Despite having a population of only three million people, the country has produced many NBA players. The country is currently ranked eighth in the FIBA standings.
The upcoming 2023 World Cup will be the country’s fourth appearance in the world cup, and will surely aim to finish in the top two positions in Europe in order to book a free berth for the 2024 Paris Olympics games.
After the closure of World War II, Lithuania got integrated with the Soviet Union and won their first Olympic gold medal in 1988 and three bronze medals in the Olympics of 1992,1996, and 2000. Amidst the most recent achievements, the team grabbed the bronze medal in the 2010 Beijing Olympics.
Current Lithuanian NBA players
| Player | Position | Team |
| Domantas Sabonis | Forward/ Center | Sacramento Kings |
| Azuolas Tubelis | Forward | Philadelphia 76ers |
| Jonas Valanciunas | Center | New Orleans Pelicans |
Domantas Sabonis
Domantas Sabonis was the 11th pick in the 2016 draft and currently plays for the Sacramento Kings. He is the key player for the Kings and helped the team advance to the playoffs last season. He is a three-time NBA All-Star (2020, 2021 and 2023) as well as the rebounding leader last season.
Azuolas Tubelis
Azuolas Tubelis is a 21-year-old forward for the Philadelphia 76ers. The 6 feet 11 inch player played college basketball with the Arizona Wildcats and is one of the few players representing Lithuania on a global level.
Jonas Valaniunas
Valanciunas, 31, was the fifth overall pick in the 2011 draft. He plays at the center position for the New Orleans Pelicans and has been a consistent member of the Lithuanian national team since the age of 19.
How many Lithuanian players have played in the NBA since 1946?
List of NBA players that has been drafted in the NBA since 1946:
| Player | Position |
| Sarunas Jasikevicius | Guard |
| Martynas Andriuškevičius | Center |
| Danius Songaila | Forward |
| Zydrunas llgauskas | Center |
| Linas Kleiza | Forward |
| Arvydas Sabonis | Center |
| Arvydas Macijauskas | Guard |
| Donatas Motiejunas | Center |
| Sarunas Marciulionis | Guard |
| Mindaugas Kuzminskas | Forward |
| Jonas Valanciunas | Center |
| Domantas Sabonis | Forward |
| Arnoldas Kulboka | Forward |
| Ignas Brazdeikis | Forward |
| Deividas Sirvydis | Guard |
FAQs
A. Yes, the 2023 World Cup will be the team’s fourth FIBA appearance.
A. Basketball is the most popular and followed sport in the small country, and the team is ranked sixth in the FIBA standings.
A. Yes, the Philippines has qualified for the 2023 World Cup. Additionally, is one of the three hosts for the tournament.
