Lithuania Men's National Basketball Team

Lithuania currently holds the 8th position in the FIBA rankings. They advanced to the quarter finals at the 2019 World Cup, where they were defeated by the eventual champions, Spain. Lithuania is all set for a fresh start with their 15-man roster chosen by coach Kazys Makvytis for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

The 19th FIBA event will be held from August 25 to September 10. Lithuania is placed in Group D alongside Egypt, Mexico and Montenegro. The team will play one match against each of the three teams, and the top two of the group will meet the two strongest teams from Group C, which could be USA and Greece.

Lithuania's roster has lots of fresh faces this time and it will be a challenge for them to secure a place in the knockout rounds. They will have to do it without star players Domantas Sabonis, Edgaras Ulanovas, Marius Grigonis, and Rokas Giedraitis, who will miss the competition due to injuries.

History

Basketball is the most followed sport in the small country of Lithuania. Lithuanians love the sport and the country will be playing their fourth basketball world cup. They will be looking to finish as high as possible to book a free berth for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

The reason being the Soviet Union winning the FIBA Basketball World Cup three-times, is the presence of Lithunians in their team. After World War II, the Soviet Union took control of Lithuania and eventually, all the Soviet’s key players were from Lithuania.

In 1990, Lithuania was established as an independent state and the national team once again rejuvenated. The team continuously won three bronze medals in the Olympics (1992, 1996 and 2000). The team’s most recent achievements was in the 2010 Beijing Olympics where they won the bronze.

Team Lithuania's Roster for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup

Team Lithuania record in FIBA, Olympics, and EuroBasket

FIBA World Cup

Olympic Games

EuroBasket

Legends in Team Lithuania's history

Domantas Sabonis

Domantas Sabonis was the 11th overall pick in the 2016 draft and currently plays for the Sacramento Kings in the NBA. He is a 3x NBA All-Star thrice as well as the rebounding leader last season. The center is out from Lithuania's roster for the upcoming FIBA World Cup because of a hand injury, which requires a minor surgery and some rehab time.

Sarunas Jasikevicius

Sarunas Jasikevicius is one of the most popular players in the Lithuanian team. His NBA career was not too successful but he has led his team at the EuroBasket several times. He most recently coached FC Barcelona, helping the younger generation to learn from his years of experience.

Arvydas Sabonis

Arvydas Sabonis is considered the best player in Lithuanian history. Despite having a major ACL injury in his early twenties, he has won every award from EuroBasket to Euroleague. He is currently the president of the Lithuanian Basketball Association.