Arnas Butkevicius signs deal with Zalgiris 20

After announcing the signing of Laurynas Birutis earlier in the month, Zalgiris brings forward its second newcomer for the upcoming season, as Lithuanian international Arnas Butkevicius joins the team.

Butkevicius spent the last five years in the capital of Lithuania, as he recently captained Rytas Vilnius. Last season he led his former team to the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL) title, earning Finals MVP honors in the meanwhile.

The forward averaged 8.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 13 efficiency per game, and improved his contribution to 11 points and 15.6 efficiency in the league finals

Butkevicius‘ numbers in the Basketball Champions League were similar, as the 29-year-old averaged 7.4 points and 5 rebounds.

“First of all, I would like to thank Zalgiris for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to prove myself at the highest level. I can promise that I will always give my all to the team and fight for victories,” Butkevicius told Zalgiris.lt. “The decision was not difficult, because Zalgiris and coach Kazys showed great attention and willingness to have me on the team, so the negotiations didn’t take long. I know that this is a team that always sets the bar high and strives for the highest results. I am looking forward to contributing to the history of the club.”

Butkevicius has represented Zalgiris’ youth team in the EuroLeague youth tournament. During his career, he has also worn the jerseys of Neringa, Sakalai, Lietkabelis and Neptunas. With the latter club, under the guidance of current Zalgiris coach Kazys Maksvytis, Butkevicius also made his EuroLeague debut.

“Arnas’ stability and abilities in recent years have not left any doubts, so we wanted to see him in Kaunas. We know each other well, we worked together in the EuroLeague, which I think is very important for a basketball player returning to the top level”, – said coach Maksvytis.

The 196 cm tall player signed a two-year contract with Zalgiris Kaunas.