BC Žalgiris

Žalgiris Kaunas
Nickname Žaliai balti (The Green-Whites)
Leagues Lithuanian Basketball League
EuroLeague
Founded 1944
History BC Žalgiris
(1944–present)
Arena Žalgiris Arena
Arena Capacity 15,552
Location Kaunas, Lithuania
Team colors Green, white
         
Team manager Paulius Motiejūnas
Head coach Šarūnas Jasikevičius
Championships 1 EuroLeague
1 Saporta Cup
1 Intercontinental Cup
5 Soviet Union Leagues
1 Soviet Union Cup
1 NEBL
19 Lithuanian Leagues
5 Lithuanian Cups
5 Baltic Leagues
1 Stepas Butautas Cup
Retired numbers 2 (11, 5)
Website zalgiris.lt
Uniforms
Home
Away
Active departments of BC Žalgiris
Basketball Basketball B Football
Football B Rugby union

Basketball Club Žalgiris (Lithuanian: Krepšinio klubas Žalgiris) is a professional basketball team that is based in Kaunas, Lithuania. It is one of the oldest teams in the EuroLeague and plays domestically in the Lietuvos krepšinio lyga (LKL). Žalgiris is one of 11 European clubs that hold EuroLeague A Licenses, which provide their holders with a guaranteed place in the regular-season phase of the EuroLeague. Since the 2011–12 season, Žalgiris plays its home games in the new Žalgiris Arena, built just before the EuroBasket 2011. The club's name commemorates the victorious Battle of Žalgiris (Battle of Grunwald) (both names: Žalgiris and Grunwald are translated as "green grove").

Žalgiris has featured many Lithuanian basketball legends during their history, including Arvydas Sabonis, Modestas Paulauskas, Šarūnas Jasikevičius and Šarūnas Marčiulionis.[1] Eight of the thirteen Lithuanian basketball players to ever play for an NBA team have played for Žalgiris or were part of the Žalgiris youth program at one point in their careers (Arvydas Sabonis, Šarūnas Marčiulionis, Šarūnas Jasikevičius, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Donatas Motiejūnas, Mindaugas Kuzminskas, Darius Songaila, Martynas Andriuškevičius).

The team is the most decorated Lithuanian basketball club ever, having won twenty-nine Lithuanian championships (1946, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1957, 1958, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016), three Soviet championships (1985, 1986, 1987), one European championship (1999), and have reached the Lithuanian league finals every single season in league history.

History

1944–1982

Arvydas Sabonis #11 was one of the most dominant centers in the world.

The club was formed in 1944.[2] The team almost immediately became a power, winning multiple Lithuanian basketball championships, also winning the USSR Premier Basketball League in 1947 and 1951. The team also won silver in the 1949 and 1952 championships, also winning the bronze medals in 1953, 1954, 1955 and 1956. Žalgiris also won the USSR Basketball Cup in 1953. The team was at the time was led by Stepas Butautas, Vytautas Kulakauskas, Justinas Lagunavičius, Kazimieras Petkevičius, and later, by Stasys Stonkus and Algirdas Lauritėnas.

In the 1960s, the team's play declined, and many new young players like Modestas Paulauskas, Romualdas Venzbergas, Henrikas Giedraitis joined the team, later joined by Algirdas Linkevičius and Sergėjus Jovaiša, though the highest achievement was bronze medals in the Soviet Union championship in 1971, 1973 and 1978. In 1980, Žalgiris won the silver medals, and debuted in the 1980–81 FIBA European Cup Winner's Cup the next season.

1983–1987: Fame

Valdemaras Chomičius played 11 straight seasons from 1978 to 1989.

Žalgiris became the dominant force in Soviet Union and in Europe when they added new talents to the team: first came Valdemaras Chomičius then Rimas Kurtinaitis and Vladas Garastas became the new team coach. But everything changed when the team noticed a talented young kid named Arvydas Sabonis, who was 17 years old 209 cm and he debuted in the club in 1981. He grew about 12 more cm in the next couple of years and could do everything on the court: play defense, assist his teammates, shoot 3 pointers and dominate inside the paint.

In the mid-1980s, the finals between BC Žalgiris Kaunas and CSKA Moscow (Central Sports Club of Army) served as a major inspiration for Lithuanian national revival that contributed to the emergence of the Sąjūdis national movement and re-establishment of state independence. Especially when they played in Kaunas Sports Hall.

During the 1980s, Žalgiris was competing in the top competitions with top clubs in Europe, such as FC Barcelona, Real Madrid and Cibona. Stars Sabonis, Kurtinaitis, Chomičius and Jovaiša led the team to three consecutive Soviet Union National League championships from 1985 till 1987, beating CSKA Moscow in the finals. In 1985 the four stars led the team to the Saporta Cup final, but Žalgiris lost to FC Barcelona and Jovaiša was missed desperately because of injury in that final game. Despite the loss, Žalgiris participated in EuroLeague the next year as the Soviet Union champions, reaching the finals and losing to the rival Cibona. In 1986, Žalgiris won the William Jones Intercontinental Cup, defeating Dražen Petrović's Cibona Zagreb in the semifinals and Ferro Carril Oeste in the finals. They also participated in 1987 FIBA Club World Cup. Žalgiris was emerging as one of the top clubs in Europe at the time.

1987–1989: Setbacks

In 1987, however, Žalgiris suffered a setback. Biggest star of the club, Arvydas Sabonis, suffered a torn achilles tendon. Three months later, he tore it again, causing him to miss most of the 1987–88 season. That season, Žalgiris won a silver medal, losing to CSKA Moscow in the Soviet League finals. The next season, Sabonis came back, and the club managed to reach European Cup Winners Cup semifinals and win a silver medal in Soviet League, losing a dramatic finals to BC Budivelnik.

Just before the start of the 1989–90 season Žalgiris lost all of its leaders and half of its team: Sabonis, Kurtinaitis, Jovaiša, Chomičius and head coach Garastas all left the club, free from the Iron Curtain that barred Lithuanian basketball talent from becoming internationals.

1989–1997: New generation

Former player Gintaras Krapikas later became the head coach of Žalgiris

In the 1989–90 season, Žalgiris led by new team captain Gintaras Krapikas, Algirdas Brazys and other talented young Lithuanian players coached by former team captain Hendrikas Giedraitis managed to reach Clubs Cup Winners Cup semifinals, where they lost a competitive 2 games series vs Real Madrid. Following the mass emigration of players, Žalgiris renewed their roster with youngsters such as Gintaras Einikis, Darius Lukminas, Arūnas Visockas. Žalgiris, led by Einikis and Lukminas, won their first LKL title in 1994, cruising past Atletas Kaunas 3–1 in a four-game series. For Next two years, Žalgiris again dominated LKL tournament and had success participating in the Saporta Cup for the 1995–96 season when Rimas Kurtinaitis returned to play for his home team. After finishing with a 9-3 record in the regular season, Žalgiris advanced to the semifinals, but fell to PAOK in the two games series. The season was successful, though, as Žalgiris once again won the LKL championship, beating Atletas 3-2. The 1996-1997 season, Žalgiris played successfully in the Saporta Cup, though lost to BC Racing in the 1/8 finals. The season ended with yet another win in the LKL, this time beating BC Olimpas 3-0.

1998–1999: The biggest success

Jonas Kazlauskas, coach of the 1998-99 Euroleague champions.

Žalgiris enjoyed the biggest success as a club during the 1997–98 and 1998–99 seasons. Led by a new generation of great Lithuanian talents Saulius Štombergas, Dainius Adomaitis, Eurelijus Žukauskas, Tomas Masiulis, Mindaugas Žukauskas, experienced foreign players Franjo Arapović and Ennis Whatley and coached by Jonas Kazlauskas, they defeated Stefanel Milano 82–67 in the 1998 Saporta Cup final in Belgrade. Saulius Štombergas scored 35 points in the final. Žalgiris once again won the LKL title, the 5th one in a row against BC Atletas.

In the 1998–99 season Žalgiris was the biggest surprise in EuroLeague. Coached again by Jonas Kazlauskas and led by former NBA players Tyus Edney, Anthony Bowie, George Zidek and great Lithuanian talents, they made it to the EuroLeague Final Four in Munich for a first time in their history, where they were crowned European champions defeating front runners Olympiacos and Kinder Bologna in the semifinal and the final respectively. Tyus Edney was named EuroLeague Final Four MVP. Žalgiris also won LKL and NEBL titles that same season. They won bronze in 1999 McDonald's Championship. The LKL win was also notable, as the long rivalry between Žalgiris and Lietuvos Rytas began. After these two great seasons best players of the club went to the richest European clubs and Žalgiris is trying to duplicate that feat ever since.

2000–2004: Struggles and Sabonis comeback

The year after winning the EuroLeague, Zalgiris suffered one of the worst seasons in club history, getting eliminated after the group stage in the EuroLeague, finishing only 3rd in the NEBL and losing in the LKL finals for the first time. The 2001 season was more successful, as the team reached the EuroLeague playoffs, but lost to AEK. The team regained the LKL championship though, beating BC Lietuvos Rytas 3-2. The 2002 season was again disappointing, as the team got eliminated in the EuroLeague after the group stage. The LKL championship was also lost. In the 2003 season, history repeated itself in the EuroLeague, as the team was eliminated after the group stage, though Zalgiris rebounded with an LKL championship victory, beating BC Lietuvos Rytas 4-2. Sabonis became the principal owner of the club in 2003, after having played for many years in the Spanish ACB League and the NBA. He also came back to play for the club for one last season in 2003–04. He again dominated European competition winning EuroLeague Regular Season and Top 16 MVP. Žalgiris almost made it to the EuroLeague Final Four, but were stopped by Maccabi Tel Aviv, who tied the game on Derrick Sharp's last second three-pointer at the end of regulation and went on to lose in overtime. The season ended in a high note, as Zalgiris easily swept Lietuvos Rytas in the LKL championship 4-0.

2004–2009: Post-Sabonis era

In 2005 Jonas Mačiulis began his EuroLeague career as Žalgiris member.

After the departure of Sabonis at the conclusion of the 2003–04 season, Žalgiris faced a series of ups and downs. In the 2004–05 season, thanks to very solid play from mainstays Tanoka Beard, Mindaugas Timinskas, Dainius Šalenga and new addition Robert Pack, Žalgiris had a very solid season. In the EuroLeague, Žalgiris finished the regular season with an 8-6 record, including wins on the road against heavy favorites Maccabi Tel Aviv and FC Barcelona. However, in the Top16 phase, Žalgiris entered a long slump and finished with an 0-6 record. Žalgiris recovered on the domestic front, easily defeating ULEB Cup winner Lietuvos Rytas in the LKL finals with a 4-0 sweep, and also won the inaugural Baltic Basketball League championship, beating Lietuvos Rytas in the finals 64-60.

In the 2005–06 season, the team suffered many changes. With Mindaugas Timinskas, Dainius Šalenga and Robert Pack all leaving after the previous season, Žalgiris built a younger team and also resigned Ed Cota, and had high hopes for the season. With the emergence of Darjuš Lavrinovič, and strong teamwork, Žalgiris started the season very solidly, finishing the EuroLeague regular season with a 9-5 record. Off-court, Žalgiris had many issues, resulting in a huge slump for the team, ending the Top 16 phase with an 0-6 record again and losing both the LKL and BBL titles to Lietuvos Rytas. The lone bright spot became the play of emerging point guard Mantas Kalnietis, who was signed both as a replacement for the released Ed Cota and due to very poor play from new point guard and longtime NBA player Kenny Anderson.

Dainius Šalenga dedicated most of his career for Žalgiris.
DeJuan Collins, one of team's leaders in the 2007-08 season.

After the catastrophic ending to the previous season, many fans had optimistic hopes for the 2006–07 season. Under new coach Ainars Bagatskis and signings of Marko Popović, Marcelinho Machado and Hanno Möttölä (who replaced the departing Darjuš Lavrinovič), Žalgiris put together a very competitive team. Despite high hopes, the season started very poorly. Due to emphasis of offence instead of defence, Žalgiris had very poor defence, and finished the EuroLeague regular season with a catastrophic 2-12 record. After Ainars Bagatskis was replaced by assistant coach Rimantas Grigas, Žalgiris started to show signs of improvement. Late additions of Loren Woods and DeJuan Collins improved defence, and with the emergence of Jonas Mačiulis and Paulius Jankūnas, Žalgiris recovered. The wars against Lietuvos Rytas continued, with both teams splitting the first two titles - with Žalgiris winning the newly established LKF Cup, and Lietuvos Rytas winning the BBL title. In the LKL finals, Žalgiris regained the LKL title after a hard fought series, winning against Lietuvos Rytas 4-2.

Before the 2007–08 season, Žalgiris signed longtime EuroLeague player Marcus Brown. Having a very solid team, Žalgiris also faced off against NBA teams for the first time in club history, playing the Golden State Warriors (88:107), the Toronto Raptors (99:105) and the Washington Wizards (96:115). The team had a very successful season in the EuroLeague, finishing with an 8-6 record in a very strong group. The season is also remembered for the departure of longtime player and former captain Tanoka Beard. Žalgiris also won the LKF Cup for the second year in a row, beating Lietuvos Rytas in the finals due to a phenomenal performance from DeJuan Collins. Despite high hopes entering the Top 16, the team entered into a slump, playing poorly and finishing the Top 16 with a 1-5 record. This led to strong criticism against coach Grigas. Žalgiris recovered quickly and again due to incredible performance from DeJuan Collins, won the BBL title against Lietuvos Rytas, with Collins hitting the game-winner in the final seconds. The team finished the season on a very high note, beating Lietuvos Rytas in the LKL finals 4-1 and retaining the LKL title.

The 2008–09 season started on a very high note, with the resigning of Jonas Mačiulis and Loren Woods, retaining leader Marcus Brown and signing of new point guard Willie Deane, who replaced the departed DeJuan Collins. However, financial difficulties soon started to appear, leading to poor play from the team and the firing of coach Grigas, who was replaced by longtime player and assistant coach Gintaras Krapikas. Willie Deane was soon released, in large part due to his catastrophic play in the EuroLeague, which led to a 7-game losing streak. The team recovered under point guard Mantas Kalnietis, and finished the EuroLeague regular season with a 2-8 record and missing the Top 16. Despite growing financial difficulties, and the departure of Loren Woods, the team started to fight back, making the LKL and BBL finals. Despite this, this was the most Žalgiris could accomplish, as they lost to Lietuvos Rytas. Jonas Mačiulis, who became the team leader during the season, left after the season ended.

2009–2013: V. Romanov era

Vladimir Romanov, the team's owner from 2009 to 2013.

During the 2008–09 season Žalgiris was facing significant financial difficulties which led to a search of a new investor. The solution was found and in 2009 Sabonis sold most of his stake to the local investment group, Ūkio banko investicinė grupė (ŪBIG) which was headed by Vladimir Romanov, who then held a majority stake of 75% of the club. Sabonis retained a 21.5% interest in the club; 3% was owned by a minority group, while the remaining 0.5% were owned by the Kaunas City municipality.

In the 2009–10 season, however, Romanov soon became disliked by Žalgiris fans. After the departures of Jonas Mačiulis and Paulius Jankūnas, the team resigned the returning Marcus Brown and also signed Martynas Pocius, who quickly became one of the best players for the team. The team also resigned point guard Mantas Kalnietis, who turned down the offer of Benneton Treviso. The team started the season successfully, winning the new BBL Cup against Lietuvos Rytas. However, soon the team began to play poorly, leading to Krapikas resigning as head coach and being replaced by former Lithuanian National team coach Ramūnas Butautas, who lead the team to the EuroLeague Top 16 phase with a 3-7 regular season record. After the team entered a slump, Romanov fired coach Butautas in a controversial move, replacing him with assistant coach and former captain Darius Maskoliūnas. Under Maskoliūnas, Žalgiris nearly made the Top 8 phase for the first time in club history, and finished with a solid 2-4 record. Žalgiris won back the BBL title by beating Lietuvos Rytas in the finals, but more controversy quickly arose during the LKL finals. During the series, Romanov fired coach Maskoliūnas in a very shocking move, a move that incensed Žalgiris fans to no end. Lietuvos Rytas won the controversial series 4-3, leading to speculation that Romanov intentionally tanked the finals, as Lietuvos Rytas qualified to the Euroleague season because of it, while Žalgiris already had been qualified. The season is widely considered as the most controversial in club history.

Before the 2010–11 season, Žalgiris resigned the returning Paulis Jankūnas and DeJuan Collins, also retaining leaders of the previous season Marcus Brown, Martynas Pocius, Mantas Kalnietis, Dainius Šalenga and Tadas Klimavičius. Žalgiris also signed Aco Petrović as the new head coach for the team and Tomas Delininkaitis as shooting guard. The season began with Žalgiris playing very strongly, dominating in the LKL, BBL and leading in the EuroLeague. However, the team entered into a slump, and Romanov fired head coach Petrović despite still solid results. The move cost the team a lot of momentum, as they qualified to the Top 16 phase only in the final games, with a 5-5 record. After a controversial departure from center Mirza Begić, the slump continued even under new coach Ilias Zouros, with disastrous records in the Top 16 (1-5 record) phase and the VTB United League (not qualifying to the Final Four). The VTB League fiasco became even more frustrating, as Žalgiris won the bronze medals the previous season. However, the losses motivated the team, and after recovery from Marcus Brown (who was injured for most of the season), Žalgiris won back the LKF Cup from Lietuvos Rytas and defeated VEF Riga in BBL finals. In the LKL finals, Žalgiris easily defeated Lietuvos Rytas 4-1, regaining the LKL title for the first time since 2008.

Paulius Jankūnas is one of the most notable modern Žalgiris players.

Since the 2011–12 season, Žalgiris plays its home games in the new Žalgiris Arena, built just before the EuroBasket 2011. The new arena was built to accommodate almost 16,000 spectators and is regarded as one of the best in Europe. Due to the NBA lockout, the team signed Sonny Weems and Ty Lawson. The team also resigned long time fan-favorite Marko Popovič. The team also signed longtime Lietuvos Rytas player and former Lithuanian National team captain Robertas Javtokas as center. With a very solid roster, many fans believed the team could even be stronger than the 1998–99 EuroLeague champion team. However, the season started very poorly for Žalgiris. Hoping to end the slump, Romanov fired coach Zouros and replaced him with former Lietuvos Rytas head coach Aleksandar Trifunović, a move that many Žalgiris fans disliked. Despite initial improvement, with the team finishing the EuroLeague regular season with a 4-6 record and a trip to the Top 16, the slump continued in the Top 16, with the team ending the disastrous Euroleague season with 0-6 record. After Ty Lawson left the team, Mantas Kalnietis played his perhaps best season, becoming a true leader for Žalgiris. The team slowly recovered, winning the LKF Cup. After being eliminated in the VTB playoffs, Žalgiris made the BBL Final Four, winning against Lietuvos Rytas in the finals despite losing leader Sonny Weems (who was released due to injury) and DeJuan Collins (who was released due to failing a drug test). With very solid play from Marko Popovič and Tomas Delininkaitis, Žalgiris retained the LKL title, defeating Lietuvos Rytas in the finals 3:0 and ending a difficult season on a high note.

Rimantas Kaukėnas, one of the essential players in 2012–13 season.

The 2012–13 season was one of the best in club history. Žalgiris signed Rimantas Kaukėnas, Darjuš Lavrinovič and Kšyštof Lavrinovič. The season began by winning the newly established LKF SuperCup against Lietuvos Rytas. Under new coach Joan Plaza Žalgiris started the EuroLeague season with 5 wins in 5 games, the best start in the club's history in EuroLeague. The streak included a 90:62 win against KK Cedevita, marking the club's all-time record for a largest winning margin in EuroLeague and a 79:61 win at Olympiacos B.C.. Žalgiris finished first in the group for the first time in 13 years, with an 8-2 record. Žalgiris also dominated the LKL and the VTB League, taking first places in each of the tournaments. In the VTB League, Žalgiris beat old rivals CSKA Moscow twice. In their 76:66 home victory, Žalgiris broke their attendance record, with 15,779 spectators.

In 2013, after the collapse of Ūkio bankas - owner Vladimir Romanov left Žalgiris. Financial troubles began for Žalgiris again, and Tremmell Darden and Ibrahim Jabber left the club. The new team director Paulius Motiejunas was announced on March 20. Žalgiris finished the Top 16 with a 6-8 record, the best in club history. Žalgiris also won the group stage in the VTB United League. In May, Žalgiris won their 3rd straight LKL title, sweeping Lietuvos Rytas 4-0 in the finals.

2013–2016: A new direction and continued domination of the LKL

Five times youth competitions gold medalist Vytenis Čižauskas was one of the most appreciated young players.

After winning the LKL title, they competed in he VTB United League playoffs, defeating Nizhny Novgorod in the quarterfinals but losing to PBC Lokomotiv-Kuban in the semifinals. Despite the loss, Žalgiris was awarded the bronze medal for the first time since 2010.[3]

After losing head coach Joan Plaza, Žalgiris rehired Ilias Zouros as head coach. Zalgiris left the VTB United League because of the changes in the EuroLeague format, which meant that the teams that didn't qualify for the Top 16 would have a chance to play in the EuroCup playoffs. Žalgiris signed Justin Dentmon on a one-year deal.[4]

Justin Dentmon, leader of the team for the 2013-2014 season.

In September, Žalgiris signed Šarūnas Jasikevičius to a one-year deal. After a very slow start to the season, Ilias Zouros was fired as head coach, replaced by Saulius Štombergas. Žalgiris made the Top 16 for the 5th consecutive time (with a 5-5 record). However, Žalgiris started struggling in the LKL. The Top 16 proved to be a difficult stage, with Žalgiris losing many games by 5 points or less (a 2-12 record overall). After a few losses in the LKF Cup and the LKL, Saulius Štombergas was replaced by Gintaras Krapikas as interim head coach. In the last week of Top 16 playing at home Žalgiris beat Real Madrid for only the third loss of the season for Spanish champions at that time. Justin Dentmon scored 36 points in that game - the most by Žalgiris player in modern EuroLeague. Dentmon also made 74 three-pointers during the season - a EuroLeague record since 2000.[5]

After a loss to BC Lietuvos rytas in the final regular season game in the LKL, Žalgiris entered the playoffs as the 4th seed, the worst in club history. Making it to the semifinals, Žalgiris faced Lietuvos rytas again-for the first time in 15 years these teams have not met in the LKL finals. After losing the first game, Žalgiris rebounded and won Game 2 to even the series. In the final third game, Žalgiris finished off Lietuvos rytas in thrilling game, winning the series 2:1 and qualifying for the finals once again. In the first game of the finals Žalgiris lost to BC Neptūnas, who were in their first LKL Finals. But Žalgiris, winning 3 straight games and entering game five, had a 3-1 lead, had a chance to win the series in Klaipeda, though ended up losing a close game 86:87. The sixth game was only close for the first five minutes, with Žalgiris dominating and winning 90:70, taking the series 4–2 and winning their 4th straight (16th overall) LKL championship.[6]

Artūras Milaknis was one of the finest three-pointers specialists in Europe during the 2014–15 season.

During the preseason, Žalgiris made significant squad changes, including Justin Dentmon leaving, being replaced by Maalik Wayns. Žalgiris also signed Darius Songaila from rivals Lietuvos Rytas and James Anderson from the NBA. Šarūnas Jasikevičius retired and became an assistant coach and more young players were brought to the team. The team started the LKL slowly, with young point guard Lukas Lekavičius being the main bright spot. In the EuroLeague, Žalgiris struggled, but after a few important wins against Nizhny Novgorod, BC UNICS and Dinamo Basket Sassari, qualified to the Top 16 phase with a 5-5 record. In the Top 16, Žalgiris finished with a respectable 5-9 record. In February, Žalgiris won their first title - the LKF Cup for the first time in three years, easily winning the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds, before defeating Lietuvos rytas in the finals. Žalgiris finished the LKL regular season in dominating fashion, with 12 straight wins, taking the top seed. After easy victories in the first and semifinal rounds, Žalgiris once again qualified to the LKL finals. In the finals, Žalgiris met long rival BC Lietuvos rytas, and won a hard fought series 4–0. This win was the 5th consecutive LKL title and the 17th overall.[7]

During the off-season, James Anderson departed to the NBA, whilst Artūras Milaknis left for BC UNICS. Žalgiris signed the returning Mantas Kalnietis in July, after almost three years. Žalgiris also signed Martynas Pocius. In August, Žalgiris signed a member of the Australia men's national basketball team, Brock Motum, and NCAA college player Olivier Hanlan, who was signed as a replacement for Milaknis. They also signed the longtime leader of Lietuvos Rytas, Renaldas Seibutis. Žalgiris had a total of seven players who competed in EuroBasket 2015 that season. Fenerbahçe was the only club which had more representatives (eight).[8] Žalgiris finished the off-season by signing Ian Vougioukas at center. At the start of December, a win over Pınar Karşıyaka 74–52 helped Žalgiris qualify to the Top 16 phase for the 7th consecutive season. After an away win against FC Barcelona Lassa, Žalgiris finished the regular season with a 5-5 record.[9] After a disastrous start to the Top 16, coach Krapikas was replaced by Šarūnas Jasikevičius as the new head coach. The change, while improving the game, had little effect - injuries to Javtokas, the departure of Kalnietis lead the team to a huge slump, leading to a loss to Lietuvos Rytas in the King Mindaugas Cup final. After strong criticism of the team, including the team management for not finding another center to replace the injured Javtokas, Žalgiris signed new point guard Jerome Randle. While the EuroLeague season ended in a fiasco (the Top 16 stage was finished with a 2-12 record), by the end of the season, the team returned to its winning ways. Žalgiris easily made the LKL finals, facing BC Neptūnas (who eliminated Lietuvos Rytas in the semifinals), winning the series 4–1 and with it, the sixth consecutive LKL title.

2016–present: New Euroleague format

In November 2015, a new conflict between FIBA and Euroleague Basketball Company emerged. With FIBA announcing the formation of the Basketball Champions League, FIBA courted the top EuroLeague teams to their side. However, the top teams, the A license teams among which Žalgiris was apart of, decided to remain with the EuroLeague, signing a 10-year contract with the Euroleague Basketball Company.

The preparation for the next season for Žalgiris began during the 2016 LKL finals, with Žalgiris signing point guard Léo Westermann to replace the departing Jerome Randle. After the season, Pocius, Hanlan, Vougioukas, and long time Žalgiris players Siim-Sander Vene and Kaspars Vecvagars, all left the team, while Žalgiris choose to retain the services of Seibutis and Motum. Žalgiris also re-signed Edgaras Ulanovas. One of the main stories of the off-season became the situation of head coach Jasikevičius, who was pursued by FC Barcelona Bàsquet to become their new head coach, but in the end decided to remain with Žalgiris. During the entire previous season, the main problem for the team was the lack of a good shooter – to fix the problem, Žalgiris signed Kevin Pangos, and to replace Vougioukas at center, Žalgiris took Augusto Lima from Real Madrid on loan. Žalgiris also signed the returning Artūras Milaknis to a 3-year deal. Isaiah Hartenstein, a very talented prospect from Germany, who was signed during the previous season, is also scheduled to make his debut in the upcoming season. In August, Žalgiris signed Antanas Kavaliauskas, the captain of Lietuvos Rytas, in a rather controversial decision, as Kavaliauskas had previously promised to never play for Žalgiris, with Kavaliauskas apologizing to fans soon after the signing was announced. With the signing of Kavaliauskas, the formation of the team was complete.

Video games

Žalgiris basketball club was featured in NBA 2K14 video game with top thirteen other EuroLeague teams for the first time in the club history.[10][11] On May 15, 2014 it was announced that Žalgiris would be included in NBA 2K15 video game as well.[12] The club was also featured in NBA 2K16 and NBA 2K17.[13][14]

Players

Retired numbers

Žalgiris Kaunas retired numbers
No. Player Position Tenure Ceremony Date
11 Lithuania Arvydas Sabonis C 1981–89, 2001–02, 2003–05 9/27/2014[15]
5 Lithuania Modestas Paulauskas SF 1962–1976 3/25/2015[16]

Current roster

BC Žalgiris roster
Players Coaches
Pos. # Nat. Name Ht. Wt. Age
PG 3 Canada Pangos, Kevin 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) 82 kg (181 lb) 23 – (1993-01-26)26 January 1993
PG 4 Lithuania Lekavičius, Lukas 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) 76 kg (168 lb) 22 – (1994-03-30)30 March 1994
G 6 Lithuania Valinskas, Paulius 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) 83 kg (183 lb) 20 – (1995-12-09)9 December 1995
SG 7 Lithuania Varnas, Martynas 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) 80 kg (176 lb) 19 – (1997-01-21)21 January 1997
PG 9 France Westermann, Léo 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) 90.4 kg (199 lb) 24 – (1992-07-24)24 July 1992
SG 10 Lithuania Seibutis, Renaldas 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) 84 kg (185 lb) 31 – (1985-07-23)23 July 1985
PF 12 Australia Motum, Brock 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in) 111 kg (245 lb) 26 – (1990-10-16)16 October 1990
PF 13 Lithuania Jankūnas, Paulius (C) 2.05 m (6 ft 9 in) 107 kg (236 lb) 32 – (1984-04-29)29 April 1984
C 15 Lithuania Javtokas, Robertas 2.11 m (6 ft 11 in) 117 kg (258 lb) 36 – (1980-03-20)20 March 1980
G/F 21 Lithuania Milaknis, Artūras 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in) 90 kg (198 lb) 30 – (1986-06-16)16 June 1986
F/C 23 Brazil Lima, Augusto 2.06 m (6 ft 9 in) 104 kg (229 lb) 25 – (1991-09-17)17 September 1991
C 44 Lithuania Kavaliauskas, Antanas 2.09 m (6 ft 10 in) 113 kg (249 lb) 32 – (1984-09-19)19 September 1984
PF 55 Germany Hartenstein, Isaiah 2.10 m (6 ft 11 in) 113 kg (249 lb) 18 – (1998-05-05)5 May 1998
SF 92 Lithuania Ulanovas, Edgaras 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) 94 kg (207 lb) 24 – (1992-01-07)7 January 1992
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)
Athletic trainer(s)
  • Lithuania Nerijus Navickas
  • Lithuania Justinas Grainys
Physiotherapist(s)
  • Lithuania Paulius Jacikas
Team manager
  • Lithuania Paulius Motiejūnas
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • Injured

Roster
Updated: October 30, 2016

Depth chart

Pos. Starting 5 Bench 1 Bench 2 Bench 3
C Antanas Kavaliauskas Augusto Lima Robertas Javtokas
PF Paulius Jankūnas Brock Motum Isaiah Hartenstein
SF Edgaras Ulanovas Artūras Milaknis
SG Kevin Pangos Renaldas Seibutis Martynas Varnas
PG Leo Westermann Lukas Lekavičius Paulius Valinskas

Squad changes for the 2016–17 season

In

No. Position Player
9 France PG Léo Westermann (from Limoges CSP)
3 Canada PG Kevin Pangos (from CB Gran Canaria)
23 Brazil F Augusto Lima (from Real Madrid)
21 Lithuania SG Artūras Milaknis (from BC Unics)
44 Lithuania C Antanas Kavaliauskas (from BC Lietuvos Rytas)

Out

No. Position Player
2 Ukraine PG Jerome Randle (to Adelaide 36ers)
3 Estonia SF Siim-Sander Vene (to Nizhny Novgorod)
20 Latvia PG Kaspars Vecvagars (to BK VEF Rīga)
21 Canada SG Olivier Hanlan (to Le Mans Sarthe Basket)
7 Lithuania G/F Martynas Pocius (to CB Murcia)
14 Greece C Ian Vougioukas (to PBC Lokomotiv-Kuban)
19 Lithuania SF Vytenis Lipkevičius (to BC Prienai)

Out on loan

No. Position Player
Lithuania C Martynas Sajus (to Polpharma Starogard Gdański)
Lithuania PF Martynas Echodas (to BC Šiauliai)

Honours

Total titles: 36

Domestic competitions

Lithuanian League

Soviet Union League

Lithuanian Cup

Soviet Union Cup

European competitions

EuroLeague

FIBA Saporta Cup

Worldwide competitions

FIBA Intercontinental Cup

Regional competitions

NEBL Championship

BBL Championship

BBL Cup

Season-by-season

Season League LKF Cup Regional Competitions Europe Coach Roster
1992/93 Champion No tournament No tournament Euroleague
FIBA Euroleague 1992-93

Gintaras Einikis, Arvydas Straupis, Gintaras Staniulis, Gintautas Šivickas, Rimas Kurtinaitis, Arūnas Visockas, Saulius Štombergas, Darius Lukminas, Darius Maskoliūnas, Algirdas Brazys, Vaidas Jurgilas, Tauras Stumbrys, Aurimas Tomas Palšis

1993/94 Champion No tournament No tournament Europe champions Cup Basketball 1993-94 Semifinal Jaak Salumets Gintaras Einikis, Romanas Brazdauskis, Erikas Bublys, Antwon Harmon, Arūnas Visockas, Gert Kullamäe, Darius Lukminas, Gintautas Šivickas, Kęstutis Šeštokas, Darius Maskoliūnas, Algirdas Brazys, Vaidas Jurgilas, Tauras Stumbrys
1994/95 Champion No tournament No tournament Euro Cup champions cup Semifinal Jonas Kazlauskas Gintaras Einikis, Kęstutis Šeštokas, Tomas Masiulis, Arūnas Visockas, Nerijus Karlikanovas, Darren Henrie, Darius Lukminas, Marijus Kavoliukas, Tautvydas Lydeka, Darius Maskoliūnas, Algirdas Brazys, Tauras Stumbrys, Michael Coleman
1995/96 Champion No tournament No tournament Euro Cup winner's cup Basketball Semifinal Jonas Kazlauskas Torgeir Bryn, Eurelijus Žukauskas, Joey Hooks, Rimas Kurtinaitis, Kęstutis Šeštokas, Tomas Masiulis, Arūnas Visockas, Miloš Babić, Darius Lukminas, Erikas Bublys, Darius Maskoliūnas, Nerijus Karlikanovas, Tauras Stumbrys, Darius Sirtautas
1996/97 Champion No tournament No tournament EuroCup
Last 16		 Jonas Kazlauskas Franjo Arapović, Tomas Masiulis, Kęstutis Šeštokas, Gintautas Šivickas, Dainius Adomaitis, Erikas Bublys, Darius Maskoliūnas, Anthony Miller, Veljko Mršić, Andre Reid, Tauras Stumbrys, Darius Sirtautas
1997/98 Champion No tournament No tournament EuroCup
Champion		 Jonas Kazlauskas Franjo Arapović, Eurelijus Žukauskas, Mindaugas Žukauskas, Tomas Masiulis, Kęstutis Šeštokas, Saulius Štombergas, Dainius Adomaitis, Virginijus Praškevičius, Darius Maskoliūnas, Ennis Whatley, Tauras Stumbrys, Darius Sirtautas
1998/99 Champion No tournament NEBL Champion Euroleague
Champion		 Jonas Kazlauskas George Zidek, Eurelijus Žukauskas, Mindaugas Žukauskas, Tomas Masiulis, Kęstutis Šeštokas, Saulius Štombergas, Dainius Adomaitis, Anthony Bowie, Darius Maskoliūnas, Tyus Edney, Giedrius Gustas
1999/00 Finalist No tournament - Euroleague
Last 24		 Jonas Kazlauskas George Zidek, Eurelijus Žukauskas, Ivan Grgat, Mindaugas Žukauskas, Mindaugas Timinskas, Tauras Stumbrys, Tomas Masiulis, Kęstutis Šeštokas, Donatas Slanina, Darren Henry, Corey Beck, Mitchell Butler, Christopher Garner
2000/01 Champion No tournament NEBL Finalist Euroleague
Last 16		 Algirdas Brazys Grigorij Khizhnyak, Artūras Masiulis, John White, Martynas Andriukaitis, Andrius Jurkūnas, Dainius Šalenga, Tomas Masiulis, Steve Woodberry, Donatas Slanina, Giedrius Gustas, Kęstutis Marčiulionis, Nerijus Karlikanovas, Marius Bašinskas, Vidas Ginevičius
2001/02 Finalist No tournament - Euroleague
Last 32		 Algirdas Brazys Grigorij Khizhnyak, Artūras Masiulis, Rolandas Matulis, Andrius Jurkūnas, Dainius Šalenga, Tomas Masiulis, Steve Woodberry, Donatas Slanina, Giedrius Gustas, Sherman Hamilton, Kęstutis Marčiulionis, Vidas Ginevičius, Arvydas Sabonis, Martynas Andriukaitis, Kenneth Inge
2002/03 Champion No tournament - Euroleague
Last 24		 Antanas Sireika Gintaras Einikis, Tanoka Beard, Darius Šilinskis, Artūras Masiulis, Tadas Klimavičius, Saulius Štombergas, Dainius Šalenga, Kornel David, Mindaugas Timinskas, Chris Carrawell, Giedrius Gustas, Ed Cota, Vidas Ginevičius
2003/04 Champion No tournament No tournament Euroleague
Last 16		 Antanas Sireika Tanoka Beard, Darjuš Lavrinovič, Arvydas Sabonis, Paulius Jankūnas, Artūras Javtokas, Miroslav Beric, Dainius Šalenga, Simonas Serapinas, Mindaugas Timinskas, Ainars Bagatskis, Giedrius Gustas, Ed Cota
2004/05 Champion No tournament BBL Champion Euroleague
Last 16		 Antanas Sireika Tanoka Beard, Darjuš Lavrinovič, Paulius Jankūnas, Martynas Andriuškevičius, Dainius Šalenga, Simonas Serapinas, Jonas Mačiulis, Mindaugas Timinskas, Ainars Bagatskis, Vidas Ginevičius, Robert Pack, Artūras Javtokas, Arvydas Sabonis, Gediminas Navickas
2005/06 Finalist No tournament BBL Finalist Euroleague
Last 16		 Antanas Sireika Tanoka Beard, Darjuš Lavrinovič, Paulius Jankūnas, Darius Šilinskis, Reggie Freeman, Simonas Serapinas, Jonas Mačiulis, Mantas Kalnietis, Ed Cota, Vidas Ginevičius, Larry Ayuso, Kenny Anderson, Vilmantas Dilys
2006/07 Champion Winner BBL Finalist Euroleague
Last 24		 Rimantas Grigas Tanoka Beard, Darius Šilinskis, Hanno Mottola, Paulius Jankūnas, Marcelo Machado, Kirk Penney, Jonas Mačiulis, Vladimir Štimac, Artūras Milaknis, Mantas Kalnietis, DeJuan Collins, Marko Popović, Vidas Ginevičius, Vaidotas Pečiukas, Vytenis Jasikevičius
2007/08 Champion Winner BBL Champion Euroleague
Last 16		 Rimantas Grigas Eurelijus Žukauskas, Tanoka Beard, Paulius Jankūnas, Goran Jurak, Dainius Šalenga, Jonas Mačiulis, Marcus Brown, Artūras Milaknis, Mantas Kalnietis, DeJuan Collins, Marko Popović, Damir Markota, Mamadou N'Diaye, Donatas Motiejūnas, Vilmantas Dilys, Žygimantas Janavičius
2008/09 Finalist Finalist BBL Finalist Euroleague
Last 24		 Gintaras Krapikas Eurelijus Žukauskas, Loren Woods, Paulius Jankūnas, Tomas Masiulis, Tadas Klimavičius, Dainius Šalenga, Jonas Mačiulis, Darius Šilinskis, Artūras Milaknis, Mantas Kalnietis, Vytenis Čižauskas, Šarūnas Vasiliauskas, Žygimantas Janavičius, Ratko Varda, Willie Deane, Rokas Čepanonis
2009/10 Finalist Finalist BBL Champion Euroleague
Last 16		 Darius Maskoliūnas Mirza Begić, Travis Watson, Paulius Jankūnas, Tadas Klimavičius, Mario Delaš, Dainius Šalenga, Martynas Pocius, Artūras Milaknis, Marcus Brown, Aleksandar Ćapin, Mantas Kalnietis, Siim-Sander Vene, Povilas Butkevičius, Povilas Čukinas, Šarūnas Vasiliauskas, Adas Juškevičius
2010/11 Champion Winner BBL Champion Euroleague
Last 16		 Ilias Zouros Mirza Begić, Boban Marjanović, Travis Watson, Omar Samhan, Paulius Jankūnas, Tadas Klimavičius, Trent Plaisted, Mindaugas Kuzminskas, Dainius Šalenga, Martynas Pocius, Artūras Milaknis, Marcus Brown, Aleksandar Ćapin, Tomas Delininkaitis, Mantas Kalnietis, DeJuan Collins
2011/12 Champion Winner VTB United League Euroleague
Last 16		 Aleksandar Trifunović Robertas Javtokas, Milovan Raković, Paulius Jankūnas, Tadas Klimavičius, Sonny Weems, Mindaugas Kuzminskas, Marko Popović, Tomas Delininkaitis, Mantas Kalnietis, DeJuan Collins, Reeves Nelson, Dainius Šalenga, Vytenis Lipkevičius, Ty Lawson
2012/13 Champion Not participated VTB United League 3 place Euroleague
Last 16		 Joan Plaza Robertas Javtokas, Paulius Jankūnas, Tadas Klimavičius, Mindaugas Kuzminskas, Marko Popović, Kšyštof Lavrinovič, Darjuš Lavrinovič, Jeff Foote, Mario Delaš, Tremmell Darden, Vytenis Lipkevičius, Rimantas Kaukėnas, Oliver Lafayette, Ibrahim Jaaber, Adas Juškevičius, Donnie McGrath
2013/14 Champion Third place Not participated Euroleague
Last 16		 Saulius Štombergas Robertas Javtokas, Paulius Jankūnas, Tadas Klimavičius, Martynas Pocius, Justin Dentmon, Kšyštof Lavrinovič, Siim-Sander Vene, Artūras Milaknis, Šarūnas Jasikevičius, Mindaugas Kupšas, Vytenis Lipkevičius, Tauras Jogėla, Tomas Dimša, Kaspars Vecvagars, Vytenis Čižauskas, Artūras Gudaitis
2014/15 Champion Winner Not participated Euroleague
Last 16		 Gintaras Krapikas Robertas Javtokas, Paulius Jankūnas, Siim-Sander Vene, Artūras Milaknis, Vytenis Lipkevičius, Tomas Dimša, Kaspars Vecvagars, Artūras Gudaitis, Lukas Lekavičius, Donatas Tarolis, Vaidas Kariniauskas, Edgaras Ulanovas, Darius Songaila, James Anderson, Will Cherry
2015/16 Champion Runner-up Not participated Euroleague
Last 16		 Gintaras Krapikas, Šarūnas Jasikevičius Robertas Javtokas, Paulius Jankūnas, Siim-Sander Vene, Vytenis Lipkevičius, Kaspars Vecvagars, Lukas Lekavičius, Edgaras Ulanovas, Martynas Pocius, Renaldas Seibutis, Olivier Hanlan, Brock Motum, Ian Vougioukas, Martynas Sajus, Jerome Randle, Mantas Kalnietis

Notable players

To appear in this section a player must have either:
Žalgiris-Golden State Warriors
Žalgiris-Šiauliai in 2007
Žalgiris warming-up before the game
Žalgiris fans during LKL game in Vilnius
Former Žalgiris jersey

Head coaches

Jonas Kazlauskas was the head coach of Žalgiris during the 1998/99 season. Žalgiris won the Euroleague that season.

Previous kits

Home

13/15
15/16

Away

13/15
15/16

Statistical leaders

All time points per game in European Cup games (PPG)

Only players with significant amount of games played or points scored.‡

Position Player Seasons Games Points Total Points Per Game
1
Paulius Jankūnas
13
226
2072
9.2
2
Rimas Kurtinaitis
6
70
1321
18.9
3
Arvydas Sabonis
5
63
1281
20.3
4
Tanoka Beard
6
73
1107
15.2
5
Dainius Šalenga
10
129
1107
8.6
6
Valdemaras Chomičius
5
53
934
17.6
7
Marko Popović
4
62
797
12.9
8
Saulius Štombergas
3
55
763
13.9
9
Mindaugas Timinskas
4
64
697
10.9
10
Mantas Kalnietis
8
104
688
6.6
11
Jonas Mačiulis
4
64
665
10.4
12
Tomas Masiulis
7
91
665
7.3
13
Sergejus Jovaiša
5
51
635
12.5
14
Darjuš Lavrinovič
4
57
601
10.5
15
Artūras Milaknis
4
91
597
6.6
Last updated: 2016-12-03.[17]

Matches against NBA teams

15 October 2007
Golden State Warriors United States 107–88 Lithuania BC Žalgiris
17 October 2007
Toronto Raptors Canada 105–99 Lithuania BC Žalgiris
19 October 2007
Washington Wizards United States 115–96 Lithuania BC Žalgiris

References

  1. ↑ http://www.euroleague.net/features/voices/2012-2013/vladimir-stankovic/i/103555/sarunas-marciulionis-the-lithuanian-machine
  2. 1 2 "B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas: History". Retrieved 18 December 2015.
  3. ↑ http://zalgiris.lt/en/news/bc-zalgiris/43107
  4. ↑ http://www.sportando.com/en/europe/lithuania/105560/zalgiris-kaunas-signs-justin-dentmon.html
  5. ↑ http://zalgiris.lt/en/news/bc-zalgiris/48430/
  6. ↑ http://www.15min.lt/video/zalgiris-tapo-16-karta-lkl-cempionu-19676rta-lkl-cempionu-19676
  7. ↑ http://www.15min.lt/video/kauno-zalgiris-17-aji-karta-lkl-cempionas-29588
  8. ↑ Malinauskas, Lukas. ""Žalgiris" – vienas daugiausiai į Europos čempionatą krepšininkų delegavusių klubų". BasketNews.lt. Retrieved 5 September 2015.
  9. ↑ http://www.eurohoops.net/featured/156536/zalgiris-kaunas-escaped-from-barcelona-with-a-big-victory
  10. ↑ 2K Sports' NBA 2K14 to Include Top Euroleague Basketball Teams for the First Time in the Series (English)
  11. ↑ Exclusive shots: How Žalgiris will look like in NBA 2K14 (Lithuanian)
  12. ↑ „NBA 2K15“ žaidime – „Žalgiris“, „Lietuvos rytas“ ir daugybė lietuvių (Lithuanian)
  13. ↑ "Žaidime "NBA 2K16" – ir dvi Lietuvos komandos". BasketNews.lt. Retrieved 15 September 2015.
  14. ↑ "The NBA2K17 Euroleague teams list revealed". Eurohoops.net. Retrieved 17 August 2016.
  15. ↑ „Žalgiris“ į arenos palubes iškėlė Sabonio marškinėlius (video, foto) (Lithuanian)
  16. ↑ „Žalgiris“ į arenos palubes iškėlė Paulausko marškinėlius (video) (Lithuanian)
  17. ↑ Jankūnas outperformed Sabonis points total record as a Žalgiris member (Lithuanian)

External links

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