One of the biggest stock boosters in Illinois as well as the entire Midwest following the first scholastic live period this past weekend was Daniel Pauliukonis. Playing with Benet Academy, the 6’9” 2025 forward was one of the top players at the loaded Riverside Brookfield Shootout which had dozens of scholarship level players in attendance.
While there were several division one programs recruiting him prior to the shootout, not only has the list of schools exploded but he also added a few offers. In the past few days, Pauliukonis has added scholarship offers from Canisius, Toledo, and UIC. Additionally, some of the new schools showing interest in him include Indiana State and St. Louis as well to previous interest from Furman, Miami (OH), Penn, St. Thomas, among others.
From his junior season to his spring with Meanstreets on the EYBL to now, the rising senior has continued to grow his skill set. While he had multiple standout games helping Benet to a 4-0 weekend, he greatly impressed against a very good Bolingbrook team with a few division one players. In that win he scored 24 points while hitting six threes. More than just a knockdown outside shooter, he is a mobile forward at 6’9” and showed the ability to make plays off the dribble.
“I contribute lots of time into practice and especially being consistent with it,” Pauliukonis said about the growth of his game. “Also, by building chemistry with teammates and taking care of myself.”
There are a few different elements Pauliukonis is searching for in his future school. “What I look for in a college that is like a family to me and that pushes me to get better every day in basketball and as a person. Also, a college that could get me to the next level.”
While Pauliukonis has received a trio of offers in recent days, still look for more offers to come in for him as he looks to have the upside to be a top ten recruit in Illinois’ deep 2025 class, if not higher. Next up for the forward and Benet for the next scholastic live period this upcoming weekend is the Ridgewood Shootout.