2025 NBA Draft | Mantas Juzenas Scouting Report

Mantas Juzėnas, an 18-year-old Lithuanian shooting guard, plays for Žalgiris Kaunas' second team in the Lithuanian 2nd division (NKL) while occasionally joining the main squad, having already debuted in the EuroLeague. A former U16 European champion and U18 national team member, he has signed a long-term deal with Žalgiris but will join Saint Mary’s Gaels in the NCAA next year. -Simonas Vasiukevičius

Mantas Juzėnas

Born: 2006 (November, 16th)

Nationality: Lithuanian (NT: Lithuania)

Height: 6'7" - 2m

Weight: 200.62 lb - 91 kg

Team: Kaunas “Žalgiris - 2” (NKL)

Position: Shooting Guard

Strong Hand: Right

Role: 2-way guard  

Current Status: Draft Eligible in 2028

Offense

• First thing that stands out is his size compared to other guards. Uses his physicality well to push defenders away when shooting contested jumpers or posting up smaller opponents. Can create space using his strength rather than speed.
• Smooth jumpshot, has good mechanics and confidence in his shot. Can be a reliable shooter both off the catch and off the dribble. Good mid-range shot.
• Excels on ISO situations. Comfortable creating his own shot, especially in mid-range areas. Uses his body well to shield defenders but is not the fastest with the ball.
• Reliable at drawing fouls. Uses his size and strength to initiate contact and get to the free-throw line consistently.
• Moves well off the ball, actively cuts to the basket when not in possession. Uses positioning and size to create easy scoring opportunities.
• Needs to improve his first-step explosiveness. Lacks the quick burst to blow by defenders, which can make it harder for him to create separation in one-on-one situations.
• Ball-handling is solid, but not the fastest dribbler. Can keep control but isn’t overly shifty or dynamic with the ball.
• Passing decisions can be questionable at times, particularly in terms of pass trajectories and strength of the pass. Can get locked into scoring mode, occasionally missing open teammates or forcing difficult passes.
• Tends to play post up, using his size to his advantage against smaller defenders.
• One of the best scorers in the league, averaging 16.5 points per game in the second Lithuanian division (NKL).

Offensive Summary

Mantas Juzėnas is a physical, high-scoring guard who leverages his size to dominate smaller defenders. He excels in mid-range scoring, isolation plays, and drawing fouls, making him a tough matchup. His shooting mechanics are smooth, and he moves well off the ball. While his ball-handling is solid, he lacks elite speed and first-step explosiveness. He also shoots from three but still needs refinement in that area, currently hitting 32.8% (59/180). Passing decisions can be inconsistent, but his scoring ability—averaging 16.5 points per game in NKL—makes him one of the league's top offensive threats.

Defense

• Versatile defender thanks to his size. Can guard multiple positions and is not afraid of physical matchups. Uses his body well to hold his ground against bigger opponents.
• Active hands on defense. Can disrupt passing lanes and get deflections, averaging 1.3 steals per game, but could improve defensive awareness to make more consistent impact plays.
• Rebounds well for a guard (is actually 7^th in the league for rebounds). Uses size effectively to secure boards and start fast breaks. Averages 7.5 rebounds per game—5.7 on defense and 1.8 on offense.
• Sometimes avoids helping his teammates on the defensive side, needs to show more engagement in team defense.
• Does not hide his frustration; emotions in general are quite visible on the court.
• Strong in contacts. Can absorb bumps and maintain position in the paint when defending post-ups or driving players.

Defensive Summary

Mantas Juzėnas is a versatile defender who uses his size to guard multiple positions and hold his ground against bigger opponents. He thrives in physical matchups, absorbing contact well in the paint. His active hands make him a threat in passing lanes, averaging 1.3 steals per game, though his defensive awareness could be more consistent. A strong rebounder for his position, he ranks 7th in the league, pulling down 7.5 boards per game. However, he can sometimes be passive in team defense and needs to show more engagement. His emotions are visibly expressed on the court, which can impact his defensive focus at times.

Projection

Mantas Juzėnas has the potential to carve out a role in a high-level European league or even attract NBA interest in the future, thanks to his size, scoring ability, and physicality. His success at the next level will depend on further developing his three-point shot, athletic abilities, and defensive consistency. Since he will be transferring to the NCAA, it will provide him with a bigger stage and greater exposure, making it easier for NBA teams to scout and evaluate him. With the right progress, he could emerge as a legitimate draft candidate in the coming years.

Stats