Basketball Club Rytas, commonly referred to as Rytas Vilnius, is a professional basketball club based in Vilnius, Lithuania. The club competes in the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL), the top tier of Lithuanian basketball, and internationally in the Basketball Champions League (BCL) since 2020.
The club plays its home matches in the 2,741-capacity Active Vilnius Arena, with select domestic and all international matches played at the 10,000-capacity Twinsbet Arena.
Nicknamed juodai baltai raudoni (The Black White Reds), Rytas are one of the most successful basketball clubs in Lithuania. Domestically, the club has won 7 league titles, 3 LKF Cups and 2 King Mindaugas Cups. Internationally, Rytas have won 2 EuroCup titles and 3 Baltic Basketball League (BBL) titles.
The club's affiliate teams, Rytas-2 and Rytas-MRU, are used for development of young players and compete in the National Basketball League (NKL) and the Regional Basketball League (RKL), respectively.
Notable members of the club include à  arà «nas MarÃÂiulionis, à  arà «nas JasikeviÃÂius, Ramà «nas à  ià ¡kauskas, Arvydas Macijauskas, Jonas ValanÃÂià «nas, Martynas GeceviÃÂius, Renaldas Seibutis, Simas Jasaitis, Robertas Javtokas, Darius Songaila, Marijonas PetraviÃÂius, Rimantas KaukÃÂnas, Rimas Kurtinaitis, Gintaras Einikis, Deividas Sirvydis, Rokas Giedraitis, Artà «ras Gudaitis, ÃÂà ¾uolas Tubelis.
In 1963, the first basketball team from Vilnius, called à ½algiris, was formed. The following year in 1964, it changed its name to Plastikas. In that same year, Plastikas players joined a new team, called Statyba. This name was used for over 30 years.
Jonas Kazlauskas, Rimas Girskis, and then-head coach Rimantas Endrijaitis led Statyba to third place in the 1979 Soviet Union Championship. Three years later, à  arà «nas MarÃÂiulionis joined the team and became its leader. In 1987, Artà «ras Karnià ¡ovas joined the team at the age of 16. In 1994, Statyba won bronze medals in their first LKL season.
In 1995, Lietuvos rytas began sponsoring Sà «duva MarijampolÃÂ, a basketball club from MarijampolÃÂ, Lithuania. The partnership lasted for two seasons, during which the team was known as Lietuvos rytas Marijampolàand played in the second-tier Lithuanian league, the LKAL. A notable player for the team was teenager Darius Songaila. However, after the 1996âÂÂ97 season the partnership ended.
At the same time, Statyba was faced with financial difficulties and was on the verge of bankruptcy. The team needed new investors and in 1997 Lietuvos rytas bought the club. However, the new owners did not want to continue the team's history and renamed it Statyba-Lietuvos rytas, then just Lietuvos rytas. The newspaper's investment helped the club to establish itself as one of the two best in Lithuania, the other being à ½algiris from the country's second-largest city Kaunas.
During its first season, BC Rytas won a bronze medal in the LKL. In the following season, Rytas won LKL silver, losing to reigning EuroLeague champions à ½algiris Kaunas. The team also took second place in 1997 William Jones Cup.
In 2000, Ramà «nas à  ià ¡kauskas, Andrius Giedraitis and Eric Elliott, combined with Arvydas Macijauskas and Robertas Javtokas, managed to win LKL. The team was coached by à  arà «nas Sakalauskas. It was the first time in the history of the Lithuanian Basketball League that à ½algiris Kaunas did not win the LKL title. Also, Rytas reached the Saporta Cup semifinal, where they met last season's EuroLeague runner-up Kinder. After a home win of 70âÂÂ60, Lietuvos rytas lost in Italy 83âÂÂ71, with à  ià ¡kauskas missing a three-pointer which would have won the two-game series for his team.
The next season, due to the split between the FIBA and ULEB, Rytas played in the FIBA SuproLeague, making it to the quarterfinals, but losing to Anadolu Efes S.K. The team won third place in the NEBL. In the LKL finals, à ½algiris Kaunas defeated Lietuvos rytas in a tough five-game series 3âÂÂ2.
In 2002, Lietuvos rytas won the LKL again, this time in a seven-game final series with the last game decided in overtime. The team played without center Robertas Javtokas, who was seriously injured in a motorbike crash. Lietuvos rytas also won the NEBL title in 2002, becoming the last team to win the tournament. The team held first place in the group stage of the Saporta Cup but lost in the quarterfinals to Hapoel Jerusalem.
Over the next two seasons, Lietuvos rytas lost in the LKL finals to à ½algiris Kaunas. They had more success in Europe, though, finishing in second place in the FIBA Champions Cup regional stage (though losing to Hemofarm Vrà ¡ac in the final stage). The team also debuted in the ULEB Cup, getting to the quarterfinals but losing to Hapoel Jerusalem.
After not winning any titles in the past two seasons, Lietuvos rytas recruited Vlade ÃÂuroviàas a new coach. Midway through the season, Frederick House, the team leader, suffered a season-ending injury. ÃÂuroviàlater resigned and was replaced by Tomo MahoriÃÂ. Tyrone Nesby, Roberts à  telmahers and Robertas Javtokas, Simas Jasaitis and Tomas Delininkaitis led the team to victory in the 2005 ULEB Cup, beating Pamesa Valencia in the semifinals and Makedonikos in the final. This victory granted them a place in the EuroLeague, the continent's primary basketball club tournament. Lietuvos rytas won second place in both the LKL and BBL finals, losing to à ½algiris Kaunas.
Before the 2005âÂÂ06 season, Neven Spahija became the head coach of the team. After losing their first two matches, Lietuvos rytas matched the EuroLeague record by winning seven consecutive EuroLeague fixtures, defeating as FC Barcelona, champions Maccabi Tel Aviv (twice) and Efes Pilsen Istanbul. Those wins allowed Rytas to advance to the Top 16 phase, where they won three times out of six, beating Tau Ceramica Vitoria once and Brose Baskets Bamberg twice. However, Lietuvos rytas was eliminated from that year's EuroLeague.
After winning the Baltic Basketball League title, Lietuvos rytas defeated à ½algiris Kaunas 4âÂÂ0. Despite winning the Lithuanian title, Lietuvos rytas did not acquire the country's spot for 2006âÂÂ07 EuroLeague that was reserved for à ½algiris Kaunas.
Although the coach and three leading players Robertas Javtokas, Simas Jasaitis and Fred House had left the team during the interseason, the 2006âÂÂ07 ULEB Cup season was rather successful for Lietuvos rytas. Two coaches were replaced during the season: Sharon Drucker from Israel was replaced by Slovenian Zmago Sagadin and the latter by his assistant coach Aleksandar Trifunoviàfrom Serbia. NBA player Kareem Rush arrived to lead the team to the ULEB Cup final where Real Madrid defeated Lietuvos rytas. However, Real Madrid's victory at the ACB semifinals, and of one of four spots reserved for Spain, allowed Lietuvos rytas to take part in the 2007âÂÂ08 EuroLeague as the ULEB Cup finalist. On 27 April 2007, Lietuvos rytas won their second consecutive BBL title; Kareem Rush was named the Final Four MVP. The LKL finals and LKF Cup finals were both unsuccessful, though, as à ½algiris Kaunas won both tournaments.
Lietuvos rytas had a successful season during 2007âÂÂ08 EuroLeague, defeating Unicaja Málaga and Armani Jeans Milano, and Maccabi Tel Aviv, the future EuroLeague finalist. Their 11âÂÂ3 record was the team's best regular season performance ever, and the best by a Lithuanian team in Euroleague at the time. However, the team was not as successful in the Top 16 and with record of 2âÂÂ4 did not advance to the playoffs. Lietuvos rytas were the runner-up in the Lithuanian Basketball League, the Baltic Basketball League and the Lithuanian Cup, losing each time to à ½algiris Kaunas.
During the 2008âÂÂ09 season, Lietuvos rytas, affected by the 2008 financial crisis, had a significantly lower budget and put a greater emphasis on prospective local players. Lietuvos rytas won the first Baltic Basketball Presidents Cup during this season. On 21 October 2008, Lietuvos rytas lost against the NBA Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena 126âÂÂ106. Head coach Antanas Sireika resigned and was replaced by Rimas Kurtinaitis, a former Lietuvos rytas player, for the second half of the season. Rytas successfully advanced to the Final 8. Chuck Eidson was named the regular season MVP.
After victories against Benetton Treviso and Hemofarm Vrà ¡ac, Rytas was considered an underdog against BC Khimki of Russia in the final. However, the performances of Steponas Babrauskas and Marijonas PetraviÃÂius led the team to victory. Rytas became the first team to reclaim the EuroCup title; Marijonas PetraviÃÂius was selected the Final 8 MVP. Lietuvos rytas was also successful in matches against arch rival à ½algiris Kaunas. It won the 2009 LKF Cup. Lietuvois rytas also won the Baltic Basketball League final game over à ½algiris Kaunas, 97âÂÂ74. Chuck Eidson scored 41 points, and he was the MVP for the season. It was the third BBL title for the club. Lietuvos rytas also won the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL) during this season as well, the fourth time Lietuvos rytas became the LKL champion.
After losing PetraviÃÂius, Lukauskis and Eidson, Lietuvos rytas also participated in the 2009 Gomelsky Cup. Lietuvos rytas was not as successful in the 2009âÂÂ10 EuroLeagueâÂÂthey did not advance to the Top 16. Lietuvos rytas won the LKL trophy, beating à ½algiris Kaunas 4âÂÂ3. It was the second consecutive LKL title for the Vilnius team. After the conclusion of the season, head coach Rimas Kurtinaitis left the club to be replaced by Draà ¾en AnzuloviÃÂ.
Rytas had huge expectations for the upcoming season. However, after a very poor pre-season and the start of the season, where Rytas lost nearly every game, and also losing in the BBL Cup to Tartu Rock, Draà ¾en Anzuloviàwas fired and replaced by the team's former coach Aleksandar TrifunoviÃÂ, just before the start of the 2010âÂÂ11 EuroLeague season. Rytas started the EuroLeague with a 0âÂÂ4 record, before shocking the basketball community by signing à  arà «nas JasikeviÃÂius to a contract. Rytas recovered, and went on to qualify for the EuroLeague Top-16 with a 4âÂÂ6 record, including a win over defending champions Barcelona. JasikeviÃÂius left Rytas in December, but Rytas signed the returning Simas Jasaitis just before the Top-16. Playing in the Group E in EuroLeague, Lietuvos rytas defeated Caja Laboral at Vitoria, Panathinaikos Athens in Athens and Unicaja Málaga at home - with a 3âÂÂ2 record, Rytas faced Caja Laboral with a playoff spot in the EuroLeague on the line in Vilnius. Team leader Khalid El-Amin went out with an injury during the game - in front of a sellout crowd in the Siemens Arena, Caja Laboral finished off Rytas and qualified to the EuroLeague playoffs - Rytas losing out on the spot just by points differential to Caja Laboral - a heartbreaking end for Rytas.
Rytas lost the LKF Cup final to à ½algiris Kaunas. Rytas also debuted in the VTB United League during the season - finishing just a win away from the Final Four competition. In the Baltic Basketball League, however, Rytas shockingly lost in the semifinals at the Baltic Basketball League, to VEF Rëga and finished in third place for the first time in club history with a win over BK Ventspils. The loss resulted in head coach Trifunoviàbeing fired and replaced by assistant coach Darius Maskolià «nas - a long-time former à ½algiris player and coach. The team's game improved, but Rytas still lost the LKL finals to à ½algiris - à ½algiris won the LKL finals over Rytas 4âÂÂ1.
After dismissing Milko Bjelica, Kenan BajramoviÃÂ, D. J. Strawberry (replacement for the injured El-Amin), Cemal Nalga and losing team leader Martynas GeceviÃÂius, Lietuvos rytas replaced eight players. In EuroLeague's qualification tournament, which was organized in Vilnius, Lietuvos rytas won their first two matches against BuduÃÂnost Podgorica and Cibona Zagreb, but lost the final game against Galatasaray. As a result, Lietuvos rytas had to play at the second-tier European competition, EuroCup. The team, led by Renaldas Seibutis, Jonas ValanÃÂià «nas and Tyrese Rice, lost to Valencia Basket 80âÂÂ70 in the semifinals. Rytas finished third after a 71âÂÂ62 win against Spartak St. Petersburg.
The team finished third in the regular season round of the VTB United League. They defeated Nizhny Novgorod and unexpectedly Khimki, the reigning EuroCup and VTB League champions, eventually finishing in third place. Despite two third places in international competitions, Rytas lost both the BBL finals, and the LKL final series to à ½algiris Kaunas, with à ½algiris winning the LKL finals 3âÂÂ0. Following the conclusion of the season, Tyrese Rice, Lawrence Roberts, Aleksandar Raà ¡iàand Jonas ValanÃÂià «nas left the team.
Players like Nemanja Nedoviàwere expected to be the future of the team. However, the season was not very successful. Rytas lost the Lithuanian Supercup to à ½algiris, on aggregrate, with à ½algiris winning 89âÂÂ71 at home, and the rematch finishing with an 87âÂÂ87 tie. After struggling in the opening months, Lietuvos rytas fired coach Aleksandar Dà ¾ikiÃÂ, promoting Darius Maskolià «nas as head coach. Though the game had improved, thanks to Leon Radoà ¡eviÃÂ, Renaldas Seibutis and Nemanja NedoviÃÂ, the EuroLeague season was finished with a 2âÂÂ8 record. The team did not fare much better in the VTB United League. After Leon Radoà ¡eviàand Predrag Samardà ¾iski were released, Rytas signed Milt Palacio, Tomislav ZubÃÂiàand Patrick O'Bryant. The rookies were not much help, however, and Rytas still missed the VTB playoffs, with Donetsk defeating Rytas in the deciding game. Coach Maskolià «nas was fired and replaced by Dirk Bauermann. Rytas began to play much better, and in April scored an away win over à ½algiris KaunasâÂÂthe first in almost two years. Rytas made the LKL finals for the 15th time in a row. However, à ½algiris Kaunas easily swept Lietuvos rytas 4âÂÂ0 in the final.
Due to the unsuccessful past season, Rytas almost completely rebuilt the team: eight players left after the team lost the LKL finals to à ½algiris Kaunas. Former team leader Martynas GeceviÃÂius was returned after two-season break, along with Rytas signing solid players like Milenko TepiÃÂ, Andreas Glyniadakis (both were released during the season for playing below expectations), Stevan Jelovac, Juan Palacios (who quickly became the team leader for Rytas), Zabian Dowdell, and also signing the LKL MVP of the 2012âÂÂ2013 season, Gediminas Orelik, to a long-term contract. The biggest signings of the off-season became point guard Omar Cook - one of the most respected and best point guards of the EuroLeague alongside Darius Songaila. Seibutis, team leader, remained with the team. Lietuvos rytas had very high expectation for the season, and Rytas started successfully â Rytas dominated the 2013âÂÂ14 Euroleague Qualifying rounds, held at Vilnius, with wins over VEF Rëga, EWE Baskets Oldenburg and Telenet Oostende and qualified for the EuroLeague.
In a group that also featured Maccabi Tel Aviv, Laboral Kutxa, Lokomotiv Kuban, Crvena Zvezda, Rytas started the EuroLeague season with a big win over multiple time champions Panathinaikos Athens. However, this would prove to be the peak of Rytas for the season, as Maccabi, Laboral Kutxa, Lokomotiv, Zvezda all beat Rytas, with even Panathinaikos winning the rematch in Athens - Rytas finished with a disastrous 1âÂÂ9 record, and absolute last place in the EuroLeague. Coach Bauermann was fired with a 1âÂÂ7 record and replaced, at first, by assistant Dainius Adomaitis, and then by Aleksandar Petroviàon a full-time basis. Under PetroviÃÂ, and relegated from the EuroLeague, to the EuroCup, Rytas regained their form after their poor EuroLeague season. Rytas finished the EuroCup Last 32 phase with a 4âÂÂ2 record - in a group with Beà Âiktaà  Integral Forex, Cedevita Zagreb and CAI Zaragoza - qualifying for the EuroCup playoffs. In the EuroCup playoffs, Rytas faced, and was eliminated by Crvena zvezda Belgrade.
In the LKL, Rytas dominated. Antanas Kavaliauskas was signed on as the team's center before the end of the regular season - Rytas finished in first place in the regular season standings, while also beating rivals à ½algiris Kaunas in a series sweep - the win in Kaunas which resulted in à ½algiris finishing without any homecourt advantage for the semifinals. However, Rytas suffered even more heartbreak in the LKF Cup competition - considered heavy favorites, Rytas was beaten in what is considered the biggest upset in the Cup competition's history by TonyBet Prienai. The loss proved to be the end for coach PetroviÃÂ, who was fired by Rytas immediately after the finals, and replaced him by assistant coach Adomaitis.
In the LKL playoffs, Lietuvos rytas suffered the worst heartbreak, as for the first time since 1999, Rytas failed to qualify for the LKL finals; Rytas faced à ½algiris, and even with Rytas having homecourt advantage, à ½algiris won the series 2âÂÂ1 - this is considered as the biggest fiasco in club history. à ½algiris went on to win the LKL championship. The disastrous season continued for Rytas in the VTB playoffs, where they lost to BC Nizhny Novgorod in the semifinals, losing a chance to play in the 2014âÂÂ15 EuroLeague season - ending the season in a complete fiasco. Rytas won the bronze medals in the LKL and the VTB League. This was the team's worst season since 1998âÂÂ99.
Seibutis, Palacios, Cook, Songaila, Jelovac, Dowdell, Bendà ¾ius all left Rytas, forcing Rytas to completely rebuild during the off-season. Also, the team played most of its games in the newly reconstructed Lietuvos rytas Arena instead of the Siemens Arena. Rytas also withdrew from the VTB League. Virginijus à  eà ¡kus, the architect of TonyBet Prienai and the win over Rytas in the LKF Cup, was signed as head coach. Under à  eà ¡kus, Rytas signed ex-à ½algiris player and Lithuanian national team member Adas Juà ¡keviÃÂius, former NBA player and leader of BC à  iauliai Travis Leslie, his TonyBet stars, ex-Rytas player Mindaugas Lukauskis and center Artà «ras Valeika, and also signed Billy Baron and Mike Moser to complete the team. Gediminas Orelik became the new Rytas leader, along with Martynas GeceviÃÂius and Antanas Kavaliauskas, who remained with Rytas during the summer.
Rytas finished the first 2014-15 EuroCup Basketball round with an 8âÂÂ2 record and took first place in the group, which also featured Banvit, Krasny Oktyabr, Asesoft PloieÃÂti, KK Partizan and Hapoel Jerusalem. In the Last 32 round, even with signings of Kà ¡yà ¡tof LavrinoviÃÂ, à ½ygimantas JanaviÃÂius, and Simas Jasaitis, Rytas struggled - relegated EuroLeague side PGE Turów took first place in the group over Rytas, and Rytas split wins with Telenet Oostende and CB Sevilla - a home win over Telenet Oostende opening the way for Rytas to the EuroCup playoffs. Even the win was not enough for coach à  eà ¡kus, who was fired as head coach, and replaced by Marcelo Nicola. Rytas lost in first game of the EuroCup playoffs against Pñnar Karà Âñyaka, tying 81âÂÂ81 at home, but Karà Âñyaka dominating Rytas at home, 97âÂÂ81.
In the 2015 LKF Cup, Rytas defeated Dzà «kija Alytus and à  iauliai to reach the finals - à ½algiris defeated Rytas 82âÂÂ76 in the finals.
In LKL, Rytas fought with à ½algiris for the first place in the regular season - a win by à ½algiris in the final game of the regular season secured the first place for à ½algiris with a one win advantage. In the LKL playoffs, Rytas defeated à  iauliai 3âÂÂ0 in the quarterfinals, and then defeated EuroLeague side, and fellow EuroCup team Neptà «nas KlaipÃÂda 3âÂÂ1 in the semifinals, in a tough series, qualifying for the LKL Finals after a one-year break. à ½algiris went on to beat Rytas 4âÂÂ0 in the LKL finals. -
In addition to playing in the 2'500-seat arena, the club once again started playing more of their bigger games (including in the EuroCup and against à ½algiris) at the Siemens Arena, following an agreement with the arena which lasted until 2020. Billy Baron, Mike Moser, Travis Leslie, Martynas GeceviÃÂius, Simas Jasaitis (who disappointed the previous season in a very forgettable final stint with Rytas) all left Rytas during the summer, while Marcelo Nicola remained as the head coach, also bringing with him point guard Nicolas Laprovittola - his European debut. Much of the previous season's roster (including leaders Orelik, Juà ¡keviÃÂius and LavrinoviÃÂ) remained, with Antanas Kavaliauskas signing a new contract with Rytas, publicly rejecting an offer from rivals à ½algiris Kaunas. Rokas Giedraitis and Julius Jucikas were signed by Rytas from BC à  iauliai, where both were team leaders. Rytas also signed Neptà «nas leader Deividas Gailius. The most shocking signing of the summer became the signing of Artà «ras Gudaitis, the talented center from à ½algiris, who signed with Rytas in a long-term deal.
Expectations for the 2015âÂÂ16 EuroCup were high for Rytas - the group featured Zenit Saint Petersburg, Avtodor Saratov, PAOK, Beà Âiktaà  and Szolnoki Olaj - Rytas was expected to not only qualify for the Last-32 stage, but also reach the playoffs. Instead, Rytas played the worst season in the EuroCup in club history - Zenit, Avtodor, PAOK all dominated against Rytas, with even lone wins over Beà Âiktaà  and even the lowly Olaj were met with sound home defeats - Rytas played so poorly, that the attendance declined with each game. Rytas finished with an abysmal 2âÂÂ8 record. Much of the previous season's leaders greatly underperformed, in contrast to the previous season.
Rytas fired Nicola, replacing him at first by assistant Aurimas Jasilionis, who also was replaced after a series of poor results by long-time assistant Arvydas Gronskis. Results only started improving when Tomas PaÃÂÃÂsas became the team's new head coach. Under PaÃÂÃÂsas, Rytas made a lot of questionable roster changes - Rytas released Laprovittola and signed point guards Denys Lukashov and Kendrick Brown, and also signing center Adam à Âapeta and long-time Rytas player Artà «ras Jomantas from fellow LKL team BC Dzà «kija. Rytas also made an unpopular decision to loan out Giedraitis and Jucikas to other LKL teams - essentially leaving Rytas as a team, led by veteran leadership. On 19âÂÂ21 February, Rytas competed in the newly formed Karaliaus Mindaugo tauràtournament, held in Vilnius, which replaced the LKF Cup and was also organized by the LKL. After defeating Lietkabelis PanevÃÂà ¾ys in the quarterfinals 88âÂÂ82, Neptà «nas KlaipÃÂda in the semifinals 97âÂÂ79, and à ½algiris Kaunas in the final 67âÂÂ57, Rytas won their first trophy since 2010. The rest of the season, however, was a disaster. While the PaÃÂÃÂsas initiated roster changes were successful short-term, they backfired in the long run for Rytas. In the LKL regular season, Rytas finished behind rivals à ½algiris. Rytas defeated Lietkabelis PanevÃÂà ¾ys in a tough quarterfinal 3âÂÂ0 sweep. In the semifinals, Rytas faced Neptà «nas in the LKL semifinals - while Rytas had been the better team in the regular season, Neptà «nas had the better EuroCup campaign as Neptà «nas reached the Last-32 stage. Neptà «nas was also coached by former Rytas coach Dainius Adomaitis. Neptà «nas beat Rytas 83âÂÂ71 in Vilnius, and 70âÂÂ68 in KlaipÃÂda to take a 2âÂÂ0 series lead - before Rytas made a comeback and tied the series 2âÂÂ2 with 66-64 wins in Vilnius and 74âÂÂ73 at KlaipÃÂda. In the decider, Neptà «nas shocked Rytas with a 73âÂÂ72 win and a 3âÂÂ2 series win. For the second time in three years, Rytas missed the LKL finals - which were won by à ½algiris. The disappointing season ended with the team winning the LKL bronze medal series 3âÂÂ0 versus the Juventus Utena.
During the summer, team captain Kavaliauskas had a dispute with the team management concerning his pay, after which he signed with à ½algiris Kaunas. Rytas underwent massive roster changes during the summer - Orelik, Lukauskis, JanaviÃÂius, LavrinoviÃÂ, Juà ¡keviÃÂius, Brown, Lukashov all departed. Coach PaÃÂÃÂsas remained with Rytas.
Lietuvos rytas qualified for the EuroCup Top 16 phase with a 3âÂÂ5 record - home wins over Montakit Funelabrada, Bilbao Basket and one of the competition's favorites to win, Khimki - Rytas was led by summer signings David Logan and Drew Gordon in the EuroCup. During the EuroCup, Rytas struggled the point guard position - with uneventful stints for Rashaun Broadus, Josh Akognon and Corey Fisher, who remained with Rytas full time, later joined with Clevin Hannah. After failing to progress into the EuroCup Playoffs - Zenit Saint Petersburg held an advantage over Rytas and qualified over Rytas for the playoffs, the club announced addition of guard Jimmy Baron from local rivals Neptà «nas KlaipÃÂda - with Baron's arrival, Logan, Rytas leader, departed Rytas. On 10 February, Tomas PaÃÂÃÂsas stepped down and was replaced by Rimas Kurtinaitis, who had coached Rytas to most of its titles previously.
Under coach Kurtinaitis, Rytas shockingly lost to Juventus Utena in the quarterfinals of the King Mindaugas Cup, but Rytas finished in the LKL regular season behind à ½algiris Kaunas, who swept Lietuvos rytas during the season - Kavaliauskas was heavily jeered by Rytas fans whenever the teams met. Rytas defeated Pieno à ¾vaigà ¾dÃÂs Pasvalys in the quarterfinals 3âÂÂ0. Rytas faced Lietkabelis PanevÃÂà ¾ys in the semifinals - Rytas beat Lietkabelis 96âÂÂ85 in the first game at home, but Lietkabelis beat Rytas 90âÂÂ73 at PanevÃÂà ¾ys, 81âÂÂ73 in Vilnius, and 86âÂÂ77 in PanevÃÂà ¾ys - to beat Rytas 3âÂÂ1, in a big upset. Lietkabelis were also led by LavrinoviÃÂ, Lukauskis and JanaviÃÂius, who all played a big part in beating Rytas. This fiasco meant that Rytas did not qualify for the LKL finals for the second time in a row for the first time in the team's history. à ½algirs went on to win the LKL championship. Controversy arose as Rytas players Fisher, Hannah, Taylor Brown and Gordon were all suspended by the team for alleged partying during the series. In the bronze medal series against Neptà «nas, Rytas and Neptà «nas split home wins, before Rytas won their final game against Neptà «nas 74âÂÂ66 to take the bronze medal series 3âÂÂ2, after clutch shots by ex-Neptà «nas players Deividas Gailius and Jimmy Baron, ending the season with a more positive note and avenging their 2016 loss to Neptà «nas. The massively disappointing season ended with an international scandal for the team, however, as club president Gedvydas Vainauskas made a controversial statement about black players on the team, drawing negative attention to the team from around the world.
On 19 June 2017, famous poker player, businessman and European Parliament member Antanas Guoga bought fifty percent of the club from Sigitas à ½idonis and Remigijus Kazilionis. Two remaining stake owners Darius Gudelis and Vilnius City Municipality retained their rights to the club (twenty-five percent each). On 20 June Gedvydas Vainauskas resigned as president of Rytas a position he held since the founding of the club in 1997, just a week after receiving an award from LKL president Remigijus Milaà ¡ius for his contributions to basketball.
Shortly after becoming the new owner of the club, Guoga sparked discussions about changing the club's name and invited the public to offer their ideas since the team no longer had connections with the Vainauskas' newspaper Lietuvos rytas. The idea was sharply criticised by the club's elite fans, group B Tribà «na (Rytas Ultras), who said the only team they would support is black-white-red Rytas. On 21 June, the new owners organised a meeting, during which the first changes were announced. The public institution Krepà ¡inio rytas was renamed to Statyba to honour the historical Statyba Vilnius, Darius Gudelis replaced Martynas Purlys as the club's director, and it was decided that the club's name Lietuvos rytas would be changed within a year with the most likely, but not yet final, choice being Rytas. Guoga also told the media it was very likely that at least two Lithuanian basketball stars will participate on the team, in addition to Jonas ValanÃÂià «nas, Linas Kleiza and Arvydas Macijauskas. On 4 July, Gudelis announced that former assistant coach Alberto Blanco and Linas Kleiza were joining the club. Their first task was to assist Rimas Kurtinaitis to bring together a new team roster.
On 13 July, a press conference was held during which it was announced that Kleiza had also become a shareholder of the club buying part of the Guoga's stake. He was named vice-president of the club and would act as sports director. Limited liability company Norvelita and Perlas also became shareholders of the club.
Despite positive changes in the club, rifts between the new owners started to emerge after it announced a sponsorship agreement with Lithuanian business consortium MG Baltic. Club president Antanas Guoga condemned the partnership and demanded an annulment of it and the resignation of CEO Darius Gudelis. Despite his wishes the other shareholders decided against these actions and openly questioned Guoga's financial commitment to the club. Finally on 24 October, the club announced that Guoga had sold his share in the club to Gudelis and had written off â¬300,000 that he had previously loaned the club. On 9 October 2018, however, it was revealed Guoga was still the team's president. Gudelis resigned on 15 November, after a controversy involving Blanco. Executive director Julius Serapinas was named as his replacement. On 7 June 2019, Serapinas was replaced by former Rytas player Rolandas Jarutis. Kleiza left the team in February 2020, after a falling out with Jarutis.
On 14 June 2017, it was announced that Rytas had received a wild card to the 2017âÂÂ18 EuroCup season. On 17 June, Rytas signed with first addition to the club for the upcoming season, former Lietkabelis leader Ben Madgen. Rimas Kurtinaitis remained as head coach. On 11 July, famous Lithuanian masseur Juozas PetkeviÃÂius returned to the team. After launching ticket sales for the upcoming season, the team has sold 1,800 season tickets in less than 24 hours. On 19 July, Rytas signed veteran Mindaugas Lukauskis for his ninth season as a club member. On the following day, Travis Peterson was signed and Kurtinaitis also confirmed that the team had reached an agreement with Chris Kramer. On 22 July, Chris Kramer and Marc Antonio Carter officially joined the team. On 28 July, Mindaugas Brazys joined the coaching staff. On 17 August, notable Lithuanian youth national team member Martynas Echodas was signed to a three-year deal. Robert Carter also signed with Rytas on August 1. Only Giedraitis, Jimmy Baron and Deividas Sirvydis, a Rytas youth team member who made his debut during the bronze medal series, remained with Rytas.
The newly formed team showed positive results during the preparation games, winning all seven games and the Vladas Garastas Cup.
On 23 September, Rytas began the 2017âÂÂ18 LKL season by defeating Juventus Utena 82âÂÂ75. On 25 September, Rytas signed experienced veteran Loukas Mavrokefalidis. Artà «ras Gudaitis was bought out by Euroleague side EA7 Emporio Armani, and he was replaced by Egidijus MockeviÃÂius, who signed a three-year deal with the team on 30 September. However, MockeviÃÂius was unable to play due to injury, returning at the start of the new year. In the LKL regular season, Rytas played its best season since 2015.
The rivlaries with Netà «nas KlaipÃÂda and Lietkabelis PanevÃÂà ¾ys intensified, in part thanks to Rytas having signed former Neptà «nas leader Jimmy Baron the previous season, and Ben Madgen, former Lietkabelis leader, during the summer. With Neptà «nas, the rivalry became even more intense with the signings of Neptà «nas leaders Arnas ButkeviÃÂius and Mindaugas Girdà ¾ià «nas, who replaced the Carters, during the season - both players became intensely hated in KlaipÃÂda, along with Rytas. Rytas finished behind à ½algiris in the LKL regular season standings, but this time, Rytas split wins with à ½algiris.
In the LKL playoffs, Rytas defeated Juventus Utena 3âÂÂ0 in the quarterfinals. In the LKL semifinals, Rytas faced off against Neptà «nas - a very intense, very tough and very personal series. Neptà «nas shocked Rytas in the opener in Vilnius, 84âÂÂ79, before Rytas beat Neptà «nas in KlaipÃÂda, 67âÂÂ49, and 74âÂÂ67 in Vilnius. Neptà «nas had tied the series with a 74âÂÂ70 home win. In the decider, Rytas beat Neptà «nas in a hard thought 88âÂÂ82 win to win the series 3âÂÂ2. The win marked the first trip to the LKL finals since 2015. In the LKL finals, Rytas faced à ½algiris Kaunas, playing the best season since 1999 and coming off a third-place finish in the Euroleague. à ½algiris beat Rytas 96âÂÂ83 in Kaunas in the opener. At home, Rytas avenged the loss with an 82âÂÂ73 win to tie the series 1-1. However, this would prove to be all Rytas could give to à ½algiris - à ½algiris finished off the series with a 90âÂÂ80 win in Kaunas, 82âÂÂ78 win in Vilnius and 80âÂÂ70 win in Kaunas - winning the series 4âÂÂ1. The LKL playoffs were not without controversy for Rytas - rumors of Dainius Adomaitis, former Rytas coach and the Lithuanian men's national team head coach - started circling as Rytas had negotiations with Adomaitis about taking over the head coaching job held by Kurtinaitis, with the rumors actually starting during the semifinals and intensifying during the finals - rumors that indeed turned out to be true as Kurtinaitis left Rytas after the season.
In the 2018 Karaliaus Mindaugo taurÃÂ, Rytas avenged their previous season defeat against Juventus Utena, winning in overtime 91âÂÂ88 in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, held in KlaipÃÂda, where Rytas was now intensely hated, Rytas defeated Dzà «kija Alytus (who had beat hosts Neptà «nas in the quarterfinals) 81âÂÂ61. In the finals, Rytas faced à ½algiris, and heavily cheered by the crowd in KlaipÃÂda, à ½algiris dominated and beat Rytas 81âÂÂ62 in the finals.
In the 2017âÂÂ18 EuroCup Basketball season, Rytas, in a group with Bilbao Basket, KK Partizan, Lokomotiv Kuban, Alba Berlin and Limoges CSP, led by Mavrokefalidis, Kramer, Rokas Giedraitis, having his best year, also by Echodas getting some strong performances, finished the regular season with a 6âÂÂ4 record, and second place in group C. In the Top 16, however, in a group with B.C. Zenit Saint Petersburg, Bayern Munich and Fiat Torino, Rytas only managed a lone win over Fiat Torino at home - Rytas finished with a 1âÂÂ5 record. Coach Kurtinaitis and the team were heavily criticized for the team's poor defense.
The Rytas youth team, led by Deividas Sirvydis and Marek Blaà ¾eviÃÂ, who already started playing for Rytas in the LKL, won the 2017âÂÂ18 Euroleague Basketball Next Generation Tournament - Sirvydis was named the MVP of the tournament.
The preparation for the season began in June, during the semifinal series, with controversial rumors that Lithuanian national basketball team, and former Rytas head coach Dainius Adomaitis would replace coach Kurtinaitis at the end of the season. While the team denied the rumors, after losing the LKL finals to à ½algiris Kaunas, Adomaitis was named the team's new head coach. Former Rytas players, and current members of the national team, Eimantas Bendà ¾ius and Evaldas Kairys, were the first additions, signing in July. Dominique Sutton, formerly of Dolomiti Energia Trento, and one of the best players in both the Italian league and the Eurocup, signed in August. D. J. Seeley replaced Rokas Giedraitis, who left to sign with Alba Berlin. Rytas also signed point guard Matt Farrell, scoring leader from the University of Notre Dame, but he was released just before the season for reported personal reasons. Talented youth team members Deividas Sirvydis and Marek Blaà ¾eviàwere signed to new long-term deals. Norbertas Giga, former member of the Rytas system, returned in October. Kramer, who resigned in the summer, was named the new team captain.
Rytas won the first game of the season, beating Juventus Utena, 87âÂÂ57, in the start of the LKL.
In the 2018âÂÂ19 EuroCup Basketball season, Rytas played in group D, and struggled against top teams in the group, such as Unicaja Malaga, UNICS Kazan and Fraport Skyliners, but wins over KK Mornar and Fiat Torino helped Rytas qualify for the Top 16 stage with a 5âÂÂ5 record. Seeley, Sutton (who was released in February) and Bendà ¾ius were the team leaders. Martynas Echodas was named the EuroCup Basketball Rising Star, while Sirvydis also earning increased minutes. In the Top 16 stage, now joined by StipÃÂeviàand Artsiom Parakhouski, Rytas struggled against Alba Berlin, which was led by former Rytas player Rokas Giedraitis, but wins over KK Partizan and AS Monaco helped them qualify for the EuroCup playoffs for the first time since 2015. Rytas faced Valencia Basket - Valencia beat Rytas 75-64 and 71âÂÂ56 to win the series 2âÂÂ0, eliminating Rytas from the EuroCup.
During the 2018âÂÂ19 season, Rytas won the King Mindaugas Cup. After eliminating Juventus Utena in the Quarterfinals, they eliminated Neptà «nas KlaipÃÂda in the semifinals 86âÂÂ72 and then defeated à ½algiris Kaunas in the Final 70âÂÂ67. After a season-ending injury to Kramer, Rytas signed Derek Needham to fill the point guard spot.
During the season in the LKL, Rytas struggled against rivals à ½algiris, Lietkabelis and Neptà «nas, which led to Rytas finishing third in the regular season with a 26âÂÂ10 record, worst regular season finish in club history. Rytas faced Juventus in the quarterfinals, winning the series in 2âÂÂ1. In the semifinals, Rytas faced Neptà «nas who, for the first time, had home court advantage, defeating them shockingly easily 2âÂÂ0 and advancing to the LKL Finals. In the LKL Finals, à ½algiris easily swept Rytas 3âÂÂ0.
During the off-season, Parakhouski, Seeley, Needham, Kramer, StipÃÂeviÃÂ, Giga, Normantas, Piliauskas all departed from the team. Rolandas Jarutis, former Rytas player, was named the new team manager. Under Jarutis, Rytas started adding more players from developmental team Perlas-MRU, like Augustas MarÃÂiulionis, son of legendary basketball player à  arà «nas MarÃÂiulionis, Simas Jarumbauskas, Einaras Tubutis, ÃÂà ¾uolas Tubelis (who started earning minutes as the season progressed) and Marek Blaà ¾eviÃÂ, who already had played in the previous seasons, but also played in the NKL for Perlas. Karolis Giedraitis, son of former Rytas player Andrius Giedraitis, also earned a spot on the team. Deividas Sirvydis, drafted in the 2019 NBA draft by the Dallas Mavericks as the 37th pick, but traded to the Detroit Pistons, remained with the team. Bendà ¾ius, Girdà ¾ià «nas and most importantly, the improving ButkeviÃÂius remained with the team. ButkeviÃÂius also debuted for the Lithuanian national basketball team in the World Cup. Rytas also signed Dovis BiÃÂkauskis from Juventus and Tu Holloway as the new point guards. Australian Cameron Bairstow was signed as the new power forward, while Francisco Cruz was signed as the new shooting guard. Evaldas Kairys was initially among the players released during the summer, but was re-signed in September. After the season, coach Adomaitis remained with Rytas.
The preparation for the season began in August. Rytas largely struggled in pre-season matches. Rytas started the 2019âÂÂ20 LKL season with a five-game winning streak. The win streak was snapped by à ½algiris Kaunas. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the LKL season ended prematurely - à ½algiris were announced as the winners, while Rytas finished second - one win over third-placed Lietkabelis PanevÃÂà ¾ys. In the King Mindaugas Cup tournament, Rytas reached the finals, but was defeated by à ½algiris.
In the 2019âÂÂ20 EuroCup Basketball season, Rytas played in Group B, with Umana Reyer Venezia, Partizan NIS, Tofaà Â, Lokomotiv Kuban and Limoges CSP. Wins over Lokomotiv Kuban and Tofaà  helped Rytas qualify for the Top 16, with a 4âÂÂ6 record, also eliminating the powerful Lokomotiv team, from the competition. Bendà ¾ius, ButkeviÃÂius and Cruz lead the team, while Sirvydis and Marek Blaà ¾eviàcontinued to earn more minutes and improving their play, becoming solid contributions for Rytas. In the Top 16 competition, Rytas played UNICS Kazan, AS Monaco and Galatasaray. Losses against AS Monaco and UNICS eliminated Rytas from playoff contention. Rytas finished with a 3âÂÂ3 record, and third place in the standings. The season was later cancelled. During the season, Rytas gave much of the younger players playing time, with Blaà ¾eviàin particular having a breakout season with Rytas, both in the LKL and the EuroCup.
Rytas faced with the 2020âÂÂ21 season with drastically reduced budget as the club had to pay off debts, despite the fact that the debt from June 2017 decreased from 4,040,000 Eur to 2,140,000 Eur, and fired team manager Jarutis. Therefore, the club decided to choose the Basketball Champions League instead of the EuroCup due to a much more beneficial financial offer and returned to a FIBA competition for the first time since the 2002âÂÂ03 season. Rytas sold its young talents Deividas Sirvydis - to Hapoel Jerusalem and Marek Blaà ¾eviàfor buyouts, with Marek in particular being a painful departure, as he left Rytas for à ½algiris. Captain Eimantas Bendà ¾ius left the club due to financial reasons, however Martynas Echodas and the new captain Arnas ButkeviÃÂius stayed in the team. Donaldas Kairys replaced Dainius Adomaitis in the head coach position. Also, Rytas signed with a former EuroLeague star Andrew Goudelock, Demetrius Jackson, who proved to be a pleasant surprise, Chris McCullough, and Lithuanians Saulius Kulvietis, Rokas Gustys, Gytis RadzeviÃÂius, Lukas Uleckas, Augustas MarÃÂiulionis. Due to health reasons, contract with Kulvietis was terminated and he was replaced by Kristjan Kitsing; Maurice Ndour was also signed in October.
The season initially started strong for Rytas â at the start of the LKL, Rytas smashed BC Juventus in the opener 106âÂÂ77, and went on a six-game win streak, thanks to great play from Goudelock and point guard Jackson. The win streak was stopped by à ½algiris Kaunas, who beat Rytas in Vilnius. Problems arose within Rytas, starting with Jackson shockingly leaving Rytas just days after their 2020âÂÂ21 Basketball Champions League debut for personal reasons. McCullough had a number of off-court issues, ending with Rytas releasing him in November. Injuries, losses, reported and rumored conflicts between coach Kairys and Rytas players, poor player selection, with Ryan Boatright, replacing Jackson, and center Keith Benson becoming huge failures for Rytas, and by January, Rytas had completely fallen apart â Rytas ended their Champions League campaign after the group stage with a 2âÂÂ4 record â a huge disappointment for the team. The problems continued â Ndour, one of the few bright spots for Rytas for the season, left Rytas after the exit in the Champions League. Rytas also suffered multiple upset losses in the LKL and in the King Mindaugas Cup, suffered the biggest fiasco of the season, losing to Juventus in the quarter-finals, including an embarrassing 27 point defeat at home. The loss proved to be the final game for coach Kairys, as he was fired immediately after the game, and was replaced by his assistant Giedrius à ½ibÃÂnas. Rytas also made a few more changes to the roster, releasing Boatright and Benson soon after the firing of Kairys, and signing Ivan Buva as the new center. The changes also helped the talented Augustas MarÃÂiulionis and Dovis BiÃÂkauskis get more playing time.
To the surprise of everyone, under à ½ibÃÂnas, Rytas made an incredible comeback, winning their next 16 out of 17 games in the LKL, including an away win over à ½algiris in Kaunas â their first win over à ½algiris since February 2019, thanks to an incredible game by Ivan Buva, and rose up the standings in the LKL by the end of the regular season, finishing in second place after à ½algiris. In the LKL playoffs, Rytas swept both BC à  iauliai and Eurocup team Lietkabelis PanevÃÂà ¾ys to make the LKL finals. In the finals, à ½algiris swept Rytas 3âÂÂ0. Many Rytas fans nonetheless largely considered the end of the season a success. After the season, coach à ½ibÃÂnas signed an extension with the club to continue as head coach for the following season, for his great efforts in bringing Rytas back during the season.
During the off-season, much of the roster departed the team. Rytas signed players like the returning Margiris Normantas, Vaidas Kariniauskas, Jarvis Williams, Kenneth Smith and Tanner Leissner to strengthen the roster, while also keeping players like Buva, ButkeviÃÂius, Uleckas and RadzeviÃÂius, all among leaders of the previous season with the team. Coach à ½ibÃÂnas remained as head coach of Rytas.
While Rytas initially had struggles, soon enough, Rytas started showing some potential. Injuries to Williams and Leissner lead to the brief return of Maurice Ndour. Rytas had a long win streak in both the LKL, and the Basketball Champions League. In the Champions League, Rytas finished 1st in the regular season, in a group that included EWE Baskets Oldenburg, Beà Âiktaà  Icrypex and defending two-time champions of the tournament Hereda San Pablo Burgos, with Rytas getting memorable wins over Burgos both away, and at home, and finishing with a 4âÂÂ2 record. In the LKL, Rytas had overtaken à ½algiris Kaunas in the standings, leading for much of the season. High hopes, nonetheless, once again hit some road blocks by JanuaryâÂÂMarch - the win streak ended with a close home loss to à ½algiris, who took first place in the LKL regular season, and Rytas struggled in the Champions League Round of 16 stage, falling behind Lenovo Tenerife, and SIG Strasbourg, finishing just out of the playoffs due to a point difference with SIG Strasbourg.
In the King Mindaugas Cup, held in Vilnius, Rytas was believed to be a favorite heading in - however, a shock loss to Lietkabelis PanevÃÂà ¾ys in the semifinals left Rytas without the finals for the second consecutive season. Rytas won the bronze medal game against BC à  iauliai, also in a struggle. à ½algiris went on to win the tournament. During this time, Ndour once again left Rytas, and he was eventually replaced by former Rytas player Evaldas Kairys, who returned to the team.
With the LKL remaining, by April, Rytas had once again found their game. Led by LKL MVP Buva, Rytas once again regained the LKL regular season leading position, by beating à ½algiris, and for the first time since 2013âÂÂ14, Rytas finished in first place in the LKL standings and earned homecourt advantage for the playoffs. Great play by the improving RadzeviÃÂius, Uleckas, captain ButkeviÃÂius, Smith and the returning Jarvis Williams became the key for success. Players like Margiris Normantas were also praised for their efforts.
In the LKL playoffs, Rytas had struggles - in the quarterfinals, Rytas defeated BC Dzà «kija 3âÂÂ1 in the quarterfinals, and BC à  iauliai 3âÂÂ1 in the semifinals. Rytas would struggle early, but by the deciding games, would win in dominating fashion.
In the LKL finals, Rytas would face a surprising opponent in Lietkabelis PanevÃÂà ¾ys, who had eliminated the defending champions à ½algiris in the semifinals - à ½algiris had won the previous 11 consecutive LKL championships, and had been the most hated team among Rytas fans. While not getting a chance for revenge against à ½algiris for all the years of loses, Rytas had become the favorite of the LKL finals for the first time in a very long time. In the LKL finals start, however, Rytas lost to Lietkabelis 77âÂÂ68 at home, losing their homecourt advantage. Rytas, having to respond, responded in dominating fashion by winning the next two games 88âÂÂ66 in PanevÃÂà ¾ys, and 85âÂÂ63 in Vilnius, in a very controversial game which included Lietkabelis head coach Nenand ÃÂanak shoving Rytas head coach à ½ibÃÂnas and even getting into an argument with Rytas director Darius Gudelis. In a much hyped game in PanevÃÂà ¾ys, facing a deficit, Rytas managed to pull a win over Lietkabelis 78âÂÂ77, on a dunk in the deciding seconds from ButkeviÃÂius, and took a 3âÂÂ1 lead in the LKL finals. On June 7, 2022, Rytas had finally prevailed - beating Lietkabelis 79âÂÂ76, Rytas won the series 4âÂÂ1. For the first time since 2010, Rytas had regained the LKL championship.
Over the summer, much of the LKL championship winning team departed. Buva, Smith, Leissner, Girdà ¾ià «nas, Kariniauskas all departed. The most painful of the departures, was captain Arnas ButkeviÃÂius signing with hated rivals à ½algiris Kaunas. Rytas first signed the returning Martynas Echodas to replace the departing Ivan Buva. Rytas signed former à ½algiris player Gytis Masiulis to replace Leissner, while Todd Withers was signed to replace ButkeviÃÂius. Benedek Váradi and former LKL MVP with BC à  iauliai Elvar Már Friðriksson were signed as the new point guards to replace Kariniauskas and Smith. Rytas also signed Marcus Foster at guard. Rytas also re-signed RadzeviÃÂius and Uleckas to new contracts, and kept Normantas, Williams and Evaldas Kairys with the team. Coach Giedrius à ½ibÃÂnas also remained with the team. During the pre-season, Marcus Foster lead Rytas in scoring. Rytas also signed Tomas Lekà «nas to a short-term deal, as Withers had not arrived by the start of the season for personal reasons. Lekà «nas later signed a deal for the rest of the season, while Withers had officially left the team. By March, Rytas had signed point guard Kendale McCullum, power forward Justin Gorham and center Jaime Echenique, with all three playing a big part in Rytas deep run in the LKL playoffs.
Rytas started the LKL season winning a close game against region rival Juventus 90âÂÂ88. They continued the good start by winning two more games, but an unexpected defeat to NevÃÂà ¾is at home on the fourth game completely shocked the team. They lost their next two games to CBet Jonava and Lietkabelis Paneveà ¾ys, finding themselves with a disappointing 3âÂÂ3 record to start. Rytas recovered, going on a seven-game win streak, which included a win over new rivals, BC Wolves, 91âÂÂ89 away, and against long-time rivals à ½algiris, 89âÂÂ85 at home, in a game where Foster scored 34 points and famously waved off the à ½algiris fans. The rivalry with the Wolves largely started due to the fact that the Wolves became the new team in Vilnius, and the games between both teams became very heated as the Wolves became one of the most hated teams among Rytas fans and many former Rytas players, like Lukauskis, joined the team, as well as being coached by long-time Rytas coach Rimas Kurtinaitis. Wolves snapped Rytas win streak in the LKL, with an 88âÂÂ76 win over Rytas in Vilnius. Rytas rebounded, winning the next 11 out of 12 games in the LKL, and scoring an amazing win over à ½algiris in Kaunas, 100âÂÂ94, with Normantas scoring 30 points and Foster scoring 28 points, renewing a rivalry with à ½algiris and a fight for first place in the LKL. à ½algiris, however, won the final game of the regular season between the teams, 81âÂÂ75, a win that guaranteed à ½algiris first place in the LKL regular season over Rytas. Rytas finished by winning their last 6 games, including a win in Vilnius over Wolves, 102âÂÂ98, with a 27âÂÂ6 record. In the LKL playoffs, in the quarterfinals, Rytas faced old rivals BC Neptà «nas, winning a very tough series 2âÂÂ0, beating Neptà «nas both at home in overtime, 107âÂÂ99, and away, 95âÂÂ91. In the semifinals, while many fans expected a RytasâÂÂWolves matchup, in an unexpected twist, Rytas faced CBet Jonava, who had swept the Wolves in the quarterfinals, was a surprise team of the season, and had already shocked Rytas in the King Mindaugas Cup semifinals. This time, Rytas gained revenge by beating CBet 82âÂÂ74 at home, 82âÂÂ67 in Jonava, and 90âÂÂ85 at home, to sweep the series for a 3âÂÂ0 win for Rytas. In the LKL finals, Rytas faced off against à ½algiris. In the first game, à ½algiris beat Rytas 108âÂÂ93 at home to take the lead. In the second game, Rytas got revenge, while a tight game by halftime, Rytas had a very strong second half, leading to a dominating 94âÂÂ71 win in the Jeep Arena in Vilnius, tying the series 1âÂÂ1. à ½algiris won the next game 95âÂÂ80 in à ½algiris Arena, to once again lead the series over Rytas. The fourth game became a classic âÂ à ½algiris led much of the way, including double digits, looking to finish the series â Rytas, however, kept coming back, backed up by a packed Jeep Arena. In the deciding minutes, Rytas made one final comeback, and Marcus Foster won the game for Rytas with a deciding layup, 69âÂÂ68, tying the series at 2âÂÂ2. In the deciding game, in a packed à ½algiris Arena, Rytas led much of the game, including in the final minutes, before à ½algiris made a run led by Isaiah Taylor and former Rytas captain ButkeviÃÂius winning the game 97âÂÂ87, and the series 3âÂÂ2, to regain the LKL title. While defeated, Rytas earned much praise, both from Rytas fans and experts, for giving the best fight they could against a à ½algiris team that reached the Euroleague playoffs.
Rytas lost to NevÃÂà ¾is-OPTIBET in King Mindaugas Cup qualifiers in their first game, 78âÂÂ70, having to win at least by nine points their second match in Vilnius to advance to the Final Four tournament, held in à  iauliai. In the second game, after regulation, Rytas had led NevÃÂà ¾is-OPTIBET 81âÂÂ73, necessitating overtime. In overtime, the much stronger Rytas made short work of NevÃÂà ¾is-OPTIBET, winning 98âÂÂ78 to qualify for the semifinals. One of the main favorites to win the tournament, along with à ½algiris, Rytas was expected to beat CBet Jonava in the semifinals. However, just like the previous season, history repeated itself. Rytas played poorly while CBet played one of the best games of the season, and CBet beat Rytas 92âÂÂ86 in the semifinals in one of the biggest shocks in tournament history. For the third consecutive season, Rytas was eliminated in the King Mindaugas Cup semifinals. In the bronze medal game, Rytas, while erasing a huge deficit, could not defeat BC Lietkabelis, losing the game 91âÂÂ88 and finishing in a disappointing fourth place. à ½algiris went on to win the tournament.
Rytas started their FIBA Champions League campaign slowly, losing the first two away games of the tournament to the defending champions Lenovo Tenerife 89âÂÂ74 and then following it up with a loss against Bnei Herzliya 90âÂÂ85. In following games, they crushed Peristeri B.C., coached by legendary player Vassilis Spanoulis, 89âÂÂ64 on their home debut, and beat them again 82âÂÂ71 in Athens. Marcus Foster, for his strong performances, earned the MVP of November honors. With a 2âÂÂ2 record, Rytas had a chance to qualify to the playoffs directly, however, Rytas lost to Bnei Herzliya at home, 101âÂÂ90, dropping to 2âÂÂ3. In the final game of the regular season, Rytas faced Lenovo Tenerife at home-, winning the game 85âÂÂ78, and finished in second place in the group with a 3âÂÂ3 record. While not being able to directly qualify to the Round of 16 phase, Rytas faced off PAOK in the tournament's play-in where they beat PAOK at home 85âÂÂ62. PAOK tied the series with an 81âÂÂ78 win over Rytas in Thessaloniki. In the deciding game, at home, Rytas once again dominated and won 82âÂÂ63 over PAOK, winning the series 2âÂÂ1 and qualifying to the Round of 16. In the deciding game for Rytas in the Champions League, they were defeated in an away game 82âÂÂ69 by Baxi Manresa. Foster continued his string of strong performances. Rytas beat Bahçeà Âehir Koleji at home, 95âÂÂ88, and then faced one of the tournament favorites, Telekom Baskets Bonn, at both home and away. While Rytas came back after erasing a huge deficit in a home game, losing 86âÂÂ79, they lost 99âÂÂ72 in Bonn, with Rytas dropping 1âÂÂ3. Rytas, still having a shot at the playoffs, earned a 92âÂÂ69 away win against Bahçeà Âehir. With a 2âÂÂ3 record, Rytas faced Baxi Manresa at home needing to win the game by 14 points to qualify for the playoffs. Baxi lead most of the game, but by the second half, Rytas had recovered and in the fourth quarter, took a 14-point lead over Baxi. Despite Rytas managed to win the game 96âÂÂ95, Baxi qualified for the playoffs since both Rytas and Baxi finished with a 3âÂÂ3 record, but a win by Baxi in the first game by 13 points led to Baxi's qualification. Foster finished the tournament as the top scorer.
During the summer, McCullum, Fridriksson, Kairys, Lekà «nas, Varadi, Echenique, and most importantly, team leader Marcus Foster all left the team, while Rytas re-signed team captain Normantas, Justin Gorham, Gytis RadzeviÃÂius and Martynas Echodas to new contracts during the summer. Coach à ½ibÃÂnas was re-signed during the previous season. Rytas also signed new point guards Arnas VeliÃÂka and R.J. Cole, center Javin DeLaurier and power forward Oskaras Pleikys to contracts. Keith Hornsby was initially signed as a replacement for Marcus Foster. Rytas also returned to play some home games in the Avia Solutions Group Arena, an arena now shared with inner-city rivals Wolves Vilnius.
During the Basketball Champions League season, Rytas started the season with a 0âÂÂ2 record, with JDA Dijon, 87âÂÂ83, and Promitheas Patras, 78âÂÂ76, defeating Rytas in two away games. Rytas recovered with two dominating wins over BK Opava at home 99âÂÂ63, and 95âÂÂ75 away, and won home rematches against Promitheas, 77âÂÂ75, and JDA Dijon, 79âÂÂ77, to finish the regular season with a 4âÂÂ2 record and one win behind group winners JDA Dijon, thus forced to fight for a spot in the Round of 16 in the Play-in tournament. Echodas, Normantas and RadzeviÃÂius lead the team in scoring during the regular season. Before the Play-in tournament, Marcus Foster returned to Rytas, replacing Hornsby. In the Play-in tournament, Rytas were heavy favorites against Peristeri Athens - the previous season, Rytas had easily beat Peristeri in the competition. Led by a more experienced Vassilis Spanoulis, however, Peristeri was not the same team as the previous season - Peristeri crushed Rytas in Vilnius, 110âÂÂ92, and beat Rytas 83âÂÂ80 at home in Athens, beating Rytas 2-0 and shockingly eliminating Rytas from the competition. While Marcus Foster provided a spark for Rytas, he was not able to save Rytas from the elimination.
In the King Mindaugas Cup, Rytas easily beat long-time rivals BC Juventus 98-86 and 104âÂÂ67 in the quarterfinals. In the Final Four, held in Kaunas, once again, even with the addition of the returning Marcus Foster, Rytas failed - in the semifinals, 7bet-Lietkabelis, in a rematch of the previous two tournament semifinal and bronze medal games, once again beat Rytas, 94âÂÂ86, in the semifinals - with Rytas missing another chance to return to the KMT finals. In the bronze medal game, Rytas beat BC à  iauliai, 94âÂÂ89, in another hard-fought game to win the bronze medals. à ½algiris went on to win the tournament.
In the LKL, for most of the season, Rytas fought for first place in the standings, against à ½algiris Kaunas and against the Wolves, the latter of whom Rytas fought against for the title of the best team in Vilnius. Rytas won the regular season series against the Wolves, but were swept by à ½algiris, thus finishing behind à ½algiris in the regular season standings, at second place. In the games against the Wolves, much of the fan-support was behind Rytas. Fueled by the return of Marcus Foster, Rytas entered the playoffs fighting for at least a spot in the LKL finals- in the quarterfinals, Rytas beat CBet Jonava 110âÂÂ77 at home, and 96âÂÂ90 away, to win the series 2âÂÂ0, and to set up a LKL semifinals clash against the Wolves, for the battle of Vilnius, as titled by both the players for each team, and the press. Homecourt advantage belonged to Rytas, but with each team sharing the Avia Solutions Group Arena court, neither team really had an advantage. Wolves started the series by shocking Rytas with a 96âÂÂ85 win, taking the lead, before Rytas won the next two games, tainted with incidents by the players and even coach à ½ibÃÂnas, 113-75 and 86âÂÂ78. Wolves tied the series with a 97âÂÂ86 win, to set up the deciding fifth game clash. Led by Foster, heavily supported all series by Rytas fans, Rytas won a hard-fought game 92âÂÂ87 to finish off the Wolves and win the series 3âÂÂ2, with Rytas returning to the LKL finals. Before the finals, rivals à ½algiris had suffered a huge blow as team leader Keenan Evans suffered a season ending injury - despite this, à ½algiris was still considered by most as the favorite to win the finals. Rytas had other ideas- in the first game, in Kaunas, Rytas beat the still shocked à ½algiris, by erasing a double digit deficit in the final minutes, in an overtime 89âÂÂ88 win that took away the homecourt advantage for à ½algiris, with Rytas leading the series 1âÂÂ0. In the second game, in Vilnius, once again, à ½algiris lead for most of the game, before Normantas and Foster sparked a comeback by Rytas - the game went to overtime, and again, Rytas managed to win, beating à ½algiris 104-94 and taking a 2âÂÂ0 series lead. à ½algiris beat Rytas in Kaunas, 91âÂÂ81. The fourth game became a classic - heavily cheered by over 9000 fans in the arena, Rytas would beat à ½algiris on a deciding layup by Foster, who scored 33 points, 88âÂÂ87, to win the series and the LKL championship 3âÂÂ1, winning their second championship in two years. The win by Rytas is considered by everyone to be the biggest upset ever in the LKL finals.
Foster, Gorham, DeLaurier, VeliÃÂka, Uleckas all left Rytas during the summer. Tubelis, the reigning LKL MVP, under contract with Rytas but who was laoned for Neptà «nas the previous season, returned to Rytas. R. J. Cole, Normantas, RadzeviÃÂius, Masiulis, Pleikys (who had little playing time during the previous season, and would be loaned during this season to CBet Jonava) all remained with Rytas. Jayvon Graves and Savion Flagg were signed by Rytas as replacements for Foster, the team's top star and leader. Martynas PaliukÃÂnas, known for this tough defense in the LKL, was signed to help RadzeviÃÂius in the small-forward position. Rytas signed Ignas Sargià «nas from Neptà «nas, where he had formed a formidable duo with Tubelis, to strengthen the point guard position. Needing a center, Rytas surprised fans by signing Steven Enoch, one of the best EuroCup centers with Türk Telekom and who had some impressive performances with Baskonia Vitoria in the EuroLeague a few years prior. The new-look team was considered by many experts as even stronger than the previous year's LKL championship team.
In the LKL season opener, Rytas faced off BC Neptà «nas, who proceeded to stun Rytas with a 90âÂÂ84 win - for the first time, Rytas, as the defending champion, had suffered a defeat in the opening day of the LKL. Rytas then proceeded to win seven consecutive games in the LKL - including a satisfying home win over à ½algiris Kaunas. Rytas finished the LKL regular season with a 29âÂÂ7 record - behind the league leading à ½algiris, but above rivals 7-bet Lietkabelis and Wolves-Twinsbet - against the Wolves, Rytas would prove their superiority both on the court (winning the season series) and off the court (the fans in Vilnius had much bigger attendances for Rytas, who played most of their games in the smaller Jeep Arena court) - the Wolves would end up suspending their operations after the season, with Rytas successfully defending their place as the top team in Vilnius. Tubelis, Cole and RadzeviÃÂius lead Rytas in the LKL regular season.
In the 2024-25 Basketball Champions League, Rytas had high expectations. With a strong team, Rytas was thought to finally break through to the playoffs. In the opener, Rytas was defeated by Unahotels Reggio Emilia in an away game, with Reggio Emilia winning 77âÂÂ67. This proved to be the only loss for Rytas in the regular season - Rytas would dominate à Âlàsk Wrocà Âaw 98âÂÂ75 at home and 98âÂÂ88 away, and would also defeat Falco-Vulcano Szombathely 103âÂÂ83 at home and 82âÂÂ72 away, and would avenge their first round loss to Reggio Emilia with a 94âÂÂ84 win at home - to win first place and direct qualification to the Round of 16 stage. The 5âÂÂ1 record would be the best start for Rytas in the Basketball Champions League. RadzeviÃÂius was named the MVP of the Group stage, while Cole continued to shine as the new team leader. Rytas would start the Round of 16 in dominating fashion - an 86âÂÂ66 home win over Galatasaray. Reigning champion Unicaja Málaga would beat Rytas 92âÂÂ74 to snap the six game win streak of Rytas in the Basketball Champions League. Rytas would then face off Manisa Büyükà Âehir, coached by former Neptà «nas, Lietkabelis and à ½algiris coach Kazys Maksvytis - a home 98âÂÂ74 win for Rytas looked to almost certainly seal the qualification for Rytas in the Champions League playoffs. The second round, however, would prove to be nightmarish for Rytas - Manisa, now the home team, started with a shocking 98âÂÂ75 thrashing of Rytas, while Galatasaray shocked the undefeated Unicaja at home. Galatasaray defeated Rytas 89âÂÂ81 at home, giving Rytas very slim chances in the final round. In the final round, Rytas faced off Unicaja at home, while Galatasaray would face Manisa at home - Galatasaray won against Manisa, while Unicaja beat Rytas 83âÂÂ82 in Vilnius in a heartbreaker - with a 2âÂÂ4 record, Rytas was eliminated from the Champions League by Galatasaray. The signings of point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright and returning center Artà «ras Gudaitis, who had to replace the injured Tubelis, largely flopped as both didn't really make any contributions for Rytas in the Champions League. Enoch made the Basketball Champions League Star Lineup second team for the season. Cole and RadzeviÃÂius had breakthrough seasons with Rytas - as both remained team leaders through the competition.
In the King Mindaugas Cup, Rytas would face off Neptà «nas in the quarterfinals - as Rytas beat Neptà «nas 78âÂÂ67 in KlaipÃÂda, the return home game looked like a formality for Rytas. Through the first half, Rytas had a lead. In the third quarter, Neptà «nas took control, and heavily supported by their fans in Vilnius, Neptà «nas shocked Rytas with a 92âÂÂ77 win in Vilnius - winning 159âÂÂ155 on aggregate and eliminating Rytas in the quarterfinals. The Final Four, held in Vilnius, in Rytas second home court of Avia Solutions Arena, was won by à ½algiris.
In the LKL playoffs, Rytas dominated and defeated BC à  iauliai with 127-81 wins at home, and 110âÂÂ84 win away, 2âÂÂ0 series win. In the semifinals, Rytas faced off Lietkabelis. Both teams split the wins at home, with Rytas winning 86-82 and 87âÂÂ86 at home, while Lietkabelis won 73-70 and 87âÂÂ76 in PanevÃÂà ¾ys. In the deciding game IN Vilnius, Rytas would not let Lietkabelis get close and finished the series with a 94âÂÂ70 win and winning the series 3âÂÂ2. During the series, Flagg went down with a season ending injury. Rytas would face off à ½algiris in the LKL finals. Coming in with a 35-game win streak (including 78âÂÂ67, 83-76 and 97-79 wins over Rytas in the regular season) and home-court advantage, à ½algiris was considered the heavy favorites of the LKL finals. Rytas would have other ideas - Rytas shocked à ½algiris with a double-overtime 97âÂÂ89 win in Kaunas, taking the home-court advantage from à ½algiris in the very first game. In Vilnius, it was à ½algiris who would win, beating Rytas 83âÂÂ79, led by former Rytas player Deividas Sirvydis, to tie the series at 1-1. In the third game in Kaunas, many experts predicted it as the game à ½algiris would likely break the series - instead, Rytas would dominate and lead by as much as 22 points at one point - while à ½algiris did make a comeback, Rytas would beat à ½algiris 86âÂÂ80 to take a 2âÂÂ1 series lead - becoming the first team ever in LKL history to beat à ½algiris twice in the à ½algirio Arena during a series. The fourth game in Vilnius looked like a perfect finish to a story - a sellout with almost 9300 fans in the Avia Solutions Arena, and a motivated Rytas leading à ½algiris by as much as 17 points at the end of the third quarter - à ½algiris would come back, and with 7,7 seconds remaining, with Rytas up by two points, Sargià «nas, who had become one of the best players for Rytas during the series, would miss a free-throw - Sylvain Francisco, à ½algiris leader, would then make one of the most iconic plays in LKL history, winning the game for à ½algiris with a buzzer-beating three pointer, 84âÂÂ83, to tie the series 2-2. In the deciding game, a sellout 14400 fans in the à ½algirio Arena, Rytas lead nearly 35 minutes - however, à ½algiris had other plans - led by Ignas Brazdeikis, in the deciding minutes, à ½algiris took the lead and went on to win 76âÂÂ67, winning the series 3âÂÂ2, and winning back the LKL championship.
The incredible efforts against the far stronger à ½algiris resulted in Rytas keeping à ½ibÃÂnas as head coach - re-signing him to a new contract days after the finals.
Marijonas MikutaviÃÂius, the creator of de facto Lithuania Olympics Team song â Trys Milijonai, also created a special song for the BC Lietuvos rytas team, following its success in LKL and the very first steps in the prestigious EuroLeague. The song is called "Laikas bà «ti pirmiems" (Time To Be First) and it is widely regarded as the club's anthem. To this day it is still played after club wins or at time-outs during the home games.
Note: exact date is listed for players who joined or left during season.
Total titles: 30
To appear in this section a player must be either:
The following head coaches won at least one major trophy when in charge of Rytas:
<small>Only players with significant number of games played or points scored.</small>
<small>Last updated: 15 November 2016</small>
<br /> EuroLeague MVP of the Month
50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors <br /> Chosen:
Nominated:
<br /> EuroLeague Basketball 2001âÂÂ10 All-Decade Team
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Performance Index Rating
Rebounds
Best EuroCup coach of all time
Champions League MVP of the Month
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Slam Dunk Contest Champions
Three-point Shootout Champions
Final Four MVP
Finals MVP
FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991)
FIBA Europe Young Men's Player of the Year Award
Lietuvos rytas basketball club was featured in the NBA 2K15 video game.