BC Žalgiris

Basketball team in Kaunas, Lithuania From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Basketball Club Žalgiris (Lithuanian: Krepšinio klubas Žalgiris) commonly known as BC Žalgiris, is a professional basketball club based in Kaunas, Lithuania. They compete domestically in the Lithuanian Basketball League (Lietuvos krepšinio lyga) and internationally as a long-term licensed EuroLeague team. Since the 2011–12 season, Žalgiris has played its home games in Žalgiris Arena in the New Town district of Kaunas.

NicknameŽaliai balti (The Green-Whites)
LeaguesLithuanian Basketball League
EuroLeague
Founded1944; 82 years ago (1944)
ArenaŽalgiris Arena
Quick facts Žalgiris Kaunas, Nickname ...
Žalgiris Kaunas
2025–26 BC Žalgiris season
Žalgiris Kaunas logo
NicknameŽaliai balti (The Green-Whites)
LeaguesLithuanian Basketball League
EuroLeague
Founded1944; 82 years ago (1944)
ArenaŽalgiris Arena
Capacity15,415
LocationKaunas, Lithuania
Team colorsDartmouth green, white
   
PresidentPaulius Jankūnas
Team managerMindaugas Kvedaras
Head coachTomas Masiulis
Team captainEdgaras Ulanovas
OwnershipPaulius Jankūnas (55%)
Tesonet (NordVPN) (45%)[1]
AffiliationReserve team
Championships1 EuroLeague
1 Saporta Cup
1 Intercontinental Cup
5 Soviet Union Leagues
1 Soviet Union Cup
1 North European League
25 Lithuanian Leagues
9 King Mindaugas Cups
5 Lithuanian Cups
5 Baltic Leagues
9 Lithuanian SSR Championships
Retired numbers3 (5, 11, 13)
Websitezalgiris.lt
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Žalgiris is the most decorated basketball club in the country, having won 25 Lithuanian Basketball League championships, five Soviet Union National League championships (the second most behind CSKA Moscow), and one EuroLeague championship. Many Lithuanian basketball legends have played for Žalgiris throughout the club's history, including Arvydas Sabonis, Modestas Paulauskas, and Šarūnas Jasikevičius. Eight of the fifteen Lithuanian basketball players to play in the 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, Arnoldas Kulboka, and Ignas Brazdeikis).

The club's name commemorates the Polish–Lithuanian–Teutonic War's Battle of Žalgiris, also known as the Battle of Grunwald, in which the joint forces of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Kingdom of Poland defeated the Teutonic Order in one of medieval Europe's largest battles. Žalgiris and Grunwald translate to "green wood" in Lithuanian and German, respectively.

History

1944–1970: Early success

BC Žalgiris, the champions of the USSR Premier League in 1951

BC Žalgiris was formed in 1944. In 1944 they played against the German basketball team.[2] The team was named ASK from 1945 to 1947, after which it was named SKIF from 1947 to 1949. Beginning in 1950, the team was renamed Žalgiris. The team quickly rose to prominence, winning the Soviet Union's top-tier USSR Premier Basketball League twice, in 1947 and 1951,[3] as well as multiple domestic Lithuanian championships. In the following years, the team won two silver medals in the USSR league in 1949 and 1952, and four bronze medals from 1953 to 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.

1970–1990: Among the elite in the USSR

Žalgiris became the dominant club in the Soviet Union and Europe when they added Valdemaras Chomičius and Rimas Kurtinaitis to their roster, along with coach Vladas Garastas. The team won bronze medals in the Soviet Union championship in 1971, 1973, and 1978.[4] In 1980, Žalgiris debuted in the 1980–81 FIBA European Cup Winners' Cup. Their biggest addition, though, was 17-year-old Arvydas Sabonis, who debuted with the club in 1981 at 209 centimetres (82 in) and grew another 12 centimetres (4.7 in) in the next couple years. Sabonis soon became known for his versatility, being able to play defense, assist his teammates, shoot three-pointers, and dominate inside the paint.

From 1985 to 1987, Žalgiris won three consecutive Soviet Union National League championships, beating CSKA Moscow (English: Central Sports Club of Army) in the finals in all three years.[5] 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 rival KK Cibona. Žalgiris was emerging as one of the top clubs in Europe at the time.

In the mid-1980s, the rivalry between Žalgiris Kaunas and CSKA Moscow served as a major inspiration for the Lithuanian national revival, especially when they played in Kaunas Sports Hall. It contributed to the emergence of the Sąjūdis national movement and the re-establishment of state independence.[6] 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.[7] That season, Žalgiris won a silver medal, losing to CSKA Moscow in the Soviet League finals. The next season, Žalgiris managed to reach the European Cup Winners' Cup semi-finals and won a silver medal in the Soviet league, losing a dramatic finals to Budivelnyk Kiev.

Just before the start of the 1989–90 season, Žalgiris lost Sabonis, Kurtinaitis, Jovaiša, Chomičius, and head coach Garastas, as the Iron Curtain, which had barred Lithuanian basketball talent from becoming internationally sought-after, had been lifted.[8] In the 1989–90 season, Žalgiris reached the Clubs Cup Winners' Cup semi-finals, where they lost to Real Madrid.

1990–1999: Domination in the Lithuanian Basketball League and reaching the top of the EuroLeague

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. In 1992, Žalgiris won the Profbasket League - a tournament where the former best USSR teams played. 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, however, European success lacked the team, as Žalgiris struggled in both the FIBA European League and FIBA European Cup qualifications. In 1996, Žalgiris finally found success participating in the 1995–96 FIBA European Cup when Rimas Kurtinaitis returned to play for his home team - Žalgiris managed to reach the semifinals, though succumbed to the powerful PAOK Thessaloniki in a two-game series. In 1997, Žalgiris again won the LKL championship, beating Žemaitijos Olimpas 3–0 in the finals, and reaching round 16 in the Saporta Cup, losing to Paris Basket Racing. Players such as Darius Lukminas, Gintaras Einikis, Kęstutis Šeštokas, Dainius Adomaitis, and Darius Maskoliūnas played for the club during this period, coached by Jonas Kazlauskas.

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 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. 1999 also marked the beginning of the rivalry between Žalgiris and Lietuvos rytas of Vilnius.

1999–2004

The year after winning the EuroLeague, Žalgiris suffered one of its worst 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 - a complete disaster for the previous year EuroLeague champions.[9] In the 2000–01 season, the team reached the new EuroLeague playoffs, but lost to AEK. Žalgiris won the LKL championship, beating Lietuvos Rytas 3–2. The 2001–02 season was a disappointment, as the team was eliminated in the EuroLeague after the group stage and lost the LKL championship to Lietuvos Rytas. In the 2002–03 season, they were again eliminated in the EuroLeague group stage, 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 played for the club during the 2003–04 season,[10] 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 with Derrick Sharp's last-second three-pointer at the end of regulation and went on to beat Žalgiris in overtime.[11] The season ended on a high note, as Žalgiris swept Lietuvos Rytas 4–0 in the LKL championship. Paulius Jankūnas also made his debut with Žalgiris during the season.

2004–2009: Post-Sabonis era

After the departure of Sabonis at the conclusion of the 2003–04 season, Žalgiris faced a series of ups and downs.[12] In the 2004–05 season, mainstays Tanoka Beard, Mindaugas Timinskas, Dainius Šalenga, and new addition Robert Pack enabled Žalgiris to have a respectable season.[13] 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, the team entered a long slump and finished with an 0–6 record.[14] 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.[15][16]

Dainius Šalenga dedicated most of his career for Žalgiris

In the 2005–06 season, the team suffered many changes. Mindaugas Timinskas, Dainius Šalenga, and Robert Pack all departed the team, so Žalgiris built a younger team while signing Ed Cota to return. With the emergence of Darjuš Lavrinovič, Žalgiris started the season solidly, finishing the EuroLeague regular season with a 9–5 record.[17] Off-court, Žalgiris had many issues, resulting in a huge slump for the team. They ended the top-16 phase with another 0–6 record and lost both the LKL and BBL titles to Lietuvos Rytas.[18][19] 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.[20][21][22]

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

Žalgiris had a new coach for the 2006–07 season, Ainars Bagatskis, but suffered a terrible EuroLeague regular season. 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. Žalgiris also beat Lietuvos Rytas in the LKL finals.

Before the 2007–08 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 top 16, finishing with a 1–5 record. Žalgiris also won the LKF Cup for the second consecutive year, beating Lietuvos Rytas 83–72 in the finals.[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 2008–09 season started on a very high note, with contract extensions for Jonas Mačiulis and Loren Woods, retaining leader Marcus Brown, and the signing of new point guard Willie Deane, who replaced the departed DeJuan Collins.[23] 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.[24] Willie Deane was soon released, in large part due to his poor performance in the EuroLeague, which led to a seven-game losing streak.[25] The team recovered under point guard Mantas Kalnietis, and finished the EuroLeague regular season with a 2–8 record, missing the top 16.[26] 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.[27] Despite this, this was the most Žalgiris could accomplish, as they lost to Lietuvos Rytas.[28][29] Jonas Mačiulis and Jankūnas, who became the team leaders during 2005-2009 timeline, left after the season ended.[30]

2009–2013: Vladimir Romanov era

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

During the 2008–09 season, Žalgiris faced significant financial difficulties. In 2009, Sabonis sold most of his stake to the local Ūkio banko investment group (ŪBIG), headed by Vladimir Romanov, who ended up controlling a 75% stake in the club. Sabonis retained 21.5% ownership of the club, 3% was owned by a minority group, and 0.5% was owned by the Kaunas municipality.[31]

In the 2009–10 season, Romanov became unpopular among 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 on the team.[32] The team also re-signed point guard Mantas Kalnietis, coming of his best season in 2008–2009, and who turned down an offer from Benetton Treviso.[33][34] 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 led the team to the EuroLeague Top-16 phase with a 3–7 regular season record. Under Butautas, Žalgiris also won the bronze medal in the VTB League. 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.[35] Žalgiris won back the BBL title by beating Lietuvos Rytas in the finals, but in the LKL finals, Rytas won the series 4–3. Romanov fired coach Maskoliūnas during this series - Marcus Brown took over as the player-coach, 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 the most controversial in club history.[36][37]

Before the 2010–11 season, Žalgiris re-signed Paulius Jankūnas and DeJuan Collins, signed Tomas Delininkaitis, and brought in Serbian coach Aleksandar Petrović as the new head coach. The season began with Žalgiris playing very strongly, but after a slump, Romanov fired Petrović. They qualified for 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 1–5 record in the Top-16 phase. Žalgiris also failed to qualify for the VTB League Final Four tournament - a huge disappointment for the team. However, 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 that impacted the 2011–12 season, Žalgiris signed former Toronto Raptors wing Sonny Weems and former Denver Nuggets point guard Ty Lawson.[38][39] The team also re-signed long time fan-favorite Marko Popović.[40] and 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 - a decision hugely unpopular with Žalgiris fans.[41][42] Despite initial improvement, as the team finishing the EuroLeague regular season with a 4–6 record and a trip to the Top 16, the slump continued and the team's EuroLeague season ended quickly.[43] After Ty Lawson left the team, Mantas Kalnietis became a true leader for Žalgiris and played his best season yet.[44] The team slowly recovered, winning the LKF Cup.[45] After being eliminated in the VTB playoffs, in an embarrassing fashion, by Lokomotiv Kuban, 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).[46][47] With very solid play from Marko Popovič and Tomas Delininkaitis, Žalgiris retained the LKL title, defeating Lietuvos Rytas in the finals 3–0.[48] The club had achieved a second consecutive "triple crown" of Lithuanian League, Lithuanian Cup, and Baltic Cup.[49]

Rimantas Kaukėnas, one of the best players from the 2012–13 season.

For the 2012–13 season, Žalgiris signed Lithuanian national team players Rimantas Kaukėnas, Darjuš Lavrinovič, and Kšyštof Lavrinovič; Unicaja Malaga star Tremmell Darden; and point guard Oliver Lafayette.[50][51][52] The season began with Žalgiris winning the newly established LKF SuperCup against Lietuvos Rytas. Early in 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. They finished at the top of their group for the first time in 13 years, with an 8–2 record. In their 76–66 home victory against CSKA Moscow, Žalgiris broke their attendance record, with 15,812 spectators.[53] In January 2013, Jaaber departed from the team for personal reasons and was replaced by Donnie McGrath in February. In the coming months, financial troubles returned to the club, which led to the departure of Darden. The crisis coincided with the ongoing collapse of Ūkio Bankas. The bank's main shareholder Vladimir Romanov, who also owned the majority of shares of Žalgiris and was the club's president, abruptly left the country and flew to Russia in early March 2013, abandoning his stake in the club. On 20 March 2013, vice president Paulius Motiejūnas was named the team director. Despite the financial and management struggles, Žalgiris finished the Top-16 phase with a 6–8 record, the best in club history, but narrowly missed the playoffs. Žalgiris also won the group phase in the VTB United League. In May, Žalgiris won their third straight LKL title, sweeping Lietuvos Rytas 4–0 in the finals.[54] 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.[55]

2013–2016: A new direction

Justin Dentmon, leader of the team for the 2013–14 season
Artūras Milaknis was one of the finest three-point specialists in Europe during the 2014–15 season.

After the loss of team owner Vladimir Romanov and the departure of head coach Joan Plaza, Žalgiris rehired Ilias Zouros as head coach for the 2013–14 season. Žalgiris left the VTB United League because of the changes in the EuroLeague format that meant that the teams who did not qualify for the Top 16 would have a chance to play in the EuroCup playoffs.

Žalgiris signed Justin Dentmon[56] and Šarūnas Jasikevičius to one-year deals.[57] After a poor start to the season, Zouros was fired as head coach and replaced by Saulius Štombergas.[58][59] 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 difficult, with Žalgiris losing many games by 5 points or less (a 2–12 record overall).[60] After a few losses in the LKF Cup and the LKL, Štombergas resigned and was replaced by Gintaras Krapikas as interim head coach.[61] 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,[62] and Dentmon also made 74 three-pointers during the season (a EuroLeague record since 2000).[63]

After a loss to Lietuvos Rytas in the final LKL regular season game, Žalgiris entered the playoffs as the fourth seed, the worst in club history. They faced Lietuvos Rytas again in the semi-finals - Žalgiris beat Lietuvos Rytas 2–1 in the semifinals, with the 73–71 win in game 3 in Vilnius considered as one of the best games of the entire rivalry. Žalgiris advanced to the finals against Neptūnas Klaipėda, taking the series 4–2 and winning their fourth consecutive LKL championship.[64]

During the 2014–15 preseason, Žalgiris made significant changes to the squad, replacing Justin Dentmon with Maalik Wayns, who was in turn replaced by Will Cherry.[65] Žalgiris also signed Darius Songaila from rival Lietuvos Rytas and James Anderson from the NBA.[66][67] Šarūnas Jasikevičius retired and became an assistant coach, and more young players were brought to the team.[68] Young point guard Lukas Lekavičius was the main bright spot as the team began LKL play. In the EuroLeague, a 5–5 record sent Žalgiris to the top 16 phase where the team finished with a 5–9 record.[69] In February, Žalgiris won the LKF Cup for the first time in three years.[70] Žalgiris finished the LKL regular season in dominating fashion, with 12 straight wins,[71] and they defeated Lietuvos Rytas in the finals. This win was the club's fifth consecutive LKL title and their 17th overall.[72]

Žalgiris had a total of seven players who competed in EuroBasket 2015 - including new signing Renaldas Seibutis, former Rytas leader.[73] They finished the off-season by signing Ian Vougioukas at center.[74] Žalgiris finished the 2015–16 EuroLeague regular season with a 5–5 record and qualified for the Top-16 phase for the seventh consecutive season.[75] 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 led the team to a huge slump and a loss to Lietuvos Rytas in the King Mindaugas Cup final.[76] After strong criticism of the team management for not finding a center to replace Javtokas, Žalgiris signed new point guard Jerome Randle.[77] While the EuroLeague season ended with a 2–12 record, a hugely disappointing result, the team later recovered by finishing in 1st place in the LKL regular season over King Mindaugas Cup winner Lietuvos Rytas.[78] Žalgiris defeated Neptūnas Klaipėda in the LKL finals, winning their sixth consecutive LKL title with a 4–1 record.[79]

2016–present: New EuroLeague format

Šarūnas Jasikevičius, one of the all-time greatest Lithuanian basketball players, started coaching Žalgiris in 2016.

In November 2015, the ongoing conflict between FIBA and Euroleague came to a head when FIBA announced the formation of the Basketball Champions League, and courted EuroLeague teams to join their new championship. However, EuroLeague's long-term-license teams, such as Žalgiris, decided to stay with the Euroleague Basketball Company.[80]

2016–17

Edgaras Ulanovas won five LKL Finals MVP titles from 2015 to 2020.

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.[81] After the season, long-time Žalgiris players Siim-Sander Vene and Kaspars Vecvagars left the team, while Žalgiris chose to retain the services of Seibutis and Motum.[82][83] Head coach Jasikevičius was pursued by FC Barcelona Lassa, but decided to remain with Žalgiris.[84] 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.[85][86] Žalgiris also signed the returning Artūras Milaknis to a 3-year deal.[87] German prospect Isaiah Hartenstein was scheduled to make his professional debut after being signed 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.[88]

In February, Žalgiris won their first title of the 2016–17 season, winning the King Mindaugas Cup by defeating Lietkabelis Panevėžys in the finals 84–63.[89] Edgaras Ulanovas was named tournament MVP.[90] In the EuroLeague, Žalgiris exceeded expectations with a 10th-place finish (14–16 record), getting a win against defending champion CSKA Moscow and finishing ahead of FC Barcelona Lassa and Maccabi Tel Aviv.[91] Players Brock Motum, Léo Westermann, Edgaras Ulanovas, and Lukas Lekavičius developed strongly, Renaldas Seibutis played the best defense of his career, and team captain Paulius Jankūnas played one of his best seasons of his career, leading the team in scoring and rebounding.[92] In the LKL, Žalgiris won the regular season with only a few losses, sweeping their rival Lietuvos Rytas, with the toughest challenge coming from a powerful Lietkabelis squad that contained former Žalgiris players Darjuš and Kšyštof Lavrinovič. In the LKL playoffs, Žalgiris easily advanced to the finals,[93][94] defeating Lietkabelis for their seventh straight LKL championship, 4–1.[95] Robertas Javtokas retired as a player at the end of the season and became the new sporting director for Žalgiris.

2017–18

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.[96][97][98][99] The off-season work began just a week after winning the LKL championship, when breakout player Brock Motum signed with Anadolu Efes S.K.[100] To replace Motum, Žalgiris signed Aaron White, who had played a season with Zenit Saint Petersburg.[101] Léo Westerman signed with CSKA Moscow, and was replaced by talented guard Vasilije Micić.[102][103] To replace Seibutis, Žalgiris originally signed Royce O'Neale, who terminated his deal just weeks later to sign with the Utah Jazz.[104] Žalgiris then signed Axel Toupane to replace him.[105] Because center Robertas Javtokas announced retirement and the loan of Augusto Lima ended, Žalgiris signed Brandon Davies of AS Monaco Basket at the center position.[106][107][108] The most-shocking departure came at the end of June, when breakout point guard Lukas Lekavičius signed a contract with Panathinaikos.[109] Needing a new point guard, Žalgiris signed Dee Bost, also of AS Monaco.[110] Coach Jasikevičius also re-signed with Žalgiris, and the retired Javtokas became the new sports director of the team.[111][112] 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 consecutive year, 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 was Žalgiris's central piece and led the team to their first EuroLeague Final Four since 1998–99.

In the 2017–18 EuroLeague, Žalgiris was again projected to be one of the worst teams. Žalgiris struggled in the early season before putting together 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 qualification for 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.[113] The team achieved this despite having the second-lowest budget in the league.[114] Žalgiris lost to Fenerbahçe in the semifinals, 76–67. In the third-place game, Žalgiris faced longtime rivals CSKA Moscow; Žalgiris led by as much as 24 points, but CSKA's late-game rally made it so Žalgiris only 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.[115]

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. They also signed talented guard/forward Thomas Walkup. To replace reserve Martynas Sajus, Žalgiris signed Laurynas Birutis, who was loaned to 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.

2018–19

The newly reformed Žalgiris struggled at the start of the 2018–19 EuroLeague season.[116] Needing another point guard, Žalgiris signed Derrick Walton in October. By December, Žalgiris was in sixth place with a 7–7 record. However, injuries decimated the team. Walton's disappointing play led to decreasing playing time and a release in February 2019. Later in February, Žalgiris suffered a loss in the King Mindaugas Cup to Rytas Vilnius, losing the tournament for the first time since 2016 - a disaster for Žalgiris.[117] By the start of March, Žalgiris was 13th in the EuroLeague with a 9–15 record.[116] The team's play started to improve when Walkup was pushed to the point guard position to replace Walton, Westermann returned after being injured, and improving play by Thompson led to a six-game winning streak. Their 15–15 record clinched the final spot in the playoffs, with massive away wins over Maccabi Tel Aviv, Olympiakos Piraeus and Real Madrid, .[116] In the EuroLeague playoffs, Žalgiris lost to Fenerbahçe.[116] 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 the regular season in first place, and swept the series finals against Rytas, winning the series 3–0, for a ninth consecutive LKL championship.[118]

2019–20

Lukas Lekavičius, who returned to Žalgiris in 2019.

During the off-season, many players (including Westermann and Thompson) left the team, with Antanas Kavaliauskas announcing his retirement after a few very successful seasons with Žalgiris. Lukas Lekavičius returned to the team after two seasons in Greece, and Alex Pérez was signed to replace Westermann. Jock Landale and Zach LeDay, of Olympiacos, were signed to complete the front court. Martinas Geben, who had signed a long-term deal the previous summer, earned a spot on the roster after a successful season with Juventus Utena in the LKL, where he was named Season MVP. 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. Žalgiris also signed shooting-guard K. C. Rivers in November.

Žalgiris won the King Mindaugas Cup by beating Rytas Vilnius 80–60 in the finals.[118] 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, their 10th consecutive LKL championship.[118] In the 2019–20 EuroLeague, Žalgiris struggled for most of the season, including plummeting to the bottom of the standings, but recovered by February 2020, finishing with a 12–16 record.[119] With the EuroLeague season stopped due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Žalgiris finished in ninth place.[119]

2020–21

With the season ending prematurely due to the COVID-19 situation, Žalgiris started their off-season work early. LeDay, Landale, Ulanovas, and Rivers all left the team during the summer, but the biggest departure was of coach Jasikevičius, who left Žalgiris (along with the rest of the coaching staff) and signed with FC Barcelona in July. On July 14, Žalgiris announced the signing of Martin Schiller as the team's new head coach. Schiller had previously worked with the Salt Lake City Stars of the NBA G League, and had been named the NBA G League Coach of the Year in 2020. 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's old staff. Žalgiris brought in a bevy of new players, but the most surprising signing happened in June when Žalgiris bought out Marek Blaževič, a talented prospect, out of rival squad Rytas Vilnius.

While the expectations for the upcoming season were not promising under Schiller, Žalgiris surprised everyone and stayed in the playoff hunt throughout the 2020–21 EuroLeague season. Despite eventually not making the playoffs, Žalgiris finished the EuroLeague season with a respectable 17–17 record.[120] Marius Grigonis, Joffrey Lauvergne and Nigel Hayes had their breakout seasons in the EuroLeague. They won the King Mindaugas Cup and their 11th consecutive LKL final by beating Rytas 3–0.[118]

2021–22

In 2021, Žalgiris signed Tyler Cavanaugh, Niels Giffey, Mantas Kalnietis, Josh Nebo, Edgaras Ulanovas, Jānis Strēlnieks, and Emmanuel Mudiay. They also extended their contract with Lukas Lekavičius. Žalgiris lost all five LKL preseason games, playing seemingly worse each game. Žalgiris had a difficult start in the 2021 LKL regular season—while they won all three games, they struggled even against the weakest of teams. After a 0–2 start in the EuroLeague, Žalgiris fired coach Martin Schiller, replacing him with Jure Zdovc.[121] Injuries to players such as Lauvergne and Strelnieks, struggles in the LKL, and disappointing play from projected leaders such as Mudiay resulted in the worst start ever (0–9) for Žalgiris in the Euroleague.[121] In the LKL, a loss to BC Rytas resulted in Žalgiris falling out of first place.[118]

Žalgiris released Mudiay in November, replacing him with point guard Tai Webster, and signed shooting guard Zoran Dragić. The moves backfired—Webster struggled even in the LKL, while Dragič rarely saw playing time and was released by the end of the year.[121][118] New signees such as Regimantas Miniotas also saw limited playing time.[121][118] Losses in the Euroleague resulted in Žalgiris attendance falling to record lows. By February, Žalgiris was in last place with a disastrous 4–20 record,[121] but recovered by March 2022, including memorable wins over the Jasikevičius-lead FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, future participants of the Euroleague Final Four, in particular thanks to the return of Joffrey Lauvergne from injury. Žalgiris also won the 2022 King Mindaugas Cup, beating BC Lietkabelis 91–66 in the finals.[118]

Žalgiris was the first team to refuse to play against Russian teams in the EuroLeague (CSKA Moscow, Kazan Unics, and Zenit St. Petersburg) due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, even gaining criticism in the Russian press for being one of the reasons Russian teams got disqualified. They finished the EuroLeague season with a memorable 103–98 win against KK Crvena zvezda.[121] Žalgiris finished the EuroLeague season with an 8–20 record, above the disqualified CSKA, UNICS, and Zenit, but still in last place of the eligible teams—their worst EuroLeague finish since the 2015–16 season.[121]

Kazys Maksvytis, who started coaching Žalgiris in 2022.

By the start of April, disappointment returned to Žalgiris. Struggles in the LKL resulted in Žalgiris once again falling behind Rytas in the standings, and they ended up finishing behind Rytas in the standings for the first time since the 2013–14 season.[118] Žalgiris replaced Zdovc later in the month, signing Lithuanian national basketball team coach Kazys Maksvytis as their new head coach.[118] The struggles continued under Maksvytis, who failed to find a good lineup or rotation with the existing roster.[118]

In the LKL playoffs, the struggles became even more evident. Žalgiris needed all five games to beat BC Neptūnas in the quarterfinals, narrowly winning the series 3–2.[118] Žalgiris won the first semifinal game against BC Lietkabelis, before losing the next three games – Lietkabelis won the series 3–1. Žalgiris had failed to qualify to the LKL finals for the first time ever, ending their 11-year domination of the LKL and finishing the 2021–22 season with the biggest fiasco in team history.[122][118] Žalgiris finished the season by winning the LKL bronze medal, beating BC Šiauliai in the consolation round in a 4–0 sweep.[118] To add insult to injury, Rytas went on to win the LKL championship. Jankūnas retired after the season and became the sports director of Žalgiris.

2022-2023

After the disastrous 2021–2022 season, Žalgiris overwent a radical overhaul from the previous season. Coach Maksvytis had signed a long-term deal before the absolutely catastrophic ending in the LKL. Webster, Nebo, Blaževič, Miniotas, Milaknis, Strelnieks, Giffey, and Lauvergne all left the team during the summer. Former team captain Paulius Jankūnas remained, as a sporting director, assisting director Paulius Motiejūnas. Only a handful of players, among the key ones Lekavičius and Ulanovas, named team captain after Jankūnas and who signed long-term extensions, remained with the team. One of the biggest problems of the previous season was settled when Žalgiris signed Keenan Evans as the new point guard for the team. Kevarrius Hayes and former Žalgiris player Laurynas Birutis were signed to replace Lauvergne and Nebo as centers, Rolands Šmits was signed as a replacement for Jankūnas. Tomas Dimša, who had signed with Žalgiris as early as 2020, returned to the team. Dovydas Giedraitis, who played an incredible season with BC Lietkabelis, and who was one of the main reasons Lietkabelis beat Žalgiris the previous season, was bought out of his contract in Spain, where he was signed to Estudiantes Madrid, and was loaned to Lietkabelis by his team, and signed a long-term contract with Žalgiris. However, the biggest signings for Žalgiris, for the summer, were Arnas Butkevičius, Rytas captain and one of the most important parts of the Rytas 2022 LKL championship winning team, and Ignas Brazdeikis – former NBA player, standout in college, and who returned to play in Lithuania, both on the national team and for Žalgiris – for the first time since moving to Canada at a young age. Despite solid additions, the awful performances of the previous season haunted the team; while Žalgiris became an instant favorite to regain the LKL crown, in the Euroleague, the team was not even considered to be anywhere near playoff contention, with many experts predicting last place for Žalgiris in the Euroleague.

Despite this, and the fact that head coach Kazys Maksvytis had only a brief experience in the Euroleague (as head coach for Neptūnas Klaipėda in the 2014–2015 season), Žalgiris shocked the Euroleague; led by Evans, Žalgiris fought nearly every team, at home or away, to the deciding seconds, winning most of the matches. Keenan Evans dominated with incredible performances. In December, however, Evans suffered a season-ending achilles tendon injury; at this point, Žalgiris was 9–8 in the first round of the Euroleague, in playoff contention. While many believed this to be the end of Žalgiris's good run in the Euroleague, Žalgiris recovered – signing Isaiah Taylor, as the new point guard to replace Evans, and Achille Polonara, both from Efes – before the second round. Brazdeikis, who finally adjusted to the European game after a difficult first half of the season, became team leader, with Ulanovas, Šmits, Hayes, and, after a time of adjusting, Taylor and Polonara all contributing. Butkevičius quickly became a fan favorite for his amazing defence and his hustle, with the former Rytas captain becoming among the most popular players among Žalgiris fans. Mantas Kalnietis, remaining after disastrous season, ended up retiring in February and moving to back-office work with Žalgiris, mostly with the Žalgiris football team. Žalgiris was 15–15 by the start of April, and made an amazing run to the Euroleague playoffs, capped off with wins over Maccabi Tel Aviv at home and FC Bayern Munich away, to reach the playoffs, as the 7th seed, with a 19–15 record and with wins and point advantage over Fenerbahçe and Baskonia Vitoria. Žalgiris also finished second in attendance, behind KK Partizan, with fans selling out 16 of the 17 home games, starting in October, because of which, the Žalgirio Arena became the host of the Euroleague Final Four tournament. In the Euroleague playoffs, Žalgiris faced off against FC Barcelona, coached by ex-Žalgiris coach Šarūnas Jasikevičius. Despite best efforts, and the fact that Žalgiris had beaten Barcelona in the regular season at home, Barcelona proved too much for Žalgiris, beating them 91–69, 89–81, and 77-66 for a victorious 3–0 sweep. However, the incredible performance of Žalgiris in the Euroleague earned the team a standing ovation in the last game in Kaunas.

Žalgiris won the 2023 edition of the King Mindaugas Cup, their fourth consecutive Cup victory, with Ulanovas once again being named the MVP of the finals. In the LKL, Žalgiris finished first in the regular season, with a win over defending LKL champions BC Rytas in April, and finished with a 28–5 record. In the playoffs, Žalgiris swept BC Nevėžis in the quarterfinals 2–0, to set up a rematch against BC Lietkabelis; this time, Žalgiris beat Lietkabelis 3–1 to avenge the previous season loss, with a satisfying, dominating 95–66 win in Panevėžys in the deciding game. In the LKL finals, Žalgiris faced Rytas, the series going a full five games, with Rytas giving Žalgiris a fight in each game, with Žalgiris beating Rytas in Kaunas, 108-93 and 95–80, but Rytas winning in Vilnius, 94-71 and 69–68, to set up a decisive fifth game in Kaunas. Žalgiris would win the deciding game 97–87, winning the series 3–2, and regaining the LKL championship. Taylor, who scored 32 points in the championship winning game, was named the LKL Finals MVP.

2023-2024

After an incredible 2022–2023 season, Žalgiris re-signed much of the team. However, Paulius Motiejūnas, club director since 2013, departed the team and headed to become the director of Euroleague Basketball, a move that many had anticipated during the 2023 season. Paulius Jankūnas took over as club director, in addition to being the sporting director. With Keenan Evans returning from injury, Žalgiris also made an unpopular decision not to re-sign Isaiah Taylor, the MVP of the LKL finals and Žalgiris leader during the victorious series against Rytas. Among other departing players, Tyler Cavanaugh and Karolis Lukošiūnas left during the summer. To replace Taylor, Žalgiris signed Naz Mitrou-Long to the point guard position and also signed Brady Manek, former NCAA standout, to a contract to replace the departed Cavanaugh. With much of the younger Žalgiris players, in particular Motiejus Krivas, departing to the NCAA, Žalgiris also signed Danielius Lavrinovičius, fresh off his career-best season with BC Nevėžis, to a contract.

With what seemed as solid additions during the summer, as well as keeping much of the same roster as the previous 2023 season, Žalgiris looked to continue where they left off the previous season. At the start of the season, however, Žalgiris suffered a massive blow as team leader Ignas Brazdeikis was bought out by Olympiakos Piraeus; the move became even more haunting when Žalgiris decided not to immediately search for Brazdeikis's replacement. Despite the departure by Brazdeikis, Žalgiris started the season strong, being undefeated in the LKL and 3–1 in the Euroleague, sparked by the incredible return to form by Keenan Evans. However, by October, the bottom fell out; struggling even in the LKL, Žalgiris completely fell apart in the Euroleague, going into the second round of the Euroleague with a disastrous 2-11 finish in the first. Mitrou-Long struggled as point guard, and by November, was also bought out by Olympiakos. The eventual replacement for Brazdeikis, Edmond Sumner, played too inconsistently to make any difference. Injuries hurt the team, in particular an injury to Arnas Butkevičius, one of Žalgiris top defensive players; his brief replacement, Austin Hollins, had a forgettable stint with Žalgiris. Rumours of Andrea Trinchieri coming in to replace coach Maksvytis began as early as December, followed by a reported player mutiny which resulted in Maksvytis remaining with Žalgiris for the time being. However, the tragic finish in the Euroleague first round, with a 5–12 record, resulted in Žalgiris and Maksvytis mutually parting ways by the end of December; and coach Trinchieri was brought in to replace him.

Under Trinchieri, Žalgiris had a ressurgence; in the second round of the Euroleague, Žalgiris returned to playoff contention, and fought for the final spot of the Euroleague Play-In tournament all the way to April. Laurynas Birutis became one of the best players for Žalgiris, completely overshadowing Kevarrius Hayes and taking over as starting center, and Dovydas Giedraitis became one of the best defensive players, not just for Žalgiris, but in the whole Euroleague. Led by Evans, Žalgiris fought until April for a spot in the Play-In tournament, before an away loss to AS Monaco ended their hopes for Euroleague playoffs. Under Trinchieri, Žalgiris finished with a 9–8 record, going 14–20 overall - overall, a disappointment, after the previous year playoff year. Keenan Evans had incredible performances all season, establishing himself as one of the top guards of the Euroleague.

Žalgiris also won the 2024 King Mindaugas Cup, held in Kaunas, beating BC Wolves in the quarterfinals, BC Šiauliai in the semifinals, and BC Lietkabelis (who had eliminated BC Rytas in the semifinals) in the finals. Laurynas Birutis was named the tournament MVP. In the LKL, for most of the season, Žalgiris dominated, sweeping Rytas in the regular season, to finish with a 26–4 record, with no other team in the LKL coming close to Žalgiris. During the season, it also became clear that Žalgiris greatly relied on Keenan Evans. Žalgiris chose not to search for another point guard after Mitrou-Long departed in November, with only Lekavičius remaining in the spot. Žalgiris also made a dubious decision to re-sign Karolis Lukošiūnas in February, a decision that ended up even more questionable when Lukošiūnas, after playing a few games, was out for the whole season by the end of March. Before the end of the transfer table in the LKL, Žalgiris also signed Demetrie Rivers; while Rivers had some good games for Žalgiris in the LKL, he barely saw any playing time by the playoffs. In the playoffs, Žalgiris beat M-Basket Delamode Mažeikiai 2–0 in the quarterfinals. The semifinals, against BC Lietkabelis, was a nightmare; in the deciding game of the victorious 3-0 Žalgiris sweep to set up a rematch against Rytas, Evans suffered a season-ending injury by rupturing his patellar ligaments. Without Evans, Žalgiris fell apart. With nobody stepping up for Žalgiris in the finals, Rytas took advantage, taking home-court advantage away from Žalgiris, and finishing off the still shocked Žalgiris 3–1 in the LKL finals to regain the LKL title, while ending the already difficult season for Žalgiris in a complete disaster. This win by Rytas over Žalgiris is considered the biggest upset in LKL history.

2024–2025

With the previous season's fiasco behind, Žalgiris started to rebuild the team. Evans left to sign with Olympiakos Piraeus - a move he was linked even before his serious injury in the LKL playoffs. Šmits, Rivers, Sumner, Lavrinovičius, Lukošiūnas, Montvilas and Hayes all left Žalgiris during the summer, while Giedraitis, Ulanovas, Butkevičius, Dimša (injured for the start of the season), Lekavičius, Manek (coming off a very disappointing performance in the LKL playoffs) and Birutis (re-signed during the previous season) remained with Žalgiris. Coach Trinchieri remained with Žalgiris, re-signed to a new long-term contract. Žalgiris signed point guards Sylvain Francisco and Tyrone Wallace, one of the top point guards in the EuroCup, to solve the point guard issue, as Žalgiris struggled without Evans, Deividas Sirvydis, former Rytas and Lietkabelis player and leading scorer of the EuroCup and the returning Ignas Brazdeikis (released by Olympiakos to sign back with Žalgiris) to greatly improve the scoring - another issue as Žalgiris struggled without Evans leading. Žalgiris signed forward Alen Smailagić to replace Šmits, who struggled playing under Trinchieri. To solve defensive vows, particularly in the paint, Žalgiris signed small forward Matt Mitchell, one of the best defensive players in the EuroCup, and the 38 year old Bryant Dunston, former Olympiakos and Efes star, who replaced Hayes, a move that surprised the experts.[123]

Žalgiris started the new season strong - led by Francsico, also by the rapidly improving Giedraitis, stronger games from Sirvydis and Brazdeikis - Žalgirs started the Euroleague season with a 6–1 record - including wins over Barcelona, a 27-point comeback against Armani in Milano, Zvezda and Monaco - even without Wallace (who left Žalgiris due to personal reasons after just two Euroleague games and was later bought out by Galatasaray). Things were only looking up, as Žalgiris signed guard Lonnie Walker IV, a huge free agent even in the NBA, with many predicting that Žalgiris may even fight for the home-court advantage in the Euroleague. The move, however, greatly backfired for Žalgiris - Žalgiris went just 6–13 with Walker at the team. Walker was bought out at the end of February, 2025, by the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers. Both Žalgiris and coach Trinchieri, who constantly clashed with the journalists, were criticized by the media, for the team's lack of identity, strange rotations (including benching of both Sirvydis and Brazdeikis in multiple games), lack of strong center as both Birutis and Dunston rarely performed up to expectations, and greatly relying the team's offense on either Walker, or Francisco. Manek and Mitchell also had struggles, with both falling out of the Žalgiris rotation by the middle of the year, with Manek and Dimša (who was out injured since the summer, but had recovered by the spring time) leaving Žalgiris in April. Even new signing, point guard Isaiah Wong, who sparked Žalgiris in some wins, saw rare playing time under Trinchieri. While Žalgiris still made a push for the Play-In tournament, a 1-4 finish saw Žalgiris finishing the Euroleague with a heavily disappointing 15–19 record and out of the playoffs entirely.[124][125]

In the King Mindaugas Cup, Žalgiris defeated BC Šiauliai in the quarterfinals, and in the Final Four tournament, held in Vilnius, 7-bet Lietkabelis in the semifinals. In the finals, Žalgirs faced off surprise team BC Neptūnas, who had eliminated both hosts Rytas and Wolves-Twinsbet in the previous rounds. Žalgiris, erasing a double-digit deficit, defeated Neptūnas 91–89 in the finals, in a thriller to win the tournament, with Brazdeikis being named the MVP of the tournament.[126]

In the LKL, Žalgiris dominated the regular season with a 34–2 record, a 30-game winning streak to close out the regular season, and five wins above rivals and reigning LKL champions BC Rytas. In the playoffs, Žalgiris beat, this time convincingly, Neptūnas 2–0 in the quarterfinals, and CBet Jonava 3–0 in the semifinals, to reach the LKL finals against Rytas.

In the LKL finals, Žalgiris were considered favorites - so much, that only a few experts thought Rytas would even win a game in the series - Rytas started the finals actually beating Žalgiris with a double-overtime 97–89 win in Kaunas - ending the 35 game win streak of Žalgiris in the LKL. Žalgiris fought right back with a 83–79 win in Vilnius, tying the series 1-1. Rytas again beat Žalgiris 86–80 in Kaunas - first time that Žalgiris lost two consecutive games in the LKL in the Žalgirio arena - to regain the series lead - the result was not actually indicting of the game, as Rytas dominated and only by the end did Žalgiris cut down the lead. In Vilnius, it looked like a storybook ending for Rytas - one win away from a championship, a sellout crowd of rowdy Rytas fans, and a double digit lead going into the fourth quarter - by the end of the game, in large part due to Francisco and Brazdeikis, the lead was cut to two - in the deciding seconds, Rytas missed a clutch free-throw, and in one of the most iconic plays in LKL history, Francisco made a buzzer-beating three pointer to give Žalgiris the 84–83 win and tying the series 2-2. In the deciding game, in Žalgirio arena, Žalgiris won 76–67, to beat Rytas 3–2 in the series - and regaining the LKL championship. Francisco was named the MVP of the finals.[127]

Players

Current roster

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

More information Žalgiris roster, Players ...
Žalgiris roster
PlayersCoaches
Pos.No.Nat.NameHt.Wt.Age
PG 1 United States Williams-Goss, Nigel 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) 87 kg (192 lb) 31 – (1994-09-16)16 September 1994
PG 3 France Francisco, Sylvain 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) 82 kg (181 lb) 28 – (1997-10-10)10 October 1997
C 7 United States Wright, Moses 2.06 m (6 ft 9 in) 104 kg (229 lb) 27 – (1998-12-23)23 December 1998
SF 8 Lithuania Brazdeikis, Ignas 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in) 100 kg (220 lb) 27 – (1999-01-08)8 January 1999
G 9 Lithuania Giedraitis, Dovydas Injured 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) 93 kg (205 lb) 25 – (2000-08-17)17 August 2000
F/C 10 Lithuania Tubelis, Ąžuolas 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in) 111 kg (245 lb) 23 – (2002-03-22)22 March 2002
G 12 Germany Lô, Maodo 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) 82 kg (181 lb) 33 – (1992-12-31)31 December 1992
PF 14 United States Sleva, Dustin 2.03 m (6 ft 8 in) 102 kg (225 lb) 30 – (1995-09-23)23 September 1995
C 15 Lithuania Birutis, Laurynas 2.13 m (7 ft 0 in) 114 kg (251 lb) 28 – (1997-08-27)27 August 1997
G/F 17 Lithuania Rubštavičius, Mantas 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) 84 kg (185 lb) 23 – (2002-05-06)6 May 2002
F 51 Lithuania Butkevičius, Arnas 1.97 m (6 ft 6 in) 95 kg (209 lb) 33 – (1992-11-22)22 November 1992
G/F 91 Lithuania Sirvydis, Deividas 2.04 m (6 ft 8 in) 94 kg (207 lb) 25 – (2000-06-10)10 June 2000
F 92 Lithuania Ulanovas, Edgaras (C) 1.99 m (6 ft 6 in) 99 kg (218 lb) 34 – (1992-01-07)7 January 1992
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)
Athletic trainer(s)
  • Lithuania Justinas Grainys
  • Lithuania Nerijus Navickas
Doctor(s)
  • Lithuania Vytautas Kailius
  • Lithuania Andrius Aukštakalnis
Physiotherapist(s)
  • Lithuania Romas Petraitis
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • Injured Injured
Close

Depth chart

More information Pos., Starting 5 ...
Pos. Starting 5 Bench 1 Bench 2 Bench 3
C Moses Wright Ąžuolas Tubelis Laurynas Birutis Injured
PF Dustin Sleva Ignas Brazdeikis
SF Edgaras Ulanovas Arnas Butkevičius
SG Sylvain Francisco Deividas Sirvydis Mantas Rubštavičius
PG Nigel Williams-Goss Maodo Lô Dovydas Giedraitis
Close

Squad changes for the 2025–26 season

See also: List of 2025–26 EuroLeague transactions

In

More information No., Pos. ...
No.Pos.Nat.NameMoving fromTypeDateSource
1PGUnited StatesNigel Williams-GossOlympiacosGreeceEnd of contract25 June 2025[128]
7CUnited States CyprusMoses WrightOlympiacosGreeceEnd of contract30 June 2025[129]
10F/CLithuaniaĄžuolas TubelisRytasLithuaniaMutual agreement18 July 2025[130]
12GGermanyMaodo LôParis BasketballFranceEnd of contract22 July 2025[131]
14PFUnited StatesDustin SlevaBeşiktaşTurkeyEnd of contract27 June 2025[132]
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Out

More information No., Pos. ...
No.Pos.Nat.NameMoving toTypeDateSource
2GUnited StatesIsaiah WongGran CanariaSpainParted ways11 July 2025[133]
4PGLithuaniaLukas LekavičiusAEK AthensGreeceParted ways28 July 2025[134]
18F/CSerbiaAlen SmailagićVirtus BolognaItalyParted ways9 July 2025[135]
21FUnited StatesMatt MitchellBahçeşehir KolejiTurkeyParted ways11 July 2025[133]
42CUnited States ArmeniaBryant DunstonOlimpia MilanoItalyParted ways11 July 2025[133]
45PFUnited StatesBrady ManekLeones de PoncePuerto RicoParted ways11 July 2025[133]
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Loaned Out

More information No., Pos. ...
No.Pos.Nat.NameMoving toTypeDateSource
24GLithuaniaDovydas BuikaJonava HipocreditLithuaniaLoaned out18 October 2025[136]
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Retired numbers

More information Žalgiris retired numbers, No ...
Žalgiris retired numbers
No Nat. Player Position Tenure Ceremony date
5LithuaniaModestas PaulauskasSF1962–197625 March 2015[137]
11LithuaniaArvydas SabonisC1981–1989, 2001–2002, 2003–200527 September 2014[138]
13LithuaniaPaulius JankūnasPF2003–2009, 2010–202218 October 2022[139]
Nat. Coach Tenure Ceremony date
LithuaniaVladas Garastas1979–198923 April 2017[140]
LithuaniaJonas Kazlauskas1994–200023 April 2019[141]
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Players in the NBA draft

# Denotes player who has never appeared in an NBA regular-season or playoff game
More information Position, Player ...
Position Player Year Round Pick Drafted by
C Lithuania Arvydas Sabonis 1986 1st round 24th Portland Trail Blazers
C Lithuania Martynas Andriuškevičius 2005 2nd round 44th Orlando Magic, traded to Cleveland Cavaliers
PF/C Lithuania Artūras Gudaitis# 2015 2nd round 47th Philadelphia 76ers
PF/C Germany Isaiah Hartenstein 2017 2nd round 43rd Houston Rockets
PG/SG Lithuania Rokas Jokubaitis# 2021 2nd round 34th Oklahoma City Thunder, traded to New York Knicks
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Team captains

Paulius Jankūnas

Major championships

At the team's inception in 1944, when Lithuania was a Soviet Socialist Republic, Žalgiris began competing in both the Soviet Union National League and the domestic Lithuanian SSR League. When the country declared independence from the USSR in 1991 and the Soviet League folded, Žalgiris competed in the Lithuanian League (a successor of the Lithuanian SSR League) for two years before the newly reinstated Lithuanian Basketball Federation (LKF) established the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL) as the country's premier basketball league in 1993, with Žalgiris as a founding member.

In 2007, the LKF established the LKF Cup (Lietuvos Krepšinio Federacijos Taurė) as an annual tournament for domestic clubs. Before 2007, the LKF Cup had been held twice—once in 1989–90 and once in 1997–89. It was replaced in 2016 by the King Mindaugas Cup, a mid-season tournament for LKL teams that runs from October to February.

Domestic competitions

Winners (5): 1947, 1951, 1985, 1986, 1987 [2]
Winners (11): 1946, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1957, 1958, 1991, 1992, 1993
Winners (25): 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2025
Winners (1): 1953
Winners (6): 1990, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2015
Winners (9): 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026

Regional competitions

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

European competitions

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

Winners (1): 1986

Other competitions

Winners (1): 2008
Runners-up (1): 2010

Season-by-season

More information Season, League ...
Season League LKF / KMT Cup Regional competitions Europe Head coach Roster
1992–93 Champion No tournament No tournament EuroLeague
FIBA EuroLeague 1992–93		 Henrikas Giedraitis

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 FIBA EuroLeague 1993–94 Second round 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 1994–95 FIBA European League Second Round Jonas Kazlauskas Gintaras Einikis, Kęstutis Šeštokas, Tomas Masiulis, Arūnas Visockas, Nerijus Karlikanovas, Darren Henrie, Darius Lukminas, Marijus Kavoliukas, Mindaugas Lydeka, Darius Maskoliūnas, Algirdas Brazys, Tauras Stumbrys, Michael Coleman
1995–96 Champion No tournament No tournament 1995–96 FIBA European Cup Semifinals 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, Chris 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, 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, 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 Möttölä, 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		 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 BBL Champion 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 Super Cup Winner VTB United League Third 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
2021–22 Third place Champion Not participated EuroLeague
Regular Season		 Martin Schiller, Jure Zdovc, Kazys Maksvytis Paulius Jankūnas, Edgaras Ulanovas, Artūras Milaknis, Mantas Kalnietis, Lukas Lekavičius, Karolis Lukošiūnas, Marek Blaževič, Joffrey Lauvergne, Tyler Cavanaugh, Niels Giffey, Josh Nebo, Jānis Strēlnieks, Emmanuel Mudiay, Tai Webster, Zoran Dragić, Regimantas Miniotas, Motiejus Krivas, Titas Sargiūnas
2022–23 Champion Champion Not participated EuroLeague
Quarterfinal		 Kazys Maksvytis Laurynas Birutis, Ignas Brazdeikis, Arnas Butkevičius, Tyler Cavanaugh, Tomas Dimša, Keenan Evans, Dovydas Giedraitis, Kevarrius Hayes, Mantas Kalnietis, Motiejus Krivas, Lukas Lekavičius, Liutauras Lelevičius, Karolis Lukošiūnas, Achille Polonara, Rolands Šmits, Isaiah Taylor, Edgaras Ulanovas
2023–24 Finalist Champion Not participated EuroLeague
Regular Season		 Kazys Maksvytis, Andrea Trinchieri Laurynas Birutis, Dovydas Butka, Arnas Butkevičius, Tomas Dimša, Keenan Evans, Dovydas Giedraitis, Kevarrius Hayes, Danielius Lavrinovičius, Lukas Lekavičius, Karolis Lukošiūnas, Brady Manek, Nedas Montvila, Demetre Rivers, Rolands Šmits, Edmond Sumner, Edgaras Ulanovas
2024–25 Champion Champion Not participated EuroLeague
Regular Season		 Andrea Trinchieri Mantas Juzėnas, Isaiah Wong, Sylvain Francisco, Lukas Lekavičius, Ignas Brazdeikis, Dovydas Giedraitis, Laurynas Birutis, Alen Smailagić, Matt Mitchell, Aleksas Bieliauskas, Bryant Dunston, Arnas Butkevičius, Deividas Sirvydis, Edgaras Ulanovas
2025-26 Champion Not participated Tomas Masiulis
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  1. [a]
    Žalgiris named champion after the premature ending of the league due to the coronavirus pandemic
Detailed information of former rosters and results. [142][143][144]

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 nationalities not displayed.

More information Criteria ...
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.
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Players with NBA experience

Many players who spent time with Žalgiris also played in the NBA. The most notable example is Arvydas Sabonis, who spent seven seasons with the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers including a Western Conference Finals run in 2000. Other notable crossovers include 1994 NBA All-Star Kenny Anderson, two-time NBA champion Beno Udrih, Ty Lawson, Robert Pack, and current NBA players Boban Marjanovic, Isaiah Hartenstein, Jock Landale, and Vasilije Micić.

More information Nationality, Player ...
Nationality Player Seasons in Žalgiris Seasons in the NBA
United States Kenny Anderson 1 14
United States Robert Pack 1 13
Slovenia Beno Udrih 1 13
United States Ennis Whatley 1 10
Serbia Boban Marjanović 1 9
United States Ty Lawson 1 8
United States Mitchell Butler 1 8
United States Anthony Bowie 1 8
Lithuania Darius Songaila 1 8
United States Lonnie Walker IV 1 7
Lithuania Arvydas Sabonis 10 7
Lithuania Donatas Motiejūnas 1 6
United States Loren Woods 2 6
United StatesDemocratic Republic of the Congo Emmanuel Mudiay 1 6
United StatesGermany Isaiah Hartenstein 1 6
United States Edmond Sumner 1 5
United States James Anderson 1 5
United States Michael Bradley 1 5
Senegal Mamadou N'Diaye 1 5
United States Sonny Weems 1 4
United States Tyus Edney 1 4
France Joffrey Lauvergne 2 4
United States Corey Beck 1 3
United States Nate Wolters 1 3
Czech Republic Jiri Zidek 2 3
Hungary Kornel David 1 3
France Axel Toupane 1 3
United States Derrick Walton Jr. 1 3
LithuaniaCanada Ignas Brazdeikis 1 3
Australia Jock Landale 1 3
CanadaTrinidad and TobagoGreece Naz Mitrou-Long 1 3
Lithuania Šarūnas Jasikevičius 1 2
Lithuania Mindaugas Kuzminskas 3 2
United States Tyler Cavanaugh 2 2
United StatesUganda Brandon Davies 2 2
United States Justin Dentmon 1 2
United States Marcus Brown 3 2
United States Isaiah Taylor 1 2
Serbia Miloš Babic 1 2
Finland Hanno Mottola 1 2
New Zealand Kirk Penney 1 2
Lithuania Martynas Andriuškevičius 3 1
United States Nigel Hayes 2 1
United States Will Chery 1 1
United States Jeff Foote 1 1
United StatesCroatia Oliver Lafayette 1 1
CroatiaSweden Damir Markota 1 1
SerbiaBosnia and Herzegovina Ratko Varda 1 1
Argentina Patricio Garino 1 1
Norway Torgeir Bryn 1 1
CanadaSlovenia Kevin Pangos 2 1
Slovenia Zoran Dragić 1 1
Serbia Vasilije Micić 1 1
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Head coaches

Jonas Kazlauskas was the head coach of Žalgiris during the 1998–99 season. Žalgiris won the EuroLeague that season.

Attendance

Žalgiris EuroLeague attendance year by year in Žalgiris Arena.

More information Season, Total ...
Season Total High Low Average Pos.*
2011–12 105,307 15,000 9,150 13,163 1
2012–13 161,103 15,420 10,190 13,475 1
2013–14 118,433 12,000 8,150 9,869 7
2014–15 117,040 14,382 8,670 10,640 6
2015–16 131,998 14,790 8,702 11,000 2
2016–17 171,266 15,231 8,621 11,418 2
2017–18 230,518 15,525 10,195 13,560 1
2018–19 251,742 15,517 13,569 14,808 1
2019–20 199,088 15,342 9,405 14,221 1
2020–21 10,381 5,131 239 3,460 1
2021–22 106,830 12,686 4,863 7,630 4
2022–23 267,041 15,293 11,024 14,836 2
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*Position by average attendance among Euroleague teams

    1.^ Only top 16 matches were played
    2.^ Only three games played with spectators due to COVID-19 pandemic

    Team records

    LKL records

    • Most points scored in a single game – 146 (vs LSU-Atletas, 24 January 2004)
    • Highest two-pointers made percentage of all time – 57.08%
    • Most offensive rebounds of all time – 25,330
    • Most three pointers made in a single game – 23 (vs LSU-Atletas, 24 January 2004)
    • Most points scored in a single half of a game – 87 (vs LSU-Atletas, 24 January 2004)
    • Most points scored in a single quarter of a game – 46 (vs LSU-Atletas, 24 January 2004)
    • Biggest win in a home game – by 82 points (vs LSU-Atletas, 24 January 2004)
    • Most consecutive wins of all time – 38 (4 May 1998 – 8 November 1999)
    • Most consecutive home wins of all time – 39 (18 January 2003 – 15 October 2004)
    • Most consecutive away wins of all time – 23 (31 January 1998 – 8 November 1999)
    • Best winning percentage of all time – 64%
    • Largest single game attendance of all time – 15,266 (vs Lietuvos Rytas, in the last game of the finals)

    VTB United League records

    • Fewest combined points in an overtime period – 8 (Žalgiris – 6 points, Triumph – 2; 14 October 2012)
    • Fewest fouls in a single game – 7 (vs Lokomotiv Kuban, 25 May 2013)
    • Largest attendance at a game – 15,812 (vs CSKA, 28 October 2012)

    EuroLeague records

    BBL records

    • Most points scored in a single game – 125 (vs Barons/LU, 8 January 2005)
    • Most free throws made in a single game – 37 (vs Valmieras Piens, 15 February 2005)
    • Most free throws made of all time – 1,468
    • Most blocks of all time – 303
    • Highest points per game of all time – 92.14
    • Highest efficiency per game of all time – 108.95
    • Highest three point percentage of all time – 40.22
    • Most blocks per game of all time – 3.94

    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.[145] 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.[146]

    2013–2015 jersey
    Team colours
    2013–2015
    2015–2016 jersey
    Team colours
    2015–2016
    2016–2018 jersey
    Team colours
    2016–2018
    2013–2015 jersey
    Team colours
    2013–2015
    2015–2016 jersey
    Team colours
    2015–2016
    2016–2018 jersey
    Team colours
    2016–2018

    Statistical leaders

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

    Bold denotes still active with the team. Italics denotes still active, but not with the team.

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

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayerSeasonsGamesPoints totalPoints per game
    1Paulius Jankūnas183643,0608.4
    2Artūras Milaknis122441,6896.9
    3Rimas Kurtinaitis6701,32118.9
    4Edgaras Ulanovas71851,2947.0
    5Arvydas Sabonis5631,28120.3
    6Lukas Lekavičius61451,1297.8
    7Tanoka Beard6731,10715.2
    8Dainius Šalenga101291,1078.6
    9Valdemaras Chomičius55393417.6
    10Marius Grigonis37886811.1
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    Last updated: 18 November 2021[147]

    All-time Total Points in Euroleague (from 2000-2001 Season)

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayerPointsSeasons
    1Lithuania Paulius Jankūnas311018
    2Lithuania Edgaras Ulanovas240611
    3Lithuania Artūras Milaknis184112
    4Lithuania Lukas Lekavičius17619
    5Lithuania Dainius Šalenga110710
    6United States Tanoka Beard11076
    7Lithuania Marius Grigonis8683
    8United States Keenan Evans8572
    9United States Brandon Davies8182
    10Croatia Marko Popović7974
    11Lithuania Mantas Kalnietis79410
    12Lithuania Laurynas Birutis7915
    13France Sylvain Francisco7892
    14United States Thomas Walkup7263
    15Lithuania Ignas Brazdeikis7243
    16Canada Kevin Pangos7162
    17Latvia Rolands Šmits6852
    18Lithuania Jonas Mačiulis6654
    19United States Aaron White6022
    20Lithuania Darjuš Lavrinovič6014
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    Last updated: 23 December 2025

    All-time Points Per Game in Euroleague (from 2000-2001 Season)

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayerPPGGames Played
    1United States Robert Pack17.3116
    2Hungary Kornel David16.9213
    3United States Keenan Evans16.851
    4United States Justin Dentmon16.7924
    5Lithuania Arvydas Sabonis16.6718
    6Lithuania Donatas Slanina15.6226
    7United States Sonny Weems15.5315
    8United States Tanoka Beard15.1673
    9United States James Anderson14.5424
    10France Sylvain Francisco14.536
    Close
    Last updated: 3 October 2025

    All-time Total Rebounds in Euroleague (from 2000-2001 Season)

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayerReboundsSeasons
    1Lithuania Paulius Jankūnas193118
    2Lithuania Edgaras Ulanovas116611
    3United States Tanoka Beard6636
    4Lithuania Laurynas Birutis4005
    5Lithuania Robertas Javtokas3816
    6Lithuania Artūras Milaknis37812
    7Lithuania Arnas Butkevičius3714
    8Lithuania Dainius Šalenga31810
    9United States Brandon Davies3132
    10Lithuania Darjuš Lavrinovič3074
    11Latvia Rolands Šmits3052
    12Lithuania Lukas Lekavičius3049
    13United States Aaron White3002
    14United States Kevarrius Hayes2992
    15United States Thomas Walkup2923
    Close
    Last updated: 23 December 2025

    All-time Rebounds Per Game in Euroleague (from 2000-2001 Season)

    Minimum 10 Games Played

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayerRPGGames Played
    1Lithuania Arvydas Sabonis10.7218
    2United States Tanoka Beard9.0873
    3Hungary Kornel David8.2313
    4Ukraine Grigorij Khizhnyak7.6526
    5United States Travis Watson6.8928
    6United States Josh Nebo6.2128
    7Lithuania Tomas Masiulis5.7520
    8Lithuania Darjuš Lavrinovič5.3957
    9Lithuania Mindaugas Timinskas5.2948
    10Slovenia Goran Jurak5.1619
    Close
    Last updated: 10 October 2025

    All-time Total Assists in Euroleague (from 2000-2001 Season)

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayerAssistsSeasons
    1Lithuania Edgaras Ulanovas65211
    2Lithuania Lukas Lekavičius5889
    3Lithuania Paulius Jankūnas41118
    4United States Thomas Walkup3823
    5Lithuania Mantas Kalnietis35310
    6Canada Kevin Pangos3082
    7France Sylvain Francisco2762
    8France Leo Westermann2412
    9United States Panama Ed Cota2403
    10Lithuania Dainius Šalenga21710
    11Lithuania Artūras Milaknis20312
    12Lithuania Marius Grigonis1973
    13United States Keenan Evans1962
    14United States DeJuan Collins1694
    15Serbia Vasilije Micić1511
    Close
    Last updated: 23 December 2025

    All-time Assists Per Game in Euroleague (from 2000-2001 Season)

    Minimum 10 Games Played

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayerAPGGames Played
    1United States Panama Ed Cota5.4544
    2France Sylvain Francisco4.7037
    3Canada Kevin Pangos4.6766
    4France Leo Westermann4.2357
    5Serbia Vasilije Micić4.1936
    6United States Justin Dentmon4.0824
    7United States Thomas Walkup3.9896
    8United States Keenan Evans3.8451
    9United States Nate Wolters3.7928
    10United States Robert Pack3.4416
    Close
    Last updated: 10 October 2025

    All-time Total Steals in Euroleague (from 2000-2001 Season)

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayerStealsSeasons
    1Lithuania Paulius Jankūnas23818
    2Lithuania Edgaras Ulanovas18511
    3Lithuania Dainius Šalenga13710
    4Lithuania Artūras Milaknis12612
    5Lithuania Lukas Lekavičius1209
    6Lithuania Vidas Ginevičius1166
    7Lithuania Arnas Butkevičius994
    8Lithuania Jonas Mačiulis974
    9United States Tanoka Beard836
    10United States Thomas Walkup823
    Close
    Last updated: 30 October 2025

    All-time Steals Per Game in Euroleague (from 2000-2001 Season)

    Minimum 10 Games Played

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayerSPGGames Played
    1United States Ibrahim Jaaber1.9314
    2Lithuania Vidas Ginevičius1.5376
    3Lithuania Jonas Mačiulis1.5264
    4United States Steve Woodberry1.3826
    5United States Panama Ed Cota1.3644
    6United States Reggie Freeman1.2619
    7United States Robert Pack1.2516
    8United States Justin Dentmon1.2524
    9United States Keenan Evans1.1651
    10United States Tanoka Beard1.1473
    Close
    Last updated: 10 October 2025

    All-time Total Blocks in Euroleague (from 2000-2001 Season)

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayerBlocksSeasons
    1Lithuania Paulius Jankūnas10118
    2Ukraine Grigorij Khizhnyak832
    3Lithuania Darjuš Lavrinovič734
    4Lithuania Robertas Javtokas626
    5United States Kevarrius Hayes602
    6Lithuania Laurynas Birutis545
    7Lithuania Edgaras Ulanovas5111
    8Slovenia Mirza Begić442
    9Lithuania Tadas Klimavičius386
    10United States Tanoka Beard386
    Close
    Last updated: 30 October 2025

    All-time Blocks Per Game in Euroleague (from 2000-2001 Season)

    Minimum 10 Games Played

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayerBPGGames Played
    1Ukraine Grigorij Khizhnyak3.1926
    2Slovenia Mirza Begić1.6926
    3Lithuania Arvydas Sabonis1.6118
    4Lithuania Darjuš Lavrinovič1.2757
    5Lithuania Artūras Gudaitis0.8527
    6United States Kevarrius Hayes0.8571
    7Lithuania Andrius Jurkūnas0.8217
    8United States Josh Nebo0.8228
    9Hungary Kornel David0.7713
    10United States Zach Leday0.6828
    Close
    Last updated: 10 October 2025

    All-time Total Efficiency in Euroleague (from 2000-2001 Season)

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayerEfficiencySeasons
    1Lithuania Paulius Jankūnas391418
    2Lithuania Edgaras Ulanovas317411
    3Lithuania Lukas Lekavičius16679
    4United States Tanoka Beard13476
    5Lithuania Artūras Milaknis134512
    6Lithuania Dainius Šalenga107310
    7United States Brandon Davies9252
    8United States Keenan Evans9182
    9Lithuania Laurynas Birutis9135
    10United States Thomas Walkup9083
    11Lithuania Marius Grigonis8933
    12France Sylvain Francisco8812
    13Lithuania Mantas Kalnietis77410
    14Croatia Marko Popović7394
    15Lithuania Arnas Butkevičius7294
    Close
    Last updated: 23 December 2025

    All-time Efficiency Per Game in Euroleague (from 2000-2001 Season)

    Minimum 10 Games Played

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayerEPGGames Played
    1Lithuania Arvydas Sabonis26.2818
    2Hungary Kornel David21.7713
    3Ukraine Grigorij Khizhnyak20.3126
    4United States Tanoka Beard18.4573
    5United States Keenan Evans18.0051
    6France Sylvain Francisco15.8937
    7United States Robert Pack15.6916
    8United States Steve Woodberry14.5026
    9United States Panama Ed Cota14.4144
    10United States James Anderson13.2524
    Close
    Last updated: 10 October 2025

    All-time Total 2 Pointers Made in Euroleague (from 2000-2001 Season)

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayer2 PointersSeasons
    1Lithuania Paulius Jankūnas98418
    2Lithuania Edgaras Ulanovas56811
    3Lithuania Lukas Lekavičius4559
    4United States Tanoka Beard4146
    5Lithuania Laurynas Birutis2985
    6United States Brandon Davies2962
    7Lithuania Dainius Šalenga27410
    8Lithuania Robertas Javtokas2426
    9Lithuania Mantas Kalnietis23010
    10Lithuania Ignas Brazdeikis1973
    11France Joffrey Lauvergne1962
    12United States Thomas Walkup1923
    13Lithuania Darjuš Lavrinovič1864
    14United States Aaron White1832
    15Lithuania Antanas Kavaliauskas1803
    Close
    Last updated: 16 October 2025

    All-time Total 3 Pointers Made in Euroleague (from 2000-2001 Season)

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayer3 PointersSeasons
    1Lithuania Artūras Milaknis46112
    2Lithuania Edgaras Ulanovas21411
    3Lithuania Lukas Lekavičius1839
    4Lithuania Paulius Jankūnas13718
    5Canada Kevin Pangos1342
    6Croatia Marko Popović1304
    7Lithuania Dainius Šalenga12810
    8United States Keenan Evans1272
    9Lithuania Marius Grigonis1233
    10France Sylvain Francisco942
    11Latvia Rolands Šmits882
    12United States Marcus Brown863
    13Lithuania Mantas Kalnietis8510
    14Lithuania Tomas Dimša854
    15United States Thomas Walkup843
    Close
    Last updated: 30 October 2025

    All-time Total Free Throws Made in Euroleague (from 2000-2001 Season)

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayerFree ThrowsSeasons
    1Lithuania Paulius Jankūnas73118
    2Lithuania Edgaras Ulanovas63911
    3Lithuania Lukas Lekavičius3029
    4United States Tanoka Beard2436
    5United States Brandon Davies2262
    6Croatia Marko Popović2054
    7Lithuania Marius Grigonis1933
    8France Sylvain Francisco1912
    9United States Keenan Evans1803
    10Lithuania Dainius Šalenga17510
    11Lithuania Artūras Milaknis15212
    12United States DeJuan Collins1394
    13Lithuania Laurynas Birutis1375
    14Ukraine Grigorij Khizhnyak1342
    15United States Aaron White1342
    Close
    Last updated: 23 December 2025

    All-time Games Played in Euroleague (from 2000-2001 Season)

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayerGames PlayedSeasons
    1Lithuania Paulius Jankūnas37618
    2Lithuania Edgaras Ulanovas32011
    3Lithuania Artūras Milaknis26512
    4Lithuania Lukas Lekavičius2439
    5Lithuania Laurynas Birutis1305
    6Lithuania Dainius Šalenga12910
    7Lithuania Mantas Kalnietis12410
    8Lithuania Arnas Butkevičius1004
    9Lithuania Robertas Javtokas966
    10United States Thomas Walkup963
    11Lithuania Tomas Dimša944
    12Lithuania Antanas Kavaliauskas843
    13Lithuania Tadas Klimavičius826
    14Lithuania Marius Grigonis783
    15Lithuania Vidas Ginevičius766
    Close
    Last updated: 30 October 2025

    All-time Games Started in Euroleague (from 2000-2001 Season)

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayerGames StartedSeasons
    1Lithuania Paulius Jankūnas26718
    2Lithuania Edgaras Ulanovas24410
    3Lithuania Dainius Šalenga8610
    4Lithuania Mantas Kalnietis7710
    5Lithuania Artūras Milaknis7612
    6United States Thomas Walkup733
    7United States Tanoka Beard696
    8Canada Kevin Pangos662
    9United States Brandon Davies662
    10Lithuania Robertas Javtokas656
    11Lithuania Marius Grigonis623
    12Latvia Rolands Šmits602
    13United States Keenan Evans512
    14Lithuania Ignas Brazdeikis462
    15Lithuania Jonas Mačiulis454
    Close
    Last updated: 11 April 2025

    All-time Double Doubles in Euroleague (from 2000-2001 Season)

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayerDDGames Played
    1United States Tanoka Beard3173
    2Lithuania Paulius Jankūnas16376
    3Lithuania Arvydas Sabonis918
    4Ukraine Grigorij Khizhnyak826
    5Lithuania Darjuš Lavrinovič657
    6Lithuania Tomas Masiulis520
    7Hungary Kornel David513
    8Canada Kevin Pangos466
    9United States Brandon Davies470
    10United States Travis Watson328
    10United States Josh Nebo328
    Close
    Last updated: 11 April 2025

    Most Points In A Single Euroleague Season (from 2000-2001 Season)

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayerPointsSeason
    1United States Keenan Evans5872023–2024
    2France Sylvain Francisco4952024–2025
    3United States Brandon Davies4832018–2019
    4Lithuania Marius Grigonis4572020–2021
    5Canada Kevin Pangos4562017–2018
    6Lithuania Ignas Brazdeikis4072022–2023
    7United States Justin Dentmon4032013–2014
    8Lithuania Paulius Jankūnas3952017–2018
    9Lithuania Paulius Jankūnas3902016–2017
    10Lithuania Edgaras Ulanovas3762022–2023
    Close
    Last updated: 11 April 2025

    Most Points Per Game in a Single Euroleague Season (from 2000-2001 Season)

    Minimum 10 Games Played

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayerPPGSeason
    1United States Tanoka Beard18.002004–2005
    2United States Robert Pack17.312004–2005
    3United States Keenan Evans17.262023–2024
    4Hungary Kornel David16.922002–2003
    5United States Justin Dentmon16.792013–2014
    6Lithuania Arvydas Sabonis16.672003–2004
    7Lithuania Donatas Slanina16.572001–2002
    8United States Keenan Evans15.882022–2023
    9United States Sonny Weems15.532011–2012
    10Lithuania Darjuš Lavrinovič14.652005–2006
    Close
    Last updated: 11 April 2025

    Most Rebounds In A Single Euroleague Season (from 2000-2001 Season)

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayerReboundsSeason
    1United States Tanoka Beard2122004–2005
    2Lithuania Arvydas Sabonis1932003–2004
    3United States Brandon Davies1862018–2019
    4Lithuania Paulius Jankūnas1842016–2017
    5France Joffrey Lauvergne1782020–2021
    6United States Josh Nebo1742021–2022
    7Latvia Rolands Šmits1732022–2023
    8Lithuania Paulius Jankūnas1702017–2018
    9Lithuania Darjuš Lavrinovič1662005–2006
    10United States Kevarrius Hayes1632022–2023
    Close
    Last updated: 11 April 2025

    Most Rebounds Per Game in a Single Euroleague Season (from 2000-2001 Season)

    Minimum 10 Games Played

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayerRPGSeason
    1Lithuania Arvydas Sabonis10.722003–2004
    2United States Tanoka Beard10.602004–2005
    3United States Tanoka Beard9.862006–2007
    4United States Travis Watson9.462009–2010
    5Lithuania Darjuš Lavrinovič8.302005–2006
    6Hungary Kornel David8.232002–2003
    7Ukraine Grigorij Khizhnyak8.072001–2002
    8United States Tanoka Beard8.072005–2006
    9United States Tanoka Beard7.602003–2004
    10Ukraine Grigorij Khizhnyak7.172000–2001
    Close
    Last updated: 11 April 2025

    Most Assists In A Single Euroleague Season (from 2000-2001 Season)

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayerAssistsSeason
    1Canada Kevin Pangos2122017–2018
    2France Leo Westermann1652016–2017
    3United States Thomas Walkup1542019–2020
    4France Sylvain Francisco1542024–2025
    5United States Thomas Walkup1532020–2021
    6Serbia Vasilije Micić1512017–2018
    7Lithuania Lukas Lekavičius1342021–2022
    8United States Keenan Evans1332023–2024
    9United States Panama Ed Cota1132003–2004
    10Lithuania Marius Grigonis1112020–2021
    Close
    Last updated: 11 April 2025

    Most Assists Per Game in a Single Euroleague Season (from 2000-2001 Season)

    Minimum 10 Games Played

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayerAPGSeason
    1United States Panama Ed Cota6.502002–2003
    2Canada Kevin Pangos5.892017–2018
    3United States Panama Ed Cota5.652003–2004
    4France Leo Westermann5.502016–2017
    5United States Thomas Walkup5.502019–2020
    6United States DeJuan Collins5.352007–2008
    7France Sylvain Francisco4.532024–2025
    8United States Thomas Walkup4.502020–2021
    9Lithuania Mantas Kalnietis4.392021–2022
    10Serbia Vasilije Micić4.192017–2018
    Close
    Last updated: 11 April 2025

    Most Steals In A Single Euroleague Season (from 2000-2001 Season)

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayerStealsSeason
    1Lithuania Arnas Butkevičius422022–2023
    2United States Keenan Evans422023–2024
    3Lithuania Vidas Ginevičius372004–2005
    4United States Thomas Walkup362020–2021
    5Lithuania Vidas Ginevičius352005–2006
    6United States Nigel Hayes-Davis352020–2021
    7Lithuania Jonas Mačiulis342006–2007
    8Serbia Vasilije Micić342017–2018
    9Lithuania Arnas Butkevičius342024–2025
    10United States Brandon Davies332018–2019
    Close
    Last updated: 11 April 2025

    Most Steals Per Game in a Single Euroleague Season (from 2000-2001 Season)

    Minimum 10 Games Played

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayerSPGSeason
    1Lithuania Jonas Mačiulis2.432006–2007
    2Lithuania Vidas Ginevičius1.952004–2005
    3United States Ibrahim Jaaber1.932012–2013
    4Lithuania Vidas Ginevičius1.842005–2006
    5United States Panama Ed Cota1.602003–2004
    6United States Steve Woodberry1.582000–2001
    7Lithuania Jonas Mačiulis1.502007–2008
    8Lithuania Dainius Šalenga1.452004–2005
    9United States Tanoka Beard1.452004–2005
    10Lithuania Dainius Šalenga1.432001–2002
    Close
    Last updated: 11 April 2025

    Most Blocks In A Single Euroleague Season (from 2000-2001 Season)

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayerBlocksSeason
    1Ukraine Grigorij Khizhnyak452001–2002
    2Lithuania Darjuš Lavrinovič422005–2006
    3Ukraine Grigorij Khizhnyak382000–2001
    4United States Kevarrius Hayes352022–2023
    5Lithuania Arvydas Sabonis292003–2004
    6Lithuania Eurelijus Žukauskas272007–2008
    7Lithuania Robertas Javtokas252013–2014
    8United States Kevarrius Hayes252023–2024
    9Slovenia Mirza Begić232010–2011
    10United States Josh Nebo232021–2022
    Close
    Last updated: 11 April 2025

    Most Blocks Per Game in a Single Euroleague Season (from 2000-2001 Season)

    Minimum 10 Games Played

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayerBPGSeason
    1Ukraine Grigorij Khizhnyak3.212001–2002
    2Ukraine Grigorij Khizhnyak3.172000–2001
    3Slovenia Mirza Begić2.302010–2011
    4Lithuania Darjuš Lavrinovič2.102005–2006
    5Lithuania Arvydas Sabonis1.612003–2004
    6Lithuania Eurelijus Žukauskas1.422007–2008
    7Lithuania Darjuš Lavrinovič1.362004–2005
    8Slovenia Mirza Begić1.312009–2010
    9Lithuania Robertas Javtokas1.092013–2014
    10United States Kevarrius Hayes0.952022–2023
    Close
    Last updated: 11 April 2025

    Most 2-Pointers Made In A Single Euroleague Season (from 2000-2001 Season)

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayer2-P MadeSeason
    1United States Brandon Davies1762018–2019
    2France Joffrey Lauvergne1512020–2021
    3Lithuania Paulius Jankūnas1392017–2018
    4United States Tanoka Beard1342004–2005
    5Lithuania Ignas Brazdeikis1242022–2023
    6United States Brandon Davies1202017–2018
    7Lithuania Paulius Jankūnas1142016–2017
    8Lithuania Laurynas Birutis1112023–2024
    9United States Tanoka Beard1102003–2004
    10United States Nate Wolters1072018–2019
    Close
    Last updated: 11 April 2025

    Most 3-Pointers Made In A Single Euroleague Season (from 2000-2001 Season)

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayer3-P MadeSeason
    1United States Keenan Evans832023–2024
    2Lithuania Artūras Milaknis752017–2018
    3Canada Kevin Pangos752017–2018
    4France Sylvain Francisco752024–2025
    5United States Justin Dentmon742013–2014
    6Lithuania Marius Grigonis722020–2021
    7Lithuania Artūras Milaknis602014–2015
    8Lithuania Artūras Milaknis602018–2019
    9Canada Kevin Pangos592016–2017
    10Lithuania Artūras Milaknis572021–2022
    Close
    Last updated: 11 April 2025

    Most Free Throws Made In A Single Euroleague Season (from 2000-2001 Season)

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayerFree Throws MadeSeason
    1United States Brandon Davies1312018–2019
    2France Sylvain Francisco1302024–2025
    3United States Keenan Evans1282023–2024
    4Lithuania Edgaras Ulanovas1062022–2023
    5Lithuania Paulius Jankūnas1052016–2017
    6United States Brandon Davies952017–2018
    7United States Zach LeDay922019–2020
    8Lithuania Paulius Jankūnas902017–2018
    9Lithuania Marius Grigonis862018–2019
    10Lithuania Marius Grigonis852020–2021
    Close
    Last updated: 11 April 2025

    Most Efficiency In A Single Euroleague Season (from 2000-2001 Season)

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayerEFFSeason
    1United States Keenan Evans6222023–2024
    2United States Brandon Davies5732018–2019
    3France Sylvain Francisco5292024–2025
    4Canada Kevin Pangos5112017–2018
    5Lithuania Paulius Jankūnas5032016–2017
    6Lithuania Paulius Jankūnas4802017–2018
    7Lithuania Arvydas Sabonis4732003–2004
    8Lithuania Marius Grigonis4672020–2021
    9United States Tanoka Beard4392004–2005
    10Lithuania Edgaras Ulanovas4342022–2023
    Close
    Last updated: 11 April 2025

    Most Efficiency Per Game in a Single Euroleague Season (from 2000-2001 Season)

    Minimum 10 Games Played

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayerEPGSeason
    1Lithuania Arvydas Sabonis26.282003–2004
    2United States Tanoka Beard21.952004–2005
    3Hungary Kornel David21.772002–2003
    4Ukraine Grigorij Khizhnyak21.572001–2002
    5Ukraine Grigorij Khizhnyak18.832000–2001
    6Lithuania Darjuš Lavrinovič18.702005–2006
    7United States Keenan Evans18.292023–2024
    8United States Tanoka Beard18.292006–2007
    9United States Keenan Evans17.412022–2023
    10United States Tanoka Beard17.352003–2004
    Close
    Last updated: 11 April 2025

    Most Points In A Single Euroleague Game (from 2000-2001 Season)

    More information Position, Player ...
    PositionPlayerPointsDate
    1United States Justin Dentmon362014-04-11
    2United States Tanoka Beard352004-01-21
    3Lithuania Saulius Štombergas332002-11-06
    4United States Keenan Evans332023-12-14
    5France Sylvain Francisco332025-01-30
    6United States Keenan Evans322022-12-23
    7Lithuania Donatas Slanina312001-11-08
    8United States Marcus Brown312007-12-12
    9Lithuania Paulius Jankūnas302016-11-18
    10Lithuania Arvydas Sabonis292004-04-08
    Close
    Last updated: 11 April 2025

    Individual awards

    Domestic

    LKL Most Valuable Player

    LKL Finals MVP

    King Mindaugas Cup Finals MVP

    LKL Rising Star

    LKL Defensive Player of the Year

    LKL Most Improved Player

    LKL Coach of the Year

    All-LKL Team

    LKL All-Star Game MVP

    LKL Best Legionnaire

    LKL moment of the season

    International

    EuroLeague MVP

    EuroLeague Final Four MVP

    EuroLeague Finals Top Scorer

    All-EuroLeague First Team

    All-EuroLeague Second Team

    Rivalries

    During the Soviet era, Žalgiris had an intense rivalry with CSKA Moscow, the multiple-time champion and symbol of the Red Army. Their matchups would draw 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, as CSKA remains one of the most-hated teams in Kaunas to this day. During the 2000s and 2010s, the teams met many times in the EuroLeague, with CSKA winning most of the matches. In 2018, during the EuroLeague third place match, 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, a record for the competition and for the Žalgiris 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 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, Žalgiris's main rival 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 having met in the finals 17 times, with Žalgiris winning 12 times and Rytas 5. The teams constantly fight for first place in the LKL standings. In the LKF Cup, King Mindaugas Cup, Baltic Basketball League, and the NEBL, Žalgiris wins most of their matchups. During the 2010s, Žalgiris has largely dominated the rivalry, with sweeps in the finals in 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2019, and in the regular season in 2017. In the 2018–19 season, Žalgiris swept Rytas in both the regular season and the final series.

    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
    Verizon Center, Washington, D.C.

    Video games

    Žalgiris basketball club was featured in the video game NBA 2K14, along with thirteen other top EuroLeague teams.[148][149] The club was also featured in NBA 2K15, NBA 2K16 and NBA 2K17.[150][151][152]

    Notes

      References

      External links

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