Famous Lithuanian Basketball Players

Domantas Sabonis is a professional basketball player for the Sacramento Kings in the NBA. He has achieved significant success in his career, being a two-time All-NBA Team member, three-time NBA All-Star, and leading the league in rebounds twice. Starting his career in Spain with Unicaja Málaga, Sabonis later played college basketball for the Gonzaga Bulldogs. He was drafted 11th overall in the 2016 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic and then traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder before joining the Indiana Pacers for five seasons. In 2022, he was traded to the Sacramento Kings.

Arvydas Sabonis is a retired Lithuanian professional basketball player and businessman. Regarded as one of the greatest European players ever, he excelled as a big-man passer. Sabonis achieved success in various leagues, including the Spanish ACB League and the NBA. He won numerous awards, such as the Euroscar and Mr. Europa Award multiple times. Sabonis clinched Olympic medals for the Soviet Union and Lithuania. Inducted into the FIBA and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, he also served as the President of the Lithuanian Basketball Federation.

Jonas Valančiūnas is a Lithuanian professional basketball player in the NBA. He was drafted by the Toronto Raptors in 2011 and later played for the Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans before joining the Washington Wizards. Valančiūnas has represented Lithuania in international competitions and achieved success, winning EuroBasket silver medals in 2013 and 2015. He was recognized with All-Tournament honors in EuroBasket 2015 and appeared in the documentary The Other Dream Team, showcasing his contributions to the sport.

Šarūnas Jasikevičius is a renowned Lithuanian professional basketball coach and former player known for his exceptional skills as a point guard. Throughout his career, he achieved significant success, including being a two-time All-EuroLeague First Team selection, EuroLeague Final Four MVP, and a four-time triple crown winner. He made history by winning the EuroLeague with three different clubs and has also excelled as a coach, winning titles in various leagues. Jasikevičius' impressive career has earned him recognition as a EuroLeague Basketball Legend.

Raimondas Šarūnas Marčiulionis is a renowned Lithuanian former professional basketball player known for his impactful career in the NBA and international competitions. He was among the first European players to excel in the NBA, earning a place in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the FIBA Hall of Fame. Marčiulionis achieved success on the Olympic stage, winning gold and two bronze medals with national teams. He was a standout performer in prestigious tournaments, recognized for his scoring prowess and signature Euro step move.

Žydrūnas Ilgauskas is a Lithuanian-born American former professional basketball player who excelled as a center in the NBA. He played for the Cleveland Cavaliers from 1997 to 2010 and briefly with the Miami Heat in the 2010–11 season. Known for his reliable jump shot and rebounding skills, he overcame significant injury challenges during his career. As a two-time NBA All-Star and member of the 2007 NBA Finals team, he holds the Cavaliers' career record for blocked shots and his jersey number was retired by the team. Ilgauskas later transitioned to a role in the Cavaliers' front office as a special advisor.

Jonas Mačiulis is a retired Lithuanian professional basketball player known for his versatility and skill at the small forward position. Throughout his career, he played for various top European clubs and represented the Lithuanian national team with distinction. Mačiulis achieved significant success, including being named to the All-EuroBasket Team in 2015 when Lithuania secured the silver medal. His contributions on the court were characterized by a strong work ethic, defensive prowess, and the ability to score from various positions.

Mantas Kalnietis had a successful professional basketball career, notably playing for Žalgiris Kaunas in the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL) and the EuroLeague. He was a versatile player, primarily excelling as a point guard but also capable of playing as a shooting guard. Kalnietis showcased his skills not only at the club level but also as a valuable member of the Lithuanian national basketball team. His contributions on the court and ability to play multiple positions solidified his reputation as a talented and adaptable player.

Mindaugas Kuzminskas is a versatile Lithuanian professional basketball player known for his skills as a small forward and power forward. He currently plays for AEK Athens in the Greek Basket League and the Basketball Champions League. Kuzminskas is also a valuable member of the Lithuanian national team, showcasing his talent on the international stage. Standing at 2.05 meters tall, he brings a strong presence to the court and is recognized for his athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive prowess.

Linas Kleiza is a prominent Lithuanian basketball figure known for his successful career as a player and executive. Standing at 6 ft 8 in, he excelled as a small forward and power forward. Throughout his career, he achieved notable accomplishments such as winning the Alphonso Ford EuroLeague Top Scorer Trophy, being part of the All-EuroLeague First Team, and representing Lithuania in various international competitions. Kleiza played a key role in leading the national team to medals in prestigious tournaments, showcasing his talent and leadership on the court.

Paulius Jankūnas had a successful professional basketball career primarily with Žalgiris Kaunas in the Lithuanian Basketball League and the EuroLeague. He was a versatile player, excelling at both center and power forward positions, with power forward being his primary role. Jankūnas was known for his skills on the court and was a valuable member of the senior Lithuanian national team. His achievements include being selected to the All-EuroLeague Second Team in 2018, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport.

Arturas Karnisovas is a prominent Lithuanian professional basketball executive and former player. He currently serves as the executive vice president of basketball operations for the Chicago Bulls in the NBA. With a wealth of experience in both playing and managing basketball, Karnisovas has established himself as a key figure in shaping the direction and success of the Bulls organization. His strategic vision and leadership capabilities have been instrumental in driving the team towards achieving its goals and fostering a competitive edge in the league.

Marius Grigonis is a skilled Lithuanian professional basketball player known for his versatility at the shooting guard and small forward positions. Currently playing for Panathinaikos in the Greek Basket League and EuroLeague, Grigonis stands at an impressive height of 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m). With his agility and scoring ability, he contributes significantly to his team's offensive capabilities. Grigonis' strong defensive skills also make him a valuable asset on the court, showcasing his well-rounded abilities as a professional basketball player.

Edgaras Ulanovas is a prominent Lithuanian professional basketball player known for his leadership skills as the team captain for Žalgiris Kaunas in both the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL) and the EuroLeague. He is recognized for his versatility on the court, primarily playing as a small forward. Ulanovas has gained a reputation for his strategic thinking, defensive prowess, and scoring ability, making him a valuable asset to the team. His contributions have helped elevate Žalgiris Kaunas to competitive success in domestic and international basketball competitions.

Artūras Gudaitis is a Lithuanian professional basketball player currently playing for Alvark Tokyo in the Japanese B.League. At 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in), he excels as a center on the court. He was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2015 NBA draft, showcasing his talent and potential as a player. Gudaitis has continued to make a name for himself in the basketball world with his skills and contributions to his teams, demonstrating his dedication and passion for the game.

Ramūnas Šiškauskas is a former Lithuanian professional basketball player and coach known for his versatility at shooting guard and small forward positions. He has achieved significant success in his career, winning two EuroLeague titles with Panathinaikos Athens and CSKA Moscow and earning accolades such as the EuroLeague MVP award and multiple All-EuroLeague Team selections. As a member of the Lithuanian national team, he has won medals at prestigious tournaments like the EuroBasket and the Summer Olympics, solidifying his legacy as a EuroLeague Basketball Legend.

Arnoldas Kulboka is a Lithuanian professional basketball player currently with Prometey in the Latvian–Estonian Basketball League. He was chosen by the Charlotte Hornets as the 55th pick in the 2018 NBA draft. Standing at 2.06 m (6 ft 9 in), he possesses versatility to excel at both forward positions. Known for his athleticism and shooting prowess, Kulboka has displayed strong potential in his career. With a promising future ahead, he continues to make strides in the world of professional basketball.

Renaldas Seibutis had a successful professional basketball career, playing as a shooting guard. He gained recognition for his skills on the court and was selected to represent the senior Lithuanian national team in international competitions. Throughout his career, Seibutis showcased his talent in various leagues and teams, demonstrating his scoring ability and defensive prowess. His contributions to the teams he played for were significant, earning him a reputation as a reliable and versatile player in the world of professional basketball.

Justė Veronika Jocytė is a talented Lithuanian professional basketball player known for her skills at shooting guard and small forward positions. She currently plays for Lyon ASVEL women's club in the Ligue Féminine de Basketball and is part of its esteemed youth academy. Jocytė's career is marked by her impressive performance on the court and her dedication to the sport. She has shown great potential and is regarded as a promising player in the basketball community, contributing significantly to her team's success.

Robertas Javtokas is a retired Lithuanian professional basketball player and sports executive. He played as a center for various teams, including the Lithuanian national team and the San Antonio Spurs. After his playing career, he transitioned into a sports director role at Žalgiris Kaunas. Standing at an impressive height of 2.11 m (6 ft 11 in), Javtokas left a mark on the basketball world with his skills and contributions both on and off the court.

Senda Berenson Abbott was a pioneering figure in women's basketball, credited with introducing and adapting rules for the sport to Smith College in 1899. She authored the first Basketball Guide for Women, shaping the early development of women's basketball. Abbott's contributions to the sport were recognized with inductions into the Basketball Hall of Fame, the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, and the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. Her innovative approach to women's basketball laid the foundation for the growth and evolution of the game.

Rimantas "Rimas" Kaukėnas is a Lithuanian former professional basketball player known for his versatile skills on the court. Throughout his extensive career, he played in various countries, with Italy being a standout location for his success. Kaukėnas showcased his talents as a shooting guard and point guard, demonstrating his adaptability and strategic gameplay. He also made significant contributions as a member of the Lithuanian national team, representing his country at the highest level of international competition.

Jonas Kazlauskas is a renowned Lithuanian professional basketball coach and former player. With an impressive career spanning several decades, he has made significant contributions to the sport both on and off the court. Known for his strategic prowess and leadership skills, Kazlauskas has held various coaching positions in top basketball leagues around the world. His most recent role as the head coach of the Guangdong Southern Tigers in the Chinese Basketball Association showcased his ability to mentor and guide players to success at the highest level of competition.

Darjuš Lavrinovič, a former Lithuanian professional basketball player, excelled primarily as a center due to his impressive height of 2.12 meters. He proudly represented the Lithuanian national basketball team and achieved recognition on the All-EuroLeague Second Team in 2006. Lavrinovič's professional career was marked by his skillful play on the court, where he showcased his talent, dedication, and contributions to the sport of basketball, leaving a lasting impact on the European basketball scene.

Kšyštof Lavrinovič is a retired Lithuanian professional basketball player known for his versatility in playing at the power forward and center positions. He had a successful career, earning recognition as a two-time All-EuroLeague selection. Lavrinovič's skills and contributions on the court made him a valuable asset to the teams he played for throughout his career. His talent and dedication to the sport helped him establish himself as a respected player in European basketball.

Martinas Geben is a Lithuanian professional basketball player currently playing for Cedevita Olimpija in the Slovenian Basketball League and the Adriatic League. He gained experience playing college basketball at the University of Notre Dame. Known for his skills on both ends of the court, Geben has established himself as a valuable asset with his scoring ability and defensive presence. His professional career has been marked by his dedication to improving his game and contributing to the success of his team.

Martynas Pocius had a successful professional basketball career, playing for various teams in Europe and the United States. He was known for his skills on the court, versatility, and leadership qualities. Pocius also represented the Lithuanian national basketball team, showcasing his talent at the international level. Throughout his career, he gained a reputation as a hardworking and dedicated player, contributing significantly to his teams' success both domestically and internationally. Pocius retired as a respected figure in the world of basketball.

Saulius Štombergas is a retired Lithuanian professional basketball player, coach, and businessman. Regarded as one of the greatest Lithuanian basketball players, he was praised for his leadership skills and ability to perform under pressure. Known for his exceptional 3-point shooting, Štombergas had a successful career both domestically and internationally. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching and later ventured into business. His contributions to the sport and his impact on the basketball community remain noteworthy.

Artūras Milaknis is a retired Lithuanian basketball player and coach known for his skills as a shooting guard. Standing at 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in), he had a successful career playing professionally. Milaknis displayed a strong shooting ability and versatility on the court throughout his time as a player. After retiring, he transitioned into coaching, sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of basketball players. Milaknis is respected for his contributions to the sport both as a player and a mentor.

Dainius Adomaitis is a retired Lithuanian professional basketball player who has transitioned to coaching. He has had a successful career as a head coach for Alvark Tokyo in Japan's B.League. Adomaitis brings his wealth of experience as a former player to his coaching role, utilizing his knowledge and skills to lead and mentor his team. Known for his strategic approach and leadership qualities, Adomaitis continues to make a significant impact in the world of basketball through his coaching career.

Rokas Jokubaitis is a Lithuanian professional basketball player known for his skills on both ends of the court. He currently plays for Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv in the Israeli Basketball Premier League and the EuroLeague. Jokubaitis has proven himself as a versatile player with a strong scoring ability and playmaking skills. His contributions on the court have helped his team achieve success in various competitions. With his talent and determination, Jokubaitis continues to make a name for himself as a rising star in professional basketball.

Deividas Sirvydis is a Lithuanian professional basketball player currently playing for Žalgiris Kaunas in the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL) and the EuroLeague. He was drafted 37th overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2019 NBA draft and subsequently traded to the Detroit Pistons. Sirvydis has showcased his talent and skills on the court, earning recognition for his shooting abilities and versatility. He continues to develop and make a name for himself in the competitive world of professional basketball.

Rokas Giedraitis is a skilled Lithuanian professional basketball player known for his role as a small forward on the Crvena zvezda team in the Serbian KLS, Adriatic League, and EuroLeague. With an impressive career, he has showcased his talents on the court, contributing to his team's success with his versatile skills and basketball IQ. Giedraitis continues to make a name for himself in the competitive world of professional basketball, earning recognition for his dedication and performance.

Rimas Kurtinaitis is a distinguished figure in the world of basketball, known for his successful career as both a player and a coach. He achieved great success as a player, representing the Soviet and Lithuanian national teams and winning a gold medal at the 1988 Olympics. Standing at 1.96 m tall, he played as a shooting guard and even made history by being the only non-NBA player to participate in the NBA All-Star Weekend's Three-Point Contest. Kurtinaitis later transitioned to coaching, where he has continued to make significant contributions to the sport.

Simas Jasaitis is a Lithuanian professional basketball player known for his skills on the court. He currently plays for Orlandina Basket in the Italian Serie B league, showcasing his talent and contributing to the team's success. With his experience and expertise, Jasaitis has also been a valuable member of the Lithuanian national basketball team, representing his country at various international competitions. His dedication to the sport and impressive performance have earned him respect and recognition within the basketball community.

Darius Songaila is a Lithuanian professional basketball coach and former player known for his versatility at the power forward and center positions. He has had a successful career representing the Lithuania national team and playing in various professional leagues. Currently serving as an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA, Songaila brings his wealth of experience and knowledge of the game to help guide and develop players at the highest level of basketball competition.

Norbertas Giga is a talented Lithuanian professional basketball player who has had a diverse career in various teams. He played college basketball in the United States before moving on to represent teams in Lithuania such as Rytas Vilnius, Juventus Utena, and Neptūnas Klaipėda. Giga also had the opportunity to showcase his skills in the NBA Summer League with the Philadelphia 76ers. His experience includes playing for Haukar in Iceland's top league, showcasing his versatility and talent in different basketball environments.

Lukas Lekavičius is a Lithuanian professional basketball player for Žalgiris Kaunas in the Lithuanian Basketball League and the EuroLeague. As a point guard, he stands at 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in). Lekavičius has established himself as a key player, earning recognition by being named to the LKL All-Tournament Team in 2017. His skills and contributions on the court have made him an integral part of his team's success, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport at a professional level.

Laurynas Birutis is a talented Lithuanian professional basketball player known for his skills on the court. He plays for Žalgiris Kaunas in the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL) and the prestigious EuroLeague. Birutis has showcased his abilities as a reliable and consistent player, contributing to his team's success with his strong defensive presence and scoring capabilities. His dedication and hard work have earned him recognition in the basketball world, making him a valuable asset to Žalgiris Kaunas and a player to watch in the EuroLeague.

Valdemaras Chomičius is a former Lithuanian professional basketball player who excelled as a point guard for teams such as Žalgiris Kaunas, Forum Valladolid, and CAI Zaragoza. He also played in Italy for Aprimatic Bologna. Transitioning into coaching, he served in various roles for teams like Kraitenė Marijampolė, PBC Ural Great Perm, and BC UNICS. Chomičius led Triumph Lyubertsy, BC Dnipro, and BC Dzūkija as head coach, achieving success with the Lithuania national team in winning the FIBA Stanković Continental Champions' Cup in 2005.

Martynas Echodas is a talented Lithuanian professional basketball player currently playing for Rytas Vilnius in the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL). Known for his skills on the court, Echodas has made a name for himself as a valuable asset to his team. With a strong presence in the league, he has showcased his abilities in various games, earning recognition for his contributions to Rytas Vilnius. Echodas continues to impress fans and fellow players alike with his dedication and performance in the sport.

Modestas Paulauskas is a former Lithuanian professional basketball coach and player, known for his exceptional skills on the court. He made history as the youngest EuroBasket MVP at just 20 years old and was renowned for his outstanding dribbling abilities. Paulauskas was a dominant force in Lithuanian basketball, winning the Lithuanian Sportsman of the Year award seven times. He also achieved Olympic Gold with the Soviet team in 1972 and was honored as one of FIBA's 50 Greatest Players in 1991. Recently, he was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2021.

Eurelijus Žukauskas is a retired Lithuanian professional basketball player known for his impressive height of 2.18 m (7'2") and weight of 118 kg (260 lbs.). He was a dominant force at the center position during his career. Žukauskas gained recognition for his strong defensive skills, shot-blocking ability, and scoring prowess near the basket. His imposing presence in the paint made him a valuable asset to the teams he played for, leaving a lasting impact on the professional basketball scene.

John William Shurna is a professional basketball player currently with Gran Canaria in the Spanish Liga ACB. He previously played in the NBA Summer League with the Atlanta Hawks and signed briefly with the New York Knicks. Shurna had a successful college career with the Northwestern Wildcats, earning multiple All-Big Ten Conference selections and setting numerous school records. He was recognized as the Sporting News Most Improved Player in 2010 and won the State Farm College 3-Point Championship in 2012. Shurna also has experience representing Team USA in international competitions.

Tomas Dimša is a talented Lithuanian professional basketball player known for his skills at the shooting guard position. He currently plays for Žalgiris Kaunas in the LKL and EuroLeague, showcasing his agility and scoring abilities on the court. Dimša has gained recognition for his versatility and sharp shooting, contributing significantly to his team's success in various competitions. With a strong work ethic and dedication to improving his game, he continues to make a positive impact in the world of professional basketball.

Gytis Masiulis is a highly skilled Lithuanian professional basketball player known for his talent and dedication on the court. He currently plays for Rytas Vilnius in the competitive Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL). Masiulis has displayed exceptional athleticism and basketball IQ, making him a valuable asset to his team. With his strong work ethic and determination, he consistently contributes to his team's success and has earned a reputation as a reliable and versatile player in the professional basketball scene.

Eimantas Bendžius is a talented Lithuanian professional basketball player known for his role as a power forward for Dinamo Sassari in the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA). Standing at an impressive height of 2.07 meters (6 feet 9 1/2 inches), he brings a strong presence to the team with his skills and athleticism on the court. Bendžius has showcased his abilities and contributed significantly to his team's success in competitive basketball leagues, making a name for himself in the professional basketball world.

Darius Maskoliūnas is a versatile figure in the world of sports and politics. As a professional basketball coach, he has showcased his expertise both on and off the court. With a background as a former player, he brings valuable insights and experience to his coaching role. Additionally, his foray into politics demonstrates his commitment to serving his community beyond the realm of sports. Through his various roles, Darius Maskoliūnas has established himself as a respected and influential figure in Lithuania.

Tadas Sedekerskis is a prominent Lithuanian basketball player who currently serves as the team captain for Saski Baskonia in both the Spanish Liga ACB and the EuroLeague. Known for his strong leadership skills and versatile playing style, Sedekerskis has established himself as a key player in the competitive European basketball scene. With his consistent performance on the court and ability to excel in pressure situations, he has earned the respect of fans and fellow athletes alike, solidifying his reputation as a top professional in the sport.

Donaldas Kairys is a Lithuanian professional basketball coach and former player. He has had a diverse coaching career, serving as an assistant coach for the Lithuania national basketball team from 2006 to 2012. In 2020, Kairys was signed as the head coach for Avtodor Saratov but left after the season ended. He then became the head coach of Rytas Vilnius in June 2020 but was fired in January 2021 following two decisive losses.

Kęstutis Kemzūra is a former Lithuanian professional basketball player turned coach. Standing at 1.91 m (6'3"), he played as a point guard during his career. After retiring as a player, Kemzūra transitioned into coaching, where he has made a name for himself in the Lithuanian Basketball League. He last served as the head coach for BC Wolves, showcasing his leadership and strategic abilities on the sidelines. Kemzūra's experience as both a player and a coach has contributed to his success in the basketball world.

Arnas Velička is a Lithuanian professional basketball player who has played for various teams in Europe, including Rytas Vilnius, Žalgiris Kaunas, FC Barcelona B, and Löwen Braunschweig. He has also had stints in Italy with Napoli Basket and Germany with Niners Chemnitz. Velička has participated in prestigious tournaments such as the Adidas Next Generation Tournament and the Basketball Without Borders camp. Known for his scoring ability and playmaking skills, Velička has been recognized for his performances in multiple youth championships, earning spots on All-Tournament Teams.

Regimantas Miniotas is a Lithuanian basketball player who began his professional career with BC Žalgiris-2 in 2014, showcasing his talent at the Euroleague Youth Tournament. He played two seasons with Žalgiris-2 in NKL, contributing both offensively and defensively. Miniotas then joined Vytautas Prienai-Birštonas for the 2016–17 season before moving to Bilbao Basket in 2020. In 2021, he returned to Žalgiris Kaunas and later signed with BC Wolves in 2022, demonstrating his skills and versatility on the court throughout his career.