The center has had a breakout season this year
Laurynas Birutis pens extension at Zalgiris
Article
3 Mins read
Zalgiris Kaunas has confirmed that Laurynas Birutis has signed a one-year contract extension, taking his new deal until the end of the 2024-25 season. It also includes an option for the 2025-26 campaign.
Birutis has established himself as one of the most exciting big men in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, posting 7.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and a 9.0 PIR in 15:12 minutes per night in 33 appearances this season. That's an increase across the board compared to last year, when he averaged 5.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and a 7.1 PIR in 13:07 minutes per game in 37 contests, starting once.
His only other EuroLeague campaign was his first year in the competition back in 2018-19, which saw him average 2.7 points and a 1.9 PIR in 6:56 minutes in 17 appearances, all of which came from the bench.
“I feel good here. Zalgiris is one of the best organizations in Europe, we have a great fan base, so the motivation to stay in Kaunas is high,” Birutis told the club's official media. "I grew up in Zalgiris's youth system. Although I didn’t get to the main team by the most direct route, I found my place here. It also gives me an extra boost.”
Setting career bests
The appointment of Andrea Trincheri as Zalgiris head coach in late December led to an uptick in Birutis's performances. Since the Italian's arrival, the 26-year-old has gone on to post career highs in PIR (28 vs. Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in Round 22) and rebounds (10 vs. Fenerbahce in Round 22). He also matched his career-best mark in scoring under Trinchieri, which he first set under Kazys Maksvytis in Round 16 against FC Barcelona, by netting 18 points in a Round 24 triumph against Anadolu Efes Istanbul.
“Our goal is to give Lithuanian players who care about Zalgiris and want to play in Kaunas the opportunity to develop at the highest level," said Coach Trinchieri after the extension was confirmed. "Laurynas has had many good games this year, he had had some bad ones, but that is to be expected from a player who is still developing. I am happy that we will continue to have a player with an upward curve in the team."