Kasparas Jakučionis explains why he'll wear No. 25 in NBA

Rookie Kasparas Jakučionis will begin his career with the Miami Heat by wearing a new jersey number after arriving as the 20th overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft.

Jakučionis wore No. 32 last season as a freshman at Illinois and No. 23 for two seasons with Barcelona. He has also donned No. 7 while representing Lithuania multiple times, most recently in the 2024 FIBA U18 EuroBasket Championship.

With No. 7 currently occupied by Kel’el Ware and Nos. 23 (Michael Jordan) and 32 (Shaquille O’Neal) retired by the Heat, Jakučionis opted to wear No. 25. He chose it for a few reasons, but most notably, because of his sister, Kornelija.

“(I chose it) because the draft class is 25,” Jakučionis said. “Then also, I was wearing No. 7 before, so two plus five is seven, and also I was wearing 32, and 32 minus seven is 25. My sister’s favorite number is 25, and her birthday is the 25th day.”

Jakučionis was named to the All-Big Ten third team last season, averaging 15 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists on 44% shooting from 3-point range in 33 games. He led the team in scoring, tying the freshman record for total points in a season (494).

The 19-year-old logged six appearances with the Heat in summer league, averaging 9.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals on 31.8% shooting from the field. He dropped 24 points, four rebounds and four assists on July 11.

Jakučionis is highly touted thanks to his ability to score at all three levels, playmaking, vision and passing. The team was encouraged by his first run and is eager to see him take the court when training camp begins next month.

Note: Throughout August, Rookie Wire is looking at every first-round pick and why each player selected their respective jersey number as they make the jump to the NBA.

Kasparas Jakučionis explains why he’ll wear No. 25 in NBA

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