By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
BKT EuroCup participant 7bet-Lietkabelis named Jonas Maciulis as the new general manager.
Maciulis, 39, replaced departing Martynas Purlys, the team announced on Monday.
Joining forces with Maciulis, Lukas Grabauskas was promoted from team manager to sports director.
After putting an end to playing days, the Kaunas native switched to an executive career with Nevezis-Optibet over the last three years before moving to the team based in Panevezys. Displaying his talents on the court, his career peaked by becoming a Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champion with Real Madrid at the end of the 2014-15 season, besides numerous more championships, including winning the FIBA Intercontinental Cup in 2015 and 2019.
Purlys, 53, was GM since 2018. During his tenure, Lietkabelis ranked second in the 2021-22 installment of Lithuania’s Betsafe LKL and settled for third in 2019-20, 2020-21, 2022-23, and 2023-24. In the Citadele KMT, his side was runner-up in 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2023-24. At the continental level, reaching the eighthfinals of the 2021-22 and 2022-23 editions of the 7DAYS EuroCup highlighted the run.
“We are very grateful to Martynas for his contribution during this entire period,” said team president Alvydas Bieliauskas, “He gave his all to the club. I told him that if doesn’t work out, he can always come back to us.”
“I want to thank Alvydas Bieliauskas for the offer to work at the club and for the trust,” reacted Purlys, “I am grateful to my colleagues, all former and current members of the team. 7bet-Lietkabelis has become what it is today with collective effort.”
“I believe Jonas will bring new energy, knowledge, and extensive experience as a player to the team,” he welcomed his successor, “I wish the club the best of luck.”
“I did not think about it for a long time, because you don’t get a chance to work for a top European club every day,” noted Maciulis on joining Lietkabelis, “We will try to maintain the same success achieved by Martynas. There is a lot of work to do now. I need to adjust, get to know everyone, and just continue working.”