his recovery process, his workouts are extremely disciplined. Here's a young man who hasn't eaten sugar since he was 13. He's not enjoying Skittles and wings. He's very serious about that stuff and his approach."