By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
As officially announced, Zalgiris has renewed its contract with big man Laurynas Birutis for the 2024-2025 season, with the option to work together for the 2025-2026 season as well.
Under Andrea Trinchieri’s guidance, Birutis is Zalgiris’ third most valuable player in the EuroLeague, averaging 8.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and a PIR of 10.4 during that stretch.
“I feel good here. Zalgiris is one of the best organizations in Europe, we have a great fan base, so the motivation to stay in Kaunas is high. I grew up in Zalgiris youth system. Although I didn’t get to the main team by the most direct route, I found my place here. It also gives me an extra boost,” said Birutis.
In the Betsafe-LKL championship, Birutis is Zalgiris’ top scorer and most efficient player. He averages 10.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and a PIR of 16.5 per 18 minutes on the court.
“Our goal is to give Lithuanian players who care about Zalgiris and want to play in Kaunas the opportunity to develop at the highest level. Laurynas has had many good games this year, he had had some bad ones, but that is to be expected from a player who is still developing. I am happy that we will continue to have a player with an upward curve in the team,” said Zalgiris Head Coach Andrea Trinchieri.
Birutis took his first professional steps on Zalgiris Kaunas’ junior team and later was loaned to other Betsafe-LKL clubs. In 2018, while representing Siauliai, he was named the regular season MVP. He made his debut in Zalgiris’ main team in the 2018-2019 season and then spent two years with Monbus Obradoiro in the Spanish ACB League.