BC Žalgiris

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Žalgiris Kaunas
2021–22 BC Žalgiris season
Žalgiris Kaunas logo
NicknameŽaliai balti (The Green-Whites)
LeaguesLithuanian Basketball League
EuroLeague
Founded1944
ArenaŽalgiris Arena
Capacity15,415
LocationKaunas, Lithuania
Team colorsDartmouth green, white
   
Team managerPaulius Motiejūnas
Head coachMartin Schiller
Team captainPaulius Jankūnas
Affiliation(s)BC Žalgiris-2
Championships1 EuroLeague
1 Saporta Cup
1 Intercontinental Cup
5 Soviet Union Leagues
1 Soviet Union Cup
1 North European League
23 Lithuanian Leagues
5 Lithuanian Cups
5 Baltic Leagues
1 Stepas Butautas Cup
4 King Mindaugas Cups
1
1 Gomelsky Cup
2
1
1
Retired numbers2 (5, 11)
Websitezalgiris.lt zalgirisshop.lt

Basketball Club Žalgiris (Lithuanian: Krepšinio klubas Žalgiris) is a professional basketball team that is based in Kaunas, Lithuania, and competes domestically in the Lietuvos krepšinio lyga (LKL, Lithuanian Basketball League). Founded in 1944, it is one of the oldest teams in the EuroLeague. Žalgiris is one of 11 European clubs to hold long-term licenses with the EuroLeague, which provides a guaranteed place in the regular-season phase of this league. Since the 2011–12 season, Žalgiris plays its home games in Žalgiris Arena, which was built just before EuroBasket 2011. The club's name commemorates the victorious Battle of Žalgiris (Battle of Grunwald). Both Žalgiris and Grunwald translate to "green wood".

Žalgiris has featured many Lithuanian basketball legends during its history, including Arvydas Sabonis, Modestas Paulauskas and Šarūnas Jasikevičius. Nine of the fifteen Lithuanian basketball players to play in the North American National Basketball Association (NBA) have played for Žalgiris or were part of the Žalgiris youth program at one point in their careers (Arvydas Sabonis, Šarūnas Jasikevičius, Donatas Motiejūnas, Mindaugas Kuzminskas, Darius Songaila, Martynas Andriuškevičius, Žydrūnas Ilgauskas, Arnoldas Kulboka, Šarūnas Marčiulionis).

The team is the most-decorated Lithuanian basketball club, having won 23 Lithuanian championships, 5 Soviet championships, 1 European championship, and having reached the Lithuanian league finals every season since the league's 1993 formation.

History[]

1944–1982[]

Arvydas Sabonis (No. 11) was one of the most dominant centers in the world.

Basketball Club Žalgiris was formed in 1944.[1] First team name was ASK (1945-47), then SKIF (1947-1949), from 1950 team was named Žalgiris. The team quickly rose to prominence, winning multiple Lithuanian basketball championships, also winning the USSR Premier Basketball League in 1947 and 1951. The team won silver medals in the 1949 and 1952 championships, and bronze in 1953, 1954, 1955 and 1956. Žalgiris also won the USSR Basketball Cup in 1953. The team 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 joined the team, such as Modestas Paulauskas, Romualdas Venzbergas, Henrikas Giedraitis, Algirdas Linkevičius and Sergejus Jovaiša. The team won bronze medals in the Soviet Union championship in 1971, 1973 and 1978.[2] In 1980, Žalgiris won the silver medals, and debuted in the 1980–81 FIBA European Cup Winners' Cup the next season.

1983–1987: Fame[]

Valdemaras Chomičius played 11 straight seasons from 1978 to 1989.

Žalgiris became the dominant club in Soviet Union and Europe when they added new talents to the team – Valdemaras Chomičius and Rimas Kurtinaitis – and coach Vladas Garastas. The biggest addition though was 17-year-old Arvydas Sabonis, who debuted in the club in 1981 at 209 centimetres (82 in) and grew another 12 centimetres (4.7 in) in the next couple years. Sabonis could do everything on the court: play defense, assist his teammates, shoot three-pointers, and dominate inside the paint.

During the 1980s, Žalgiris won three consecutive Soviet Union National League championships, from 1985 to 1987, beating CSKA Moscow (English: Central Sports Club of Army) in the finals.[3] In 1985, they reached the Saporta Cup final, but lost to FC Barcelona. 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 semi-finals and Ferro Carril Oeste in the finals.[4] They also participated in 1987 FIBA Club World Cup. Žalgiris was emerging as one of the top clubs in Europe at the time.

In the mid-1980s, the finals between Žalgiris Kaunas and CSKA Moscow served as a major inspiration for the Lithuanian national revival, especially when they played in Kaunas Sports Hall. From this emerged the Sąjūdis national movement and the re-establishment of state independence.[5]

1987–1989: Setbacks[]

In 1987, however, Žalgiris suffered a setback when star player Sabonis suffered a torn achilles tendon. Three months later, he tore it again, causing him to miss most of the 1987–88 season.[6] That season, Žalgiris won a silver medal, losing to CSKA Moscow in the Soviet League finals. The next season, Sabonis managed to reach the European Cup Winners' Cup semi-finals and won a silver medal in Soviet League, losing a dramatic finals to Stroitel Kiev.

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 had barred Lithuanian basketball talent from becoming internationals.[7]

1989–1997: New generation[]

Former player Gintaras Krapikas later became the head coach of Žalgiris

In the 1989–90 season, Žalgiris reached the Clubs Cup Winners' Cup semi-finals, where they lost to Real Madrid. After the Act of the Re-Establishment of the State of Lithuania, Žalgiris left the USSR championship. Over the next few seasons, Žalgiris won Lithuanian championships in 1991, 1992 and 1993, and the LKF Cup in 1990. Žalgiris won the ProfBasket Cup tournament, featuring many former USSR teams, in 1992. They won their first LKL title in 1994, beating Atletas Kaunas 3–1 in a four-game series. Over the following two years, Žalgiris again dominated LKL tournaments, beating Atletas Kaunas 3–0 in 1995 and 3–2 (after being down 0–2 in the series) in 1996, and had success participating in the 1995–96 FIBA European Cup 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 semi-finals, but fell to PAOK in the two-game series.[8] In 1997, Žalgiris again won the LKL championship, beating Olimpas Žemaitija Plungė 3–0 in the finals, and reached round 16 in the Saporta Cup, losing to Paris Basket Racing. Players including Darius Lukminas, Gintaras Einikis, Kęstutis Šeštokas, Dainius Adomaitis, and Darius Maskoliūnas played for the club during this period, coached by Jonas Kazlauskas.

1998–1999: The biggest success[]

Jonas Kazlauskas, coach of the 1998–99 EuroLeague champions

Žalgiris enjoyed its greatest success as a club during the 1997–98 and 1998–99 seasons. They were coached by Jonas Kazlauskas with a new generation of Lithuanian talent including Saulius Štombergas, Dainius Adomaitis, Eurelijus Žukauskas, Tomas Masiulis, and Mindaugas Žukauskas, and experienced foreign players Franjo Arapović and Ennis Whatley. The team defeated Stefanel Milano 82–67 in the 1998 FIBA Saporta Cup final in Belgrade. Saulius Štombergas scored 35 points in the final. Žalgiris also won a fifth-consecutive LKL title, this time against Atletas Kaunas.

In the 1998–99 season Žalgiris made it to the EuroLeague Final Four for the first time in the club's history, and were crowned European champions after defeating Olympiacos and Kinder Bologna in the semi-final and the final, respectively. Tyus Edney was named EuroLeague Final Four MVP. Žalgiris also won LKL and North European Basketball League (NEBL) titles that season. They won bronze in the 1999 McDonald's Championship.[9] The rivalry against Lietuvos rytas also began.

2000–2004: Struggles and Sabonis comeback[]

The year after winning the EuroLeague, in 2000, Žalgiris suffered one of its worse seasons. The club was eliminated after the group stage in the EuroLeague, finishing third in the NEBL and losing the LKL finals to Lietuvos Rytas for the first time.[10] In the 2001 season, the team reached the new EuroLeague playoffs, but lost to AEK. Žalgiris regained the LKL championship, beating Lietuvos Rytas 3–2. The 2002 season was again disappointing, as the team was eliminated in the EuroLeague after the group stage and lost the LKL championship. In the 2003 season, they were again eliminated in the EuroLeague playoffs, but achieved the LKL championship, beating Lietuvos Rytas 4–2.

Sabonis became the principal owner of the club in 2003, after playing for many years in the Spanish ACB League and the North American National Basketball Association (NBA). He also came back to play for the club for the 2003–04 season.[11] He 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.[12] The season ended in a high note, as Žalgiris swept Lietuvos Rytas 4–0 in the LKL championship.

2004–2009: Post-Sabonis era[]

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

After the departure of Sabonis at the conclusion of the 2004 season, Žalgiris faced a series of ups and downs.[13] In the 2005 season, mainstays Tanoka Beard, Mindaugas Timinskas, Dainius Šalenga and new addition Robert Pack, enabled Žalgiris to have a respectable season.[14] 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 Top 16 phase, Žalgiris entered a long slump and finished with an 0–6 record.[15] 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 (BBL) championship, beating Lietuvos Rytas in the finals 64–60.[16][17]

Dainius Šalenga dedicated most of his career for Žalgiris.

In the 2006 season, the team suffered many changes. Mindaugas Timinskas, Dainius Šalenga and Robert Pack all departed the team, and Žalgiris built a younger team while signing Ed Cota to return. 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.[18] Off-court, Žalgiris had many issues, resulting in a huge slump for the team, ending the Top 16 phase with another 0–6 record and losing both the LKL and BBL titles to Lietuvos Rytas.[19][20] The lone bright spot became the play of emerging point guard Mantas Kalnietis, who was signed both as a replacement for the released Cota and due to very poor play from new point guard and longtime NBA player Kenny Anderson.[21][22][23]

DeJuan Collins, one of the team's leaders in the 2007–08 season

For the 2007 season they had a new coach, Ainars Bagatskis, but suffered a fiasco in the EuroLeague regular season, with a disastrous 2–12 record.[citation needed] After Ainars Bagatskis was replaced by assistant coach Rimantas Grigas and the signing of new point guard DeJuan Collins, Žalgiris won the newly established LKF Cup by beating Lietuvos Rytas. After also signing center Loren Woods, Žalgiris beat Lietuvos Rytas in the LKL finals.

Before the 2008 season, Žalgiris signed longtime EuroLeague player Marcus Brown. Žalgiris also played against NBA teams for the first time. The team had a successful regular season in the EuroLeague, finishing with an 8–6 record, but suffered another disappointment in the Top16, finishing with a 1–5 record. Žalgiris also won the LKF Cup for the second year in a row, beating Lietuvos Rytas 83–72 in the finals, after a monster game by Collins.[citation needed] In the BBL finals, Žalgiris defeated Lietuvos Rytas 86–84 in the finals on a last-second shot by Collins. Žalgiris retained the LKL title, beating Lietuvos Rytas 4–1 in the LKL finals in which Brown was named MVP.

The 2009 season started on a very high note, with the resignation of Jonas Mačiulis and Loren Woods, retaining leader Marcus Brown and signing of new point guard Willie Deane, who replaced the departed DeJuan Collins.[24] However, financial difficulties lead to poor play from the team and the firing of coach Grigas, who was replaced by longtime player and assistant coach Gintaras Krapikas.[25] Willie Deane was soon released, in large part due to his poor performance in the EuroLeague, which led to a seven-game losing streak.[26] The team recovered under point guard Mantas Kalnietis, and finished the EuroLeague regular season with a 2–8 record, missing the Top 16.[27] Despite growing financial difficulties, and the departure of Loren Woods, the team made the LKL and BBL finals, as well as the LKF Cup finals.[28] Despite this, this was the most Žalgiris could accomplish, as they lost to Lietuvos Rytas.[29][30] Jonas Mačiulis, who became the team leader during the season, left after the season ended.[31]

2009–2013: Vladimir Romanov era[]

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

During the 2009 season Žalgiris was facing significant financial difficulties and sought a new investor. In 2009, Sabonis sold most of his stake to the local Ūkio banko investment group (ŪBIG), headed by Vladimir Romanov, who then held a 75% stake in the club. Sabonis retained a 21.5% interest in the club; 3% was owned by a minority group, while the remaining 0.5% was owned by the Kaunas City municipality.[32]

In the 2010 season, Romanov soon became unpopular with Žalgiris fans. After the departures of Jonas Mačiulis and Paulius Jankūnas, the team extended the contract of Marcus Brown and also signed Martynas Pocius, who quickly became one of the best players for the team.[33] The team also re-signed point guard Mantas Kalnietis, who turned down an offer from Benneton Treviso.[34][35] The team started the season by winning the new BBL Cup against Lietuvos Rytas. However, subsequent poor performances led to head coach Krapikas 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 controversially fired Butautas, replacing him with assistant coach and former captain Darius Maskoliūnas. Under Maskoliūnas, Žalgiris came its closest to the EuroLeague Top 8 phase, finishing with a 2–4 record.[36] Žalgiris won back the BBL title by beating Lietuvos Rytas in the finals, but lost the LKL finals to Rytas by 4–3. Romanov had fired coach Maskoliūnas during this series, leading to speculation that Romanov had intentionally lost the finals to allow Lietuvos Rytas to qualify for the EuroLeague season. The season is widely considered as the most controversial in club history.[37][38]

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

Before the 2011 season, Žalgiris re-signed Paulius Jankūnas and DeJuan Collins, and 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, but after a slump in form Romanov fired head coach Petrović. 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,[citation needed] the slump continued under new coach Ilias Zouros, with a poor 1–5 record in the Top 16 phase and the VTB United League (not qualifying to the Final Four). However, the losses motivated the team, and after the recovery of Marcus Brown (who was injured for most of the season), Žalgiris won back the LKF Cup from Lietuvos Rytas and defeated VEF Riga in the BBL finals. In the LKL finals, Žalgiris easily defeated Lietuvos Rytas 4–1, regaining the LKL title for the first time since 2008.[citation needed]

Due to the NBA lockout, for the 2012 season, the team signed Sonny Weems and former Denver Nuggets point guard Ty Lawson.[39][40] The team also re-signed long time fan-favorite Marko Popović.[41] The team also signed longtime Lietuvos Rytas player and former Lithuanian National team captain Robertas Javtokas as center. However, the season started very poorly for Žalgiris. Hoping to end the slump, Romanov fired coach Ilias Zouros and replaced him with former Lietuvos Rytas head coach Aleksandar Trifunović.[42][43] 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 EuroLeague season with 0–6 record.[44] After Ty Lawson left the team, Mantas Kalnietis became a true leader for Žalgiris, and played his perhaps best season.[45] The team slowly recovered, winning the LKF Cup.[46] 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).[47][48] With very solid play from Marko Popovič and Tomas Delininkaitis, Žalgiris retained the LKL title, defeating Lietuvos Rytas in the finals 4–1.[49] The club had achieved a second consecutive 'triple crown' of Lithuanian League, Lithuanian Cup and Baltic Cup.[50]

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

For the 2013 season, Žalgiris signed Lithuanian national team players Rimantas Kaukėnas, Darjuš Lavrinovič and Kšyštof Lavrinovič, Unicaja Malaga leader Tremmell Darden, and Oliver Lafayette at point guard.[51][52][53] The season began by winning the newly established LKF SuperCup against Lietuvos Rytas. During the season, Mantas Kalnietis left the team and was replaced by Ibrahim Jaaber. Under new coach Joan Plaza, Žalgiris had their best EuroLeague start with five consecutive wins. Žalgiris finished at the top of the group for the first time in 13 years, with an 8–2 record. Žalgiris won the LKL and the VTB League.[citation needed] In their 76–66 home victory against CSKA Moscow, Žalgiris broke their attendance record, with 15,812 spectators.[54] Following the collapse of Ūkio bankas, owner Vladimir Romanov left Žalgiris. Financial troubles returned to the club, and Tremmell Darden and Ibrahim Jabber departed. Paulius Motiejunas was named the team director on 20 March. 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 third straight LKL title, sweeping Lietuvos Rytas 4–0 in the finals.[55]

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, Žalgiris competed in the VTB United League playoffs, defeating Nizhny Novgorod in the quarterfinals but losing to Lokomotiv Kuban in the semi-finals. Despite the loss, Žalgiris was awarded the bronze medal for the first time since 2010.[56] After losing head coach Joan Plaza, Žalgiris rehired Ilias Zouros as head coach for the 2014 season. Žalgiris 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.

Justin Dentmon, leader of the team for the 2013–14 season

Žalgiris signed Justin Dentmon[57] and Šarūnas Jasikevičius to one-year deals.[58] After a very slow start to the season, Zouros was fired as head coach, replaced by Saulius Štombergas.[59][60] Žalgiris made the Top 16 for the fifth consecutive time (with a 5–5 record). However, Žalgiris began to struggle 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).[61] After a few losses in the LKF Cup and the LKL, Štombergas resigned and was replaced by Gintaras Krapikas as interim head coach.[62] In the last week of Top 16 play at home, Žalgiris beat Spanish champions Real Madrid. Justin Dentmon scored 36 points in that game, the most by a Žalgiris player in modern EuroLeague,[63] and Dentmon also made 74 three-pointers during the season (a EuroLeague record since 2000).[64]

After a loss to Lietuvos rytas in the final regular LKL season game, Žalgiris entered the playoffs as the fourth seed, the worst in club history. They faced Lietuvos rytas again in the semi-finals – the first time in 15 years that they did not meet in the final round. Žalgiris advanced to the finals against Neptūnas Klaipėda, taking the series 4–2 and winning their fourth consecutive LKL championship.[65]

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

During the 2015 preseason, Žalgiris made significant changes for the squad, replacing Justin Dentmon with Maalik Wayns, who was in turn replaced by Will Cherry.[66] Žalgiris also signed Darius Songaila from rivals Lietuvos Rytas and James Anderson from the NBA.[67][68] Šarūnas Jasikevičius retired and became an assistant coach, and more young players were brought to the team.[69] Young point guard Lukas Lekavičius was the main bright spot as the team began the LKL. In the EuroLeague, a 5–5 record qualified Žalgiris to the Top 16 phase where the team finished with a 5–9 record.[70] In February, Žalgiris won the LKF Cup for the first time in three years.[71] Žalgiris finished the LKL regular season in dominating fashion, with 12 straight wins, taking the top seed,[72] and defeated Lietuvos rytas in the finals 4–0. This win was the club's fifth consecutive LKL title and their 17th overall.[73]

Žalgiris had a total of seven players who competed in EuroBasket 2015.[74] Žalgiris finished the off-season by signing Ian Vougioukas at center.[75]

Žalgiris finished the 2016 regular season with a 5–5 record and qualified for the Top 16 phase for the seventh consecutive season.[76] After a poor start to the Top 16, head coach Krapikas was replaced by Šarūnas Jasikevičius, but injuries to Javtokas and the departure of Kalnietis lead the team to a huge slump, and a loss to Lietuvos Rytas in the King Mindaugas Cup final.[77] After strong criticism of the team management for not finding a center to replace Javtokas, Žalgiris signed new point guard Jerome Randle.[78] While the EuroLeague season ended with a 2–12 record, a hugely disappointing result, the team later recovered, finishing in 1st place in the LKL regular season, over Cup winners Lietuvos Rytas.[79] Žalgiris defeated Neptūnas Klaipėda with a 4–1 record in the LKL finals, winning a sixth consecutive LKL title.[80]

2016–present: Žalgiris in the new EuroLeague format[]

Šarūnas Jasikevičius, one of the all-time greatest Lithuanian basketball players, started coaching Žalgiris in 2016, and achieved many victories with the team.

In November 2015, a conflict between FIBA and Euroleague emerged. FIBA (International Basketball Federation) announced the formation of the Basketball Champions League, and courted EuroLeague teams to their side. However, the top teams, the A-license teams including Žalgiris, decided to sign a ten-year contract with the Euroleague Basketball Company.[81]

Žalgiris's preparation for the 2016–17 season began during the 2016 LKL finals, when the club signed point guard Léo Westermann to replace the departing Jerome Randle.[82] After the season, Pocius, Hanlan, Vougioukas, and long-time Žalgiris players Siim-Sander Vene and Kaspars Vecvagars, all left the team, while Žalgiris chose to retain the services of Seibutis and Motum.[83][84] Žalgiris also re-signed Edgaras Ulanovas.[85] Head coach Jasikevičius was pursued by FC Barcelona Lassa, but decided to remain with Žalgiris.[86] To correct the previous season's lack of a good shooter, Žalgiris signed Kevin Pangos; the team was loaned Augusto Lima from Real Madrid to replace Vougioukas at center.[87][88] Žalgiris also signed the returning Artūras Milaknis to a 3-year deal.[89] German prospect Isaiah Hartenstein was scheduled to make his professional debut after being signed in the previous season. In August, Žalgiris signed Antanas Kavaliauskas, the captain of Lietuvos Rytas who had previously promised to never play for Žalgiris; Kavaliauskas apologized to fans after the signing was announced.[90]

In February, Žalgiris won the first title of the 2016–17 season, winning the King Mindaugas Cup by defeating Neptūnas in the first round 81–58, Vytautas Prienai-Birštonas in the semi-finals 76–55, and Lietkabelis Panevėžys in the finals 84–63.[91] Edgaras Ulanovas won the tournament MVP.[92] In the EuroLeague, Žalgiris exceeded expectations with a 10th-place finish (14–16 record), scoring a win against defending champion CSKA Moscow and finishing ahead of FC Barcelona Lassa and Maccabi Tel Aviv.[93] Players Brock Motum, Léo Westermann, Edgaras Ulanovas and Lukas Lekavičius developed strongly, and team captain Paulius Jankūnas played one of his best seasons of his career, leading the team in scoring and rebounding.[94] Žalgiris easily finished in first place during the LKL regular season with just a few losses, swept rival Lietuvos rytas, with toughest competition from a powerful Lietkabelis team which included former Žalgiris leaders Darjuš and Kšyštof Lavrinovič. In the LKL playoffs, Žalgiris beat Dzūkija Alytus in the quarterfinals 3–0,[95][relevant?] beat Neptūnas 3–1 in the semi-finals.[96][relevant?] They faced Lietkabelis Panevėžys again in the LKL finals, winning the series 4–1, their seventh consecutive LKL championship.[97] The 2016–17 season is considered as one of the best in modern Žalgiris history.[by whom?][citation needed]

Edgaras Ulanovas won five Finals MVP titles from 2015 to 2020

Prior the 2017–18 season, Žalgiris reached an agreement with club sponsor Avia Solutions Group to guarantee private flights for the team during away games in a refurbished business-class Boeing 737.[98][99][100][101] The off-season work began just a week after winning the LKL championship, when breakout player Brock Motum signing with Anadolu Efes S.K.[102] To replace Motum, Žalgiris signed Aaron White, who had played a season with Zenit Saint Petersburg.[103] Léo Westerman signed with CSKA Moscow, and was replaced by talented guard Vasilije Micić.[104][105] To replace Seibutis, Žalgiris originally signed Royce O'Neale, who terminated his deal just weeks later to sign with the Utah Jazz.[106] Žalgiris then signed Axel Toupane to replace him.[107] Because center Robertas Javtokas announced retirement and the loan of Augusto Lima ended, Žalgiris signed Brandon Davies of AS Monaco Basket in the center position.[108][109][110] The most-shocking departure came at the end of June, when breakout point guard Lukas Lekavičius signed a contract with Panathinaikos.[111] Needing a new point guard, Žalgiris signed Dee Bost, also of AS Monaco.[112] Coach Jasikevičius also re-signed with Žalgiris, while the retired Javtokas became the new sports director of the team.[113][114] On September 22, Žalgiris played a game in London against Polski Cukier Toruń, which Žalgiris won 87–61. Žalgiris won the King Mindaugas Cup for the second year in a row, defeating Lietuvos rytas 81–62 in the finals. Edgaras Ulanovas won the tournament MVP for the second straight year.

From 2017 to 2019, Brandon Davies has been the Žalgiris's game central piece and led the team to the first EuroLeague Final Four since the 1998–99 season.

In the 2017–18 EuroLeague, Žalgiris was again projected to be one of the last teams. During October–December, Žalgiris struggled with a 5–5 record, before winning a five-game streak to finish the first round 10–5, tied for third place in the standings. In the second round, Dee Bost was replaced by Beno Udrih. Žalgiris struggled for the first few weeks of the second round, but fought its way to an 18–12 record (sixth place) and qualified to the EuroLeague playoffs for the first time since 2001. The team qualified for the 2018 EuroLeague Final Four after beating Olympiacos in game 4 to clinch a 3–1 series win.[115] The team achieved this despite having the second-lowest budget in the league.[116] Žalgiris lost to Fenerbahçe in the semifinals, 76–67. In the third-place game, Žalgiris faced longtime rivals CSKA Moscow; Žalgiris lead by as much as 24 points, but CSKA rallied and Žalgiris narrowly won 79–77, achieving third place in the Euroleague. In the LKL, Žalgiris won the regular season, and beat Lietuvos rytas in the finals with a 4–1 record, earning their eighth consecutive LKL championship. This was the club's best season since 1999.[citation needed]

After a near-perfect season, the off-season was difficult. Žalgiris lost its front court as Pangos went to FC Barcelona Lassa and Micič signed with Efes. Žalgiris signed Nate Wolters as the team's new point guard. After the departure of Beno Udrih, Žalgiris signed Donatas Sabeckis from Šiauliai, who lead the LKL in assists. Toupane left the team to sign with Olympiacos; to replace him, Žalgiris signed former-teammate Marius Grigonis, who was having a successful career abroad, to a multi-year deal, as well as talented guard/forward Thomas Walkup. At center, Davies had re-signed in April, and Kavaliauskas was re-signed in June. To replace reserve Martynas Sajus, Žalgiris signed Laurynas Birutis, who was loaned and had a successful season with Šiauliai. Several more reserves, Paulius Valinskas and Gytis Masiulis, were loaned to other LKL teams so that they could gain more playing time. Ulanovas also signed a new contract. Like the previous season, the biggest concern was the future of coach Jasikevičius. Despite offers from other EuroLeague teams and the Toronto Raptors, Jasikevičius remained with Žalgiris, signing a new contract. Former player Tomas Masiulis replaced Darius Songaila in the coaching staff. In September, Žalgiris signed the returning Léo Westermann to fill the point guard spot.

Žalgiris struggled at the start of the 2018–19 EuroLeague season. Needing another point guard, Žalgiris signed Derrick Walton in October. By December, led by Westermann, Davies, Grigonis and White, Žalgiris reached sixth place with a 7–7 record. However, injuries decimated the team, leaving a void in the point guard position. Walton's disappointing play led to declining minutes, and a release in February 2019. Deon Thompson was signed in January to strengthen the front court. In February, Žalgiris suffered a fiasco in the King Mindaugas Cup to Rytas Vilnius, losing the tournament for the first time since 2016. By the start of March, Žalgiris was 13th with a 9–15 record, with minimal hopes of reaching the playoffs. Despite this, and a poor home record, Žalgiris led EuroLeague attendance by a large margin. The team's play started to improve when Walkup was pushed to the point guard position to replace Walton, Westermann returned after injury and improving play by Thompson led to a six-game winning streak, achieving a 15–15 record and the final spot in the playoffs. In the EuroLeague playoffs, Žalgiris lost to Fenerbahçe. Žalgiris broke the EuroLeague's home attendance record with an average of 14,808 spectators in the Žalgiris Arena. In the 2018–19 LKL season, Žalgiris finished in first place in the regular season, and swept the series finals against Rytas, winning the series 3–0, for a ninth consecutive LKL championship.

During the off-season, White, Davies, Wolters, Westermann and Thompson left, while Kavaliauskas announced retirement. Little used guard Sabeckis was also not re-signed. Lukas Lekavičius returned to the team after two seasons in Greece, and Alex Pérez was signed to replace Westermann. Jock Landale was signed to replace Davies, while Nigel Hayes was signed to replace White. Zach LeDay of Olympiacos was signed to complete the front court. Martinas Geben, signed to a long-term deal the previous summer, earned a spot on the roster after a successful season in Juventus Utena in the LKL, where he was named Season MVP. Grigonis, who had a great season, was resigned to new contract. Coach Jasikevičius remained with the team for one more season. Pérez, however, spent just a few months with Žalgiris, and was released in November due to his weak play, with Walkup taking his point-guard position. Žalgiris also signed shooting-guard K. C. Rivers in November.

Žalgiris won the King Mindaugas Cup where they beat Rytas Vilnius 80–60 in the finals. Ulanovas was named the MVP of the tournament, his fourth MVP award in Lithuanian Cup competitions. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the 2019–20 LKL season was ended prematurely, and with Žalgiris firmly leading the standings, Žalgiris was announced as champions, winning their 10th consecutive LKL championship. In the 2019–20 EuroLeague, Žalgiris struggled for most of the season, including plummeting to the end of the standings, but recovered by February 2020. With the EuroLeague season stopped due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Žalgiris finished in ninth place.

With the season ending very early due to the COVID-19 situation, Žalgiris started their off-season work early. LeDay, Landale, Ulanovas, Rivers all left the team during the summer, but the biggest departure was of coach Jasikevičius, who left Žalgiris and signed with FC Barcelona in July. With the rest of the coaching staff following Jasikevičius to Barcelona, Žalgiris was forced to look for a new head coach. On July 14, Žalgiris announced the signing of Martin Schiller as the team's new head coach. Schiller had previously worked with the NBA G League team Salt Lake City Stars, and was named the NBA G League Coach of the Year for the 2019–20 season. Schiller brought in Arne Woltmann and Tautvydas Sabonis as his assistant coaches, with Evaldas Beržininkaitis being the only person remaining on the team from Jasikevičius old staff, as an assistant coach. Žalgiris signed Steve Vasturia and the returning Tomas Dimša as the new guards. Patricio Garino replaced Ulanovas, while Joffrey Lauvergne and Augustine Rubit replaced LeDay and Landale. The most surprising signing happened in June, as Žalgiris bought out Marek Blaževič, a talented prospect, out of rivals Rytas Vilnius. Grigonis, Lekavičius, Walkup, Jankūnas, Geben, Hayes and Milaknis remained with the team.

While the expectations for the season were not promising, under Schiller, Žalgiris suprised everyone, fighting up until the end of the 2020–21 EuroLeague season for a playoff berth, thanks to strong play from Marius Grigonis. Other players, like Walkup and Hayes, and the young Rokas Jokubaitis, played their best seasons with Žalgiris. Despite not making the playoffs, Žalgiris finished the Euroleague season with a respectable 17-17 record. Žalgiris won the King Mindaugas Cup, and also won the 11th consecutive LKL final by beating Rytas in the finals 3-0.

Video games[]

Žalgiris basketball club was featured in the video game NBA 2K14, along with thirteen other top EuroLeague teams.[117][118] The club was also featured in NBA 2K15, NBA 2K16 and NBA 2K17.[119][120][121]

Players[]

Retired numbers[]

Žalgiris retired numbers
No Nat. Player Position Tenure Ceremony date
HC Lithuania Jonas Kazlauskas HC 1994–2000 23 April 2019[122]
HC Lithuania Vladas Garastas HC 1979–1989 23 April 2017[123]
5 Lithuania Modestas Paulauskas SF 1962–1976 25 March 2015[124]
11 Lithuania Arvydas Sabonis C 1981–1989, 2001–2002, 2003–2004 27 September 2014[125]

Current roster[]

Note: Flags indicate national team eligibility at FIBA sanctioned events. Players may hold other non-FIBA nationality not displayed.

Žalgiris roster
Players Coaches
Pos. No. Nat. Name Ht. Wt. Age
C 1 Lithuania Blaževič, Marek 2.09 m (6 ft 10 in) 114 kg (251 lb) 20 – (2001-09-01)1 September 2001
PG 4 Lithuania Lekavičius, Lukas 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in) 76 kg (168 lb) 27 – (1994-03-30)30 March 1994
F/C 7 United States Nebo, Josh 2.06 m (6 ft 9 in) 111 kg (245 lb) 24 – (1997-07-17)17 July 1997
PG 8 Democratic Republic of the Congo United States Mudiay, Emmanuel 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) 91 kg (201 lb) 25 – (1996-03-05)5 March 1996
G 9 Lithuania Kalnietis, Mantas 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) 90 kg (198 lb) 35 – (1986-09-06)6 September 1986
F/C 13 Lithuania Jankūnas, Paulius (C) 2.05 m (6 ft 9 in) 113 kg (249 lb) 37 – (1984-04-29)29 April 1984
SG 16 Lithuania Lukošiūnas, Karolis 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in) 92 kg (203 lb) 24 – (1997-08-04)4 August 1997
G/F 17 Lithuania 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) 84 kg (185 lb) 19 – (2002-05-06)6 May 2002
G/F 21 Lithuania Milaknis, Artūras 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in) 90 kg (198 lb) 35 – (1986-06-06)6 June 1986
G 32 Latvia Strēlnieks, Jānis 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) 88 kg (194 lb) 32 – (1989-09-01)1 September 1989
PF 34 United States Cavanaugh, Tyler 2.06 m (6 ft 9 in) 108 kg (238 lb) 27 – (1994-02-09)9 February 1994
G/F 55 Germany Giffey, Niels 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in) 93 kg (205 lb) 30 – (1991-06-08)8 June 1991
F/C 77 France Lauvergne, Joffrey 2.11 m (6 ft 11 in) 118 kg (260 lb) 29 – (1991-09-30)30 September 1991
SF 92 Lithuania Ulanovas, Edgaras 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) 94 kg (207 lb) 29 – (1992-01-07)7 January 1992
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)
  • Germany Arne Woltmann
  • Lithuania Tautvydas Sabonis
  • Austria Stefan Grassegger
Athletic trainer(s)
  • Lithuania Sigitas Kavaliauskas
  • Lithuania Nerijus Navickas
Doctor
  • Lithuania Vytautas Kailius
Physiotherapist(s)
  • Lithuania Paulius Jacikas

Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • Injured Injured

Updated: August 25, 2021

Depth chart[]


Pos. Starting 5 Bench 1 Bench 2
C Joffrey Lauvergne Josh Nebo Marek Blaževič
PF Tyler Cavanaugh Niels Giffey Paulius Jankūnas
SF Edgaras Ulanovas Artūras Milaknis
SG Jānis Strēlnieks Mantas Kalnietis Karolis Lukošiūnas
PG Emmanuel Mudiay Lukas Lekavičius

Squad changes for the 2021–22 season[]


Honours[]

[citation needed]

Domestic competitions[]

Winners (11): 1946, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1957, 1958, 1991, 1992, 1993
Winners (23): 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
  • Lithuanian Cup
Winners (6): 1990, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2015
  • Soviet Union League
Winners (5): 1947, 1951, 1985, 1986, 1987[1]
  • Soviet Union Cup
Winners (1): 1953
  • King Mindaugas Cup
Winners (4): 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021

European competitions[]

Žalgiris fans supporting their team in an away game
  • EuroLeague
Winners (1): 1998–99
Runners-up (1): 1985–86
Semifinalists (1): 1986–87
3rd place (1): 2017–18
Final Four (2): 1999, 2018
Winners (1): 1997–98
Runners-up (1): 1984–85
Semifinalists (3): 1988–89, 1989–90, 1995–96

Worldwide competitions[]

  • FIBA Intercontinental Cup
Winners (1): 1986

Regional competitions[]

Winners (1): 1999
Winners (5): 2005, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012
Winners (1): 2009

Other competitions[]

Winners (1): 2008
Runners-up (1): 2010
  • Gloria Cup
Winners (2): 2017, 2018
  • Torneo Città di Caorle
Winners (1): 2016
  • Titans Trophy
Winners (1): 2018
  • Kaunas, Lithuania Invitational Game
Winners (1): 2019

Season-by-season[]

  • The LKF Cup was replaced by the King Mindaugas Cup, in 2016.
Scroll down to see more.
Season League Cup
LKF / KING Mindaugas
Regional competitions Europe Head Coach Roster
1992–93 Champion No tournament No tournament EuroLeague
FIBA EuroLeague 1992–93

Gintaras Einikis, , , , Rimas Kurtinaitis, Arūnas Visockas, Saulius Štombergas, Darius Lukminas, Darius Maskoliūnas, , , Tauras Stumbrys,

1993–94 Champion No tournament No tournament FIBA EuroLeague 1993–94 Second round Jaak Salumets Gintaras Einikis, Romanas Brazdauskis, , , Arūnas Visockas, Gert Kullamäe, Darius Lukminas, , Kęstutis Šeštokas, Darius Maskoliūnas, , , Tauras Stumbrys
1994–95 Champion No tournament No tournament 1994–95 FIBA European League Second Round Jonas Kazlauskas Gintaras Einikis, Kęstutis Šeštokas, Tomas Masiulis, Arūnas Visockas, , , Darius Lukminas, , , Darius Maskoliūnas, , Tauras Stumbrys,
1995–96 Champion No tournament No tournament 1995–96 FIBA European League Second Round Jonas Kazlauskas Torgeir Bryn, Eurelijus Žukauskas, , Rimas Kurtinaitis, Kęstutis Šeštokas, Tomas Masiulis, Arūnas Visockas, Miloš Babić, Darius Lukminas, , Darius Maskoliūnas, , Tauras Stumbrys, Darius Sirtautas
1996–97 Champion No tournament No tournament EuroCup
Last 16
Jonas Kazlauskas Franjo Arapović, Tomas Masiulis, Kęstutis Šeštokas, , Dainius Adomaitis, , Darius Maskoliūnas, Anthony Miller, Veljko Mršić, , 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, , Mindaugas Žukauskas, Mindaugas Timinskas, Tauras Stumbrys, Tomas Masiulis, Kęstutis Šeštokas, Donatas Slanina, Darren Henry, Corey Beck, Mitchell Butler, Chris Garner
2000–01 Champion No tournament NEBL Finalist EuroLeague
Last 16
Grigorij Khizhnyak, Artūras Masiulis, John White, Martynas Andriukaitis, Andrius Jurkūnas, Dainius Šalenga, Tomas Masiulis, Steve Woodberry, Donatas Slanina, Giedrius Gustas, Kęstutis Marčiulionis, , , Vidas Ginevičius
2001–02 Finalist No tournament EuroLeague
Last 32
Grigorij Khizhnyak, Artūras Masiulis, , Andrius Jurkūnas, Dainius Šalenga, Tomas Masiulis, Steve Woodberry, Donatas Slanina, Giedrius Gustas, Sherman Hamilton, Kęstutis Marčiulionis, Vidas Ginevičius, Arvydas Sabonis, Martynas Andriukaitis,
2002–03 Champion No tournament EuroLeague
Last 24
Antanas Sireika Gintaras Einikis, Tanoka Beard, Darius Šilinskis, Artūras Masiulis, Tadas Klimavičius, Saulius Štombergas, Dainius Šalenga, Kornél Dávid, 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,
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 Möttölä, Paulius Jankūnas, Marcelo Machado, Kirk Penney, Jonas Mačiulis, Vladimir Štimac, Artūras Milaknis, Mantas Kalnietis, DeJuan Collins, Marko Popović, Vidas Ginevičius, , 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
Marcus Brown Mirza Begić, Travis Watson, 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
2016–17 Champion Winner Not participated EuroLeague
Regular Season
Šarūnas Jasikevičius Robertas Javtokas, Paulius Jankūnas, Lukas Lekavičius, Edgaras Ulanovas, Renaldas Seibutis, Brock Motum, Leo Westermann, Kevin Pangos, Augusto Lima, Artūras Milaknis, Antanas Kavaliauskas, Paulius Valinskas, Isaiah Hartenstein, Martynas Varnas, Gytis Masiulis
2017–18 Champion Winner Not participated EuroLeague
Third place
Šarūnas Jasikevičius Paulius Jankūnas, Edgaras Ulanovas, Kevin Pangos, Artūras Milaknis, Antanas Kavaliauskas, Paulius Valinskas, Gytis Masiulis, Aaron White, Vasilije Micić, Brandon Davies, Dee Bost, Axel Toupane, Martynas Sajus, Martynas Arlauskas, Beno Udrih
2018–19 Champion Finalist Not participated EuroLeague
Quarterfinal
Šarūnas Jasikevičius Paulius Jankūnas, Edgaras Ulanovas, Artūras Milaknis, Antanas Kavaliauskas, Aaron White, Brandon Davies, Leo Westermann, Nate Wolters, Marius Grigonis, Laurynas Birutis, Thomas Walkup, Donatas Sabeckis, Derrick Walton, Lukas Uleckas, Rokas Jokubaitis, Erikas Venskus
2019-20 Champion[a] Champion Not participated EuroLeague
Season Suspended
Šarūnas Jasikevičius Paulius Jankūnas, Edgaras Ulanovas, Artūras Milaknis, Marius Grigonis, Thomas Walkup, Rokas Jokubaitis, Erikas Venskus, Martinas Geben, Nigel Hayes, Jock Landale, Zach LeDay, Lukas Lekavičius, Karolis Lukošiūnas, K.C. Rivers, Alex Pérez, Kerr Kriisa
2020-21 Champion Champion Not participated EuroLeague
Regular Season
Martin Schiller Paulius Jankūnas, Artūras Milaknis, Marius Grigonis, Thomas Walkup, Rokas Jokubaitis, Martinas Geben, Nigel Hayes, Lukas Lekavičius, Karolis Lukošiūnas, Marek Blaževič, Patricio Garino, Augustine Rubit, Steve Vasturia, Joffrey Lauvergne, Tomas Dimša
  1. ^ Žalgiris named champion after the premature ending of the league due to the coronavirus pandemic
Detailed information of former rosters and results. [126][127][128]

Notable players[]

Žalgiris vs. Golden State Warriors in 2007
Žalgiris vs. Šiauliai in 2007
Žalgiris warming up before the game
Žalgiris fans during LKL game in Vilnius
Former Žalgiris jersey

Note: Flags indicate national team eligibility at FIBA sanctioned events. Players may hold other non-FIBA nationality not displayed.

Criteria

To appear in this section a player must have either:

  • Set a club record or won an individual award while at the club.
  • Played at least one official international match for their national team at any time.
  • Played at least one official NBA match at any time.

Head coaches[]

Jonas Kazlauskas was the head coach of Žalgiris during the 1998–1999 season. Žalgiris won the EuroLeague that season.

NBA players that have played in Žalgiris[]

Nationality Player Seasons in Žalgiris Seasons in the NBA
Lithuania Arvydas Sabonis 10 7
Lithuania Martynas Andriuškevičius 3 1
Lithuania Donatas Motiejūnas 1 6
Lithuania Darius Songaila 1 8
Lithuania Šarūnas Jasikevičius 1 2
Lithuania Mindaugas Kuzminskas 3 2
United StatesDemocratic Republic of the Congo Emmanuel Mudiay 1 5
United States Ennis Whatley 1 10
United States Tyler Cavanaugh 1 2
United States Kenny Anderson 1 14
United States Ty Lawson 1 8
United States Mitchell Butler 1 8
United States Anthony Bowie 1 8
United States Nigel Hayes 2 1
United States Sonny Weems 1 4
United States Brandon Davies 2 2
United States Corey Beck 1 3
United States James Anderson 1 5
United States Robert Pack 1 13
United States Derrick Walton Jr. 1 2
United States Nate Wolters 1 3
United States Loren Woods 2 6
United States Will Chery 1 1
United States Justin Dentmon 1 2
United States Jeff Foote 1 1
United States Tyus Edney 1 4
United States Micheal Bradley 1 5
United States Marcus Brown 4 2
United StatesGermany Isaiah Hartenstein 1 3
United StatesCroatia Oliver Lafayette 1 1
CroatiaSweden Damir Markota 1 1
SerbiaBosnia and Herzegovina Ratko Varda 1 1
Serbia Boban Marjanovič 1 6
Serbia Miloš Babic 1 2
Czech Republic Jiri Zidek 2 3
France Joffrey Lauvergne 1 4
Argentina Patricio Garino 1 1
Hungary Kornel David 1 3
Finland Hanno Mottola 1 2
France Axel Toupane 1 3
Slovenia Beno Udrih 1 13
Norway Torgeir Bryn 1 1
Senegal Mamadou N'Diaye 1 5
New Zealand Kirk Penney 1 2

Previous kits[]

The uniform colors of Žalgiris are green and white. The home games are played in green uniforms and the away games are played in white. Since 2012, Adidas was the manufacturer of the club uniforms.[129] In 2018, Žalgiris started manufacturing their own uniforms, in attempt to spread the brand image of the team while also making them more affordable to fans.[130]

Kit body zalgiriskaunas14h.png
2013–2015 jersey
Kit shorts zalgiriskaunas14h.png
Team colours
2013–2015
Kit body zalgiriskaunas1516h.png
2015–2016 jersey
Kit shorts zalgiriskaunas1516h.png
Team colours
2015–2016
Kit body zalgiriskaunas1617.png
2016-2018 jersey
Kit shorts zalgiriskaunas1617.png
Team colours
2016-2018
Kit body zalgiriskaunas14a.png
2013–2015 jersey
Kit shorts zalgiriskaunas14a.png
Team colours
2013–2015
Kit body zalgiriskaunas1516a.png
2015–2016 jersey
Kit shorts zalgiriskaunas1516a.png
Team colours
2015–2016
Kit body zalgiriskaunas1617a.png
2016–2018 jersey
Kit shorts zalgiriskaunas1617a.png
Team colours
2016–2018

Statistical leaders[]

All-time points per game in European games (PPG)[]

Only players with a significant number of games played or points scored.

Position Nat. Player Seasons Games Points total Points per game
1 Lithuania Paulius Jankūnas 17 359 3047 8.5
2 Lithuania Artūras Milaknis 11 234 1615 6.9
3 Lithuania Rimas Kurtinaitis 6 70 1321 18.9
4 Lithuania Arvydas Sabonis 5 63 1281 20.3
5 Lithuania Edgaras Ulanovas 6 167 1165 7.0
6 United States Tanoka Beard 6 73 1107 15.2
7 Lithuania Dainius Šalenga 10 129 1107 8.6
8 Lithuania Lukas Lekavičius 5 135 1038 7.7
9 Lithuania Valdemaras Chomičius 5 53 934 17.6
10 Lithuania Marius Grigonis 3 78 868 11.1
11 Uganda Brandon Davies 2 70 818 11.7
12 Croatia Marko Popović 4 62 797 12.9
13 Lithuania Saulius Štombergas 3 55 763 13.9
14 United States Thomas Walkup 3 96 726 7.6
15 Canada Kevin Pangos 2 66 716 10.8
Last updated: 2021-04-13.[131]

Individual awards[]

LKL Most Valuable Player

LKL Finals MVP

King Mindaugas Cup Finals MVP

LKL Rising Star

LKL Defensive Player of the Year

  • Thomas Walkup - 2019, 2021
  • Robertas Javtokas - 2015

LKL Most Improved Player

  • Edgaras Ulanovas - 2016

LKL Coach of the Year

All-LKL First Team

LKL All-Star Game MVP

LKL Best Legionnaire

  • Kevin Pangos - 2018

EuroLeague MVP

  • Arvydas Sabonis – 2004

EuroLeague Final Four MVP

  • Arvydas Sabonis – 1986
  • Tyus Edney – 1999

All-EuroLeague First Team

  • Arvydas Sabonis – 2004
  • Brandon Davies – 2019

All-EuroLeague Second Team

Rivalries[]

During the Soviet era, Žalgiris had a huge rivalry with CSKA Moscow, the multiple-time champions and Red Army symbol, drawing huge crowds in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. The rivalry peaked during the 1980s, with the teams meeting in the USSR championship finals six times, which Žalgiris won in 1985, 1986 and 1987. It is considered to be the top rivalry in USSR basketball. CSKA remains one of the most-hated teams in Kaunas to this day. During the 2000s and 2010s, the teams have met many times in the EuroLeague, with CSKA winning most of the matches. In 2018, during the match for third place, Žalgiris narrowly defeated CSKA, 79–77. Over the years, the two teams also met in the NEBL, as well as the VTB United League, with the matches drawing huge crowds. In 2012, one such VTB match drew a record attendance of 15,812 for the competition and for the Žalgirio Arena.

After the Act of the Re-Establishment of the State of Lithuania and the Independence of Lithuania in 1990, and the establishment of the Lithuanian Basketball League in 1993, Žalgiris had a derby rivalry with BC Atletas, coached by former-Žalgiris head coach Vladas Garastas, with both teams fighting for the LKL championship. The teams met in the LKL finals four times, with Žalgiris winning each time. Starting in 1998, the biggest rival of Žalgiris has been BC Lietuvos rytas, also known as BC Rytas, from Vilnius. The matches draw the biggest interest in all of LKL, with the teams meeting in the finals 17 times, with Žalgiris winning 12 times, while Rytas won 5. The teams constantly fight for first place in the standings, and also fought in the LKF Cup, King Mindaugas Cup, Baltic Basketball League finals and the NEBL, with Žalgiris winning most of the games. During the 2010s, Žalgiris has largely dominated the rivalry, with sweeps in the finals in 2012, 2013, 2015, 2019 and in the regular season in 2017. In the 2018–19 season, Žalgiris swept Rytas in both the regular season and the finals' series, making it one of only few times this has happened.

Since 2014, after BC Neptūnas and BC Lietkabelis had made the LKL finals in 2014, 2016 and 2017, they, along with Rytas, have become the main teams fighting with Žalgiris for the championship.

Matches against NBA teams[]

15 October 2007
Golden State Warriors United States 107–88 Lithuania BC Žalgiris
Oracle Arena, Oakland, California
17 October 2007
Toronto Raptors Canada 105–99 Lithuania BC Žalgiris
Air Canada Centre, Toronto, OT
19 October 2007
Washington Wizards United States 115–96 Lithuania BC Žalgiris
Verizon Center, Washington, D.C.

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b "B.C. Žalgiris Kaunas: History". Retrieved 18 December 2015.
  2. ^ "Basketball - Soviet Union Premier League : Medal winners and event presentation". www.the-sports.org. Archived from the original on 6 December 2016. Retrieved 24 January 2019.
  3. ^ "Kaip gyvena CSKA krepšininkus skriaudę auksinio "Žalgirio" vyrai?". DELFI (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 12 October 2019.
  4. ^ "Auksinis "Žalgirio" momentas: kaip krepšininkai Argentinoje kepė blynus ir dalijo skilandžius". lrytas.lt (in Lithuanian). 14 September 2016. Retrieved 12 October 2019.
  5. ^ "Kauno fotografijos galerijoje – "Legendiniai Žalgirio vyrai"". bernardinai.lt (in Lithuanian). 12 September 2011. Retrieved 12 October 2019.
  6. ^ "Arvydo Sabonio traumos: audiniai buvo degeneravę". lrytas.lt (in Lithuanian). 1 April 2017. Retrieved 12 October 2019.
  7. ^ "Kaip gyvena CSKA krepšininkus skriaudę auksinio "Žalgirio" vyrai?". DELFI. Retrieved 12 October 2019.
  8. ^ "LKL legenda R.Kurtinaitis: apie profesionalumą ir "užkaltus halės langus"". krepsinis.net (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 12 October 2019.
  9. ^ "McDonald Openn Basketball, Teams, Scores, Stats, News, Standings - eurobasket". www.eurobasket.com. Retrieved 24 January 2019.
  10. ^ "Istorinis įvykis: "Lietuvos ryto" pirmasis LKL čempiono titulas". krepsinis.net (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 11 October 2019.
  11. ^ "Intriga, kuri visus varė iš proto: Arvydo Sabonio (ne)sugrįžimas". lrytas.lt (in Lithuanian). 3 May 2019. Retrieved 11 October 2019.
  12. ^ "Lemiamų "Žalgirio" kovų Eurolygoje istorijos – nuo skaudžiausios nesėkmės iki pergalingų metimų". Lrt.lt (in Lithuanian). 3 April 2019. Retrieved 11 October 2019.
  13. ^ "BOREDOM BRINGS SABONIS BACK TO BLAZERS". highbeam.com. 1 October 2002. Archived from the original on 5 November 2012. Retrieved 1 October 2002.
  14. ^ "Zalgiris Kaunas roster (Euroleague 2003-2004 season)". www.euroleague.net. Retrieved 10 November 2017.
  15. ^ "Zalgiris Kaunas games (Euroleague 2003-2004 season)". www.euroleague.net. Retrieved 10 November 2017.
  16. ^ "Žalgiris (2003-2004 LKL season)". LKL.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 10 November 2017.
  17. ^ "BBL finalo ketverto turnyrų istorijoje dominuoja "Žalgiris" ir "Lietuvos rytas"". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 20 April 2012.
  18. ^ "Zalgiris (2005-2006 Euroleague season)". www.euroleague.net. Retrieved 10 November 2017.
  19. ^ "Zalgiris (2005-2006 LKL season)". www.lkl.lt. Retrieved 10 November 2017.
  20. ^ "BBL finalinių ketvertų istorija" [BBL Final Four Story]. Krepsinis.net (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 10 November 2017.
  21. ^ "M.Kalnietis iki sezono pabaigos rungtyniaus "Žalgiryje"" [M. Kalnietis before the end of the season in Žalgiris]. BasketNews.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 28 February 2006.
  22. ^ ""Žalgiris" atsisakė amerikiečio E.Cotos paslaugų" [Žalgiris refused to service the American E.Cotos]. BasketNews.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 14 January 2006.
  23. ^ "Kauno "Žalgiryje" – NBA žvaigždė" [Kaunas Zalgiris – NBA star]. BasketNews.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 21 January 2006.
  24. ^ "Zalgiris roster (2008-2009 Euroleague season)". www.euroleague.net. Retrieved 10 November 2017.
  25. ^ Mazalas, Šarūnas. ""Žalgirio" skolos gali užkirsti kelią į Eurolygą" [Žalgiris debts can prevent Euroleague]. BasketNews.lt / Alfa.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 16 April 2009.
  26. ^ ""Žalgiris" atsisveikino su Deane'u" [Žalgiris said goodbye to Deane]. BasketNews.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 13 December 2008.
  27. ^ "Zalgiris games (Euroleague 2008-2009 season)". www.euroleague.net.
  28. ^ "Woodsas išvyko ir neaišku, ar grįš" [Woods left and it was unclear whether he would return]. BasketNews.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 19 January 2009.
  29. ^ "Žalgiris (2008-2009 LKL season)". LKL.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 10 November 2017.
  30. ^ Kuckailis, Aurimas. "BBL čempionas – Vilniaus "Lietuvos rytas" (atnaujinta 21.29 val., nuotraukos, komentaras)" [BBL Champion – Lietuvos rytas, Vilnius (updated 21.29 hrs, photos, comment)]. 24sek.lt. Retrieved 25 April 2009.
  31. ^ "Jonas Mačiulis: "Ateityje galiu grįžti ir į Kauno "Žalgirį"". tv3.lt. Retrieved 14 July 2009.
  32. ^ "Kauno "Žalgirį" nusipirko V.Romanovo valdoma Ūkio banko investicinė grupė (papildyta)" [Ūkio banko Investment Group managed by V. Romanov has bought Žalgiris Kaunas (supplemented)]. lrytas.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 6 May 2009.
  33. ^ Pupininkas, Martynas. "Vilniaus oro uoste "Žalgirio" fanai griausmingai pasitiko savo didvyrius (foto)" [Žalgiris fans in Vilnius airport embraced their heroes]. BasketNews.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 15 January 2010.
  34. ^ "Kalnietis lieka "Žalgiryje"" [Kalnietis remains in Žalgiris]. BasketNews.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 18 July 2009.
  35. ^ Žakas, Arijus. "Kalnietis: "Man reikalingas "Žalgiris"". BasketNews.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 13 October 2009.
  36. ^ "Zalgiris Kaunas – Welcome to EUROLEAGUE BASKETBALL". www.euroleague.net. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  37. ^ ""Istorinis įvykis": skandalingiausia LKL finalo serija". krepsinis.net (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 13 May 2014.
  38. ^ ""Istorinis įvykis": skandalingasis LKL finalas, kuriame ietys lūžo ne tik aikštelėje". Krepsinis.net (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 26 May 2015.
  39. ^ ""Žalgiris" pasirašė sutartį su Weemsu". BasketNews.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 8 July 2011.
  40. ^ ""Žalgiriui" diriguos pagrindinis "Nuggets" įžaidėjas (video)". BasketNews.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 15 August 2011.
  41. ^ "Oficialu: Popovičius grįžta į "Žalgirį"". alfa.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 27 August 2011.
  42. ^ Grigalevičius, Tomas. "Iš "Žalgirio" atleistas Ilias Zouros: "Šis Vladimiro Romanovo sprendimas man buvo labai netikėtas"". 24sek.lt. Retrieved 20 October 2011.
  43. ^ "Trifunovičius – naujasis "Žalgirio" vairininkas". BasketNews.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 31 October 2011.
  44. ^ "Zalgiris Kaunas games (2011-2012 Euroleague season)". www.euroleague.net. Retrieved 10 November 2017.
  45. ^ "T.Lawsonas atsisveikino su "Žalgiriu" (VIDEO) – Žalgiris". Zalgiris.lt (in Lithuanian). 1 December 2011. Retrieved 1 December 2011.
  46. ^ ""Žalgiris" iškovojo pirmą sezono trofėjų – LKF taurę". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 18 February 2012.
  47. ^ Bagdonas, Marius. ""Žalgiris" atsisveikina su Weemsu". BasketNews.lt / Kauno diena (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 3 April 2012.
  48. ^ "Collinsas diskvalifikuotas 3 mėnesiams – jo organizme aptikta marihuanos (Romanovo komentaras)". BasketNews.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 3 April 2012.
  49. ^ "Žalgiris (2011-2012 LKL season)". LKL.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  50. ^ "Zalgiris Kaunas: Club Info". EuroLeague. Retrieved 29 June 2017.
  51. ^ "Zalgiris Kaunas brings home veteran Kaukenas". Euroleague.net. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
  52. ^ "Zalgiris brings back Lavrinovic, adds Darden". Euroleague.net. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
  53. ^ "Zalgiris Kaunas adds Ksistof Lavrninovic, keeps Klimavicius". Eurocupbasketball.com. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
  54. ^ "Kaip užpildyti didžiausią areną Lietuvoje?". BasketNews.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 6 November 2015.
  55. ^ "Nenugalimas "Žalgiris" šešioliktą kartą tapo LKL čempionu!". DELFI.lt. Retrieved 6 June 2014.
  56. ^ "Pocius finds hot hand, Zalgiris takes third in VTB League – Žalgiris". zalgiris.lt. 22 January 2010. Retrieved 3 April 2017.
  57. ^ "Zalgiris Kaunas signs Justin Dentmon". sportando.com. Retrieved 3 April 2017.
  58. ^ Bulota, Šarūnas. "Šarūnas Jasikevičius pasirašė sutartį su Kauno "Žalgiriu"". 24sek.lt. Retrieved 27 September 2013.
  59. ^ "Ilias Zouros atleistas iš "Žalgirio" trenerio pareigų, jį keičia Saulius Štombergas". 24sek.lt. Retrieved 28 October 2013.
  60. ^ Bulota, Šarūnas. "Naujas "Žalgirio" treneris Saulius Štombergas: "Bus sunku, nes rezultatų reikia jau dabar"". 24sek.lt. Retrieved 28 October 2013.
  61. ^ "Zalgiris Kaunas – Welcome to EUROLEAGUE BASKETBALL". www.euroleague.net. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  62. ^ "Saulius Štombergas atsistatydino iš "Žalgirio" trenerio pareigų, jį keičia Gintaras Krapikas". 24sek.lt. Retrieved 8 April 2014.
  63. ^ "J.Dentmonas: visiems esu pasakęs, kad "Žalgirio" niekada nepamiršiu ir pasitaikius progai visada norėsiu čia grįžti". Krepsinis.net (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 5 August 2015.
  64. ^ "Dentmon sets Euroleague record in Zalgiris's big win – Žalgiris". zalgiris.lt. 11 April 2014. Retrieved 3 April 2017.
  65. ^ ""Žalgiris" tapo 16 kartą LKL čempionu – VIDEO – 15min.lt". 15min.lt. Retrieved 3 April 2017.
  66. ^ ""Žalgirio" atakoms diriguos NBA patirties turintis įžaidėjas (video)". BasketNews.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 30 July 2014.
  67. ^ "Kauno "Žalgiryje" žais Darius Songaila, komandą palieka Tadas Klimavičius". 24sek.lt. Retrieved 22 July 2014.
  68. ^ "Oficialu: Kauno "Žalgiryje" – NBA starto penketo žaidėjas J. Andersonas". DELFI.lt. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
  69. ^ "Šarūnas Jasikevičius oficialiai pradėjo trenerio karjerą". lrytas.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 8 August 2014.
  70. ^ "Zalgiris Kaunas – Welcome to EUROLEAGUE BASKETBALL". www.euroleague.net. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  71. ^ ""Žalgiris" finale patiesė "Lietuvos rytą" ir penktą kartą iškovojo LKF taurę". DELFI.lt. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  72. ^ "Zalgiris". LKL.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  73. ^ "Kauno". 15min.lt. Retrieved 3 April 2017.
  74. ^ Malinauskas, Lukas. ""Žalgiris" – vienas daugiausiai į Europos čempionatą krepšininkų delegavusių klubų". BasketNews.lt. Retrieved 5 September 2015.
  75. ^ ""Žalgirį" pasirinkęs I. Vougioukas: apsispręsti nebuvo sunku". DELFI.lt. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
  76. ^ "Zalgiris Kaunas escaped from Barcelona – Eurohoops". eurohoops.net. 11 December 2015. Retrieved 3 April 2017.
  77. ^ "Triumfas: "Lietuvos ryto" rankose – Karaliaus Mindaugo taurė". lrytas.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 21 February 2016.
  78. ^ "Oficialu: Jerome'as Randle'as karjerą tęs "Žalgiryje"". BasketNews.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 17 February 2017.
  79. ^ "Zalgiris Kaunas – Welcome to EUROLEAGUE BASKETBALL". www.euroleague.net. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  80. ^ "Nenugalimasis: "Neptūną" nušlavęs "Žalgiris" – šeštą kartą iš eilės LKL čempionas". DELFI.lt. Retrieved 6 June 2016.
  81. ^ ""Žalgiris" ilgam lieka Eurolygoje: susitarta dėl 10 metų šimtamilijoninio kontrakto". BasketNews.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 10 November 2015.
  82. ^ ""Žalgirio" naujokas L. Westermannas: Š. Jasikevičius – vienas mano idealų". DELFI.lt. Retrieved 1 June 2016.
  83. ^ ""Žalgiryje" lieka Brockas Motumas, į komandą sugrįžta Artūras Milaknis". BasketNews.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 7 August 2016.
  84. ^ "Renaldas Seibutis pratęsė sutartį su "Žalgiriu"". BasketNews.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 1 July 2016.
  85. ^ "E. Ulanovas lieka: "Žalgiris" su puolėju pratęsė sutartį". DELFI.lt. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  86. ^ "Š. Jasikevičius pasirašė sutartį su 'Barcelona'?". Kauno diena (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 23 June 2016.
  87. ^ "Išpirkos nepagailėjęs "Žalgiris" prisiviliojo kanadietį K. Pangosą". DELFI.lt. Retrieved 15 July 2016.
  88. ^ "Į Kauną atvykęs A. Lima: žaidimas "Žalgiryje" – tikras iššūkis mano karjeroje". DELFI.lt. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
  89. ^ "Kauno "Žalgirio" naujienos: A. Milaknis grįžta, M. Pocius išvyksta, B. Motumas lieka". DELFI.lt. Retrieved 7 August 2016.
  90. ^ "Oficialu: Antanas Kavaliauskas pasirašė sutartį su Kauno "Žalgiriu"". 24sek.lt. Retrieved 26 August 2016.
  91. ^ "Karaliaus Mindaugo taurę iškovojo antroje finalo pusėje "Lietkabelį" palaužęs "Žalgiris"". DELFI.lt. Retrieved 19 February 2017.
  92. ^ "Edgaras Ulanovas – Karaliaus Mindaugo taurės turnyro MVP". BasketNews.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 19 February 2017.
  93. ^ "Zalgiris Kaunas – Welcome to EUROLEAGUE BASKETBALL". www.euroleague.net. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  94. ^ "Zalgiris Kaunas – Welcome to EUROLEAGUE BASKETBALL". www.euroleague.net. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  95. ^ "Tarsi atominė bomba: Kaune "Žalgiris" neįtikėtinu rezultatu sunaikino "Dzūkiją"". lrytas.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 5 May 2017.
  96. ^ "A. Milaknio tritaškių Klaipėdoje įkvėptas "Žalgiris" pirmas žengė į LKL finalą". DELFI.lt. Retrieved 22 May 2017.
  97. ^ ""Lietkabelio" šturmą atlaikęs "Žalgiris" – septintą kartą iš eilės LKL čempionas". DELFI.lt. Retrieved 9 June 2017.
  98. ^ Kuckailis, Aurimas. ""Žalgiris" apstulbintas – į Eurolygos rungtynes skraidys verslo klasės lėktuvu". DELFI.lt. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  99. ^ ""Žalgiris" į Eurolygos išvykas skraidys užsakomuoju lėktuvu". BasketNews.lt (in Lithuanian).
  100. ^ Kuckailis, Aurimas. ""Žalgiris" apstulbintas – į Eurolygos rungtynes skraidys verslo klasės lėktuvu". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  101. ^ "Žalgiriečius į Eurolygos išvykos rungtynes skraidins "Avia Solutions Group" lėktuvas". YouTube.com. 3 July 2017. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  102. ^ "Brockas Motumas sukirto rankomis su "Anadolu Efes"". BasketNews.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 29 June 2017.
  103. ^ "Pirmasis naujokas "Žalgirio" komandoje – amerikietis A. White'as". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 13 June 2017.
  104. ^ "CSKA nariu tapęs L. Westermannas: nelengva palikti "Žalgirį", bet noriu laimėti Eurolygą". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 22 June 2017.
  105. ^ ""Žalgiris" turi antrą naujoką – Westermanną keičia perspektyvus serbas". BasketNews.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 15 June 2017.
  106. ^ "Su "Žalgiriu" išsiskyręs O'Neale'as sudarė pirmąjį NBA kontraktą". BasketNews.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 20 July 2017.
  107. ^ Urbonas, Donatas. "Į Prancūzijos rinktinę ir dėl "Žalgirio" patekęs A.Toupane'as – apie D.Motiejūno patarimą ir gyvenimą dėžutėje". 24sek.lt. Retrieved 10 August 2017.
  108. ^ Rimkus, Kęstas. "Kai auksas maišosi su liūdesiu – Robertas Javtokas atsisveikino be ašarų, bet verkė kiti". 24sek.lt. Retrieved 9 June 2017.
  109. ^ "Augusto Lima karjerą pratęs Turkijoje". BasketNews.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 27 July 2017.
  110. ^ "Brandonas Daviesas: "Galimybė žaisti "Žalgiryje" buvo patraukliausia"". 24sek.lt. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
  111. ^ ""Žalgirį" į "Panathinaikos" iškeitęs L. Lekavičius: pinigai nėra svarbiausia". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 29 June 2017.
  112. ^ ""Žalgirio" naujokas D. Bostas tikisi tapti vienu iš komandos lyderių". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 1 September 2017.
  113. ^ "Maldos išgirstos: Šarūnas Jasikevičius lieka Kauno "Žalgiryje"". 24sek.lt. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
  114. ^ "Karjerą baigusiam R. Javtokui nauji darbai "Žalgiryje" – užims sporto direktoriaus pareigas". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
  115. ^ [1][bare URL]
  116. ^ Augustis, Mindaugas. "Jasikevičius prisiekė meilę "Žalgiriui" ir pažadėjo klubui šviesią ateitį". DELFI.lt. Retrieved 26 April 2018.
  117. ^ 2K Sports' NBA 2K14 to Include Top Euroleague Basketball Teams for the First Time in the Series (in English)
  118. ^ Exclusive shots: How Žalgiris will look like in NBA 2K14 (in Lithuanian)
  119. ^ „NBA 2K15“ žaidime – „Žalgiris“, „Lietuvos rytas“ ir daugybė lietuvių (in Lithuanian)
  120. ^ "Žaidime "NBA 2K16" – ir dvi Lietuvos komandos". BasketNews.lt. Retrieved 15 September 2015.
  121. ^ "The NBA2K17 Euroleague teams list revealed". Eurohoops.net. Retrieved 17 August 2016.
  122. ^ 15 tūkst. ačiū: J.Kazlausko marškinėliai iškilmingai iškilo į „Žalgirio“ arenos palubes (in Lithuanian)
  123. ^ V. Garasto marškinėliai iškilmingai pakilo į „Žalgirio“ arenos palubes (in Lithuanian)
  124. ^ „Žalgiris“ į arenos palubes iškėlė Paulausko marškinėlius (video) (in Lithuanian)
  125. ^ „Žalgiris“ į arenos palubes iškėlė Sabonio marškinėlius (video, foto) (in Lithuanian)
  126. ^ "Žalgiris". LKL.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  127. ^ "BC ZALGIRIS KAUNAS". BBL.net.
  128. ^ "Zalgiris Kaunas – Welcome to EUROLEAGUE BASKETBALL". www.euroleague.net. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
  129. ^ "Naujajame sezone "Žalgirio" krepšininkai vilkės adidas aprangas". tv3.lt. Retrieved 22 August 2012.
  130. ^ "Kauno "Žalgirio" krepšininkams sukurti nauji žaidybiniai marškinėliai". zalgiris.lt. Retrieved 5 September 2018.
  131. ^ Jankūnas outperformed Sabonis points total record as a Žalgiris member (in Lithuanian)

External links[]

Retrieved from ""