CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — After a strong freshman season at Illinois, Kasparas Jakucionis is set to make his NBA debut with the Miami Heat.

Kendall Gill has some familiarity with the Heat organization, playing there during the 2001-02 season.

The former Illini guard was impressed with what he saw from KJ in terms of production and upside as he makes the move to the next level.

Miami’s knack for developing young talent gives Gill confidence that Jakucionis will succeed in the NBA.

“They’re set to develop KJ, and I’m excited to watch him in his second or third year when he’s on the court with Tyler Herro at the off-guard spot, working with Bam Adebayo and executing pick and rolls with those players. I’m confident his shooting skills will advance,” Gill stated. “There’s a lot of talk about him being prone to turnovers, but at just 18-19 years old, it’s understandable. He’s still getting accustomed to the American basketball style, and I eagerly anticipate seeing him in his third year, when he’s fully adapted to the NBA environment.”