Lithuania’s 2007 Generation: Five Prospects to Watch

Lithuanian basketball continues to produce exciting young talent, and the 2007-born generation is no exception. In this article, we take a closer look at five promising prospects who have been making waves both domestically and internationally. From standout performances in European youth competitions to invitations to the prestigious NBA Basketball Without Borders camp, these players represent the future of Lithuanian basketball. -Simonas Vasiukevičius

Arminas Vilkas

Team: Vilkaviškio Perlas

Position: Power Forward

Height: 202 cm / 6'8" 

Arminas Vilkas has recently garnered significant attention for his outstanding performances on both national and international stages. In January 2025, he was named as the MVP at the Adidas Next Generation EuroLeague Tournament in Munich. Representing the U18 Next Gen Team Munich, Vilkas played a pivotal role in leading his team to victory over U18 Valencia Basket in the final, contributing 16 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 5 blocks, achieving an impressive performance index rating of 36.

Before making the jump to Lithuania’s National Basketball League (NKL), Vilkas dominated in the RKL (Regional Basketball League), where he averaged 12 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, and an efficiency rating of 20.3 while playing 28.5 minutes per game. His ability to control the paint and protect the rim made him one of the most impactful big men in the league, proving that he was ready for the next level.

Following his success in the RKL, Vilkas transitioned to the NKL, where he delivered a career-best performance for Vilkaviškio Perlas. On January 25, 2025, in a closely contested game against Kretingos Kretinga, he scored 17 points, successfully making all seven of his two-point attempts and his sole three-pointer. Additionally, he contributed 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks, significantly aiding his team's narrow 89-87 victory.

Despite being an undersized center, Vilkas has been able to dominate in the paint thanks to his physicality and rebounding ability. While his three-point shooting remains a weakness, he has a strong frame and athleticism that provide a solid foundation for future development. With continued growth and refinement of his offensive skill set, Vilkas has the potential to make an even bigger impact in Lithuanian basketball.

Majus Bulanovas

Team: Zalgiris Kaunas

Position: Small Forward

Height: 193 cm / 6'4"

Majus Bulanovas has quickly become one of the most intriguing young talents in Lithuania. In the summer of 2024, BasketNews ranked him as a top-3 player in Lithuania’s 2007 class, solidifying his status as a high-level prospect. While his NKL stats might not stand out, those who watch him play know his true impact goes beyond numbers.

Bulanovas is currently playing in both NKL with Kauno Žalgiris-2 and occasionally appearing in RKL A division games. Despite limited minutes in the NKL, he showcases his high IQ, defensive intensity, and strong shooting form whenever he steps on the court. In 19 minutes per game, he averages 5.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals, proving his ability to contribute in multiple ways.

When he gets a chance to play in the RKL, Bulanovas puts up stronger numbers, averaging 15 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.8 steals in 25 minutes. His ability to perform at a high level across two leagues demonstrates his versatility and readiness for bigger roles.

One of Bulanovas' biggest strengths is his defensive intensity. He works tirelessly to disrupt opponents, applying pressure and making key stops. On offense, he has a good shooting form, though his 26.5% three-point percentage shows that he is still refining his deep-range consistency. However, his 90.8% free-throw shooting suggests that his shot has the potential to become a real weapon in the future.

His performances have earned him attention beyond Lithuania. In 2024, he was selected as a top-10 player at the Basketball Without Borders camp, further proving his potential on the European stage. With his relentless work ethic, defensive prowess, and ability to contribute without needing the ball, Majus Bulanovas is a player whose impact goes beyond the stat sheet. As he continues to develop, expect him to be a key figure in Lithuanian basketball for years to come.

Adomas Pocius

Team: Rytas Vilnius

Position: Small Forward

Height: 195 cm / 6'5"

Adomas Pocius is a young talent that one of Lithuania’s biggest clubs, Rytas, has put its trust in by signing him to his first professional contract. This season, he is gaining valuable experience by competing across three different leagues—RKL, NKL, and MKL—demonstrating his ability to adapt and develop at various levels of competition.

Pocius plays big minutes in the RKL, averaging 30.7 minutes per game, which shows the trust his team has in him. He has been productive, averaging 14.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game, impacting both ends of the floor. While playing limited minutes in the NKL, he has shown flashes of potential, shooting 34.6% from three and proving that he can compete at a higher level. In the MKL, he has been a key player, averaging 15.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, reflecting his versatility and ability to contribute in multiple areas.

As a power forward, Pocius needs to put on a little more weight to improve his ability to battle in the paint. However, he must be careful not to add too much, as that could negatively impact his three-point shooting, one of his promising offensive weapons. Pocius is still developing, but with Rytas investing in his future and his strong performances in the RKL, he is a name to follow as he continues to grow within their system.

Moving forward, alongside Dovydas Buika - who we have already showcased in our previous article - two more Lithuanian prospects earned invitations to the elite NBA Basketball Without Borders camp in San Francisco.

Dominykas Daubaris

Team: Zalgiris Kaunas

Position: Forward

Height: 206 cm / 6'9"

The first player who has earned an invitation to the elite NBA Basketball Without Borders camp in San Francisco is Dominykas Daubaris. The 207 cm forward is known for his defensive mindset, using his size and mobility to make an impact on that end of the floor.

Daubaris has been gaining valuable experience in both the Lithuanian NKL and the Euroleague youth tournaments. In the NKL, he has averaged 5.3 points and 2.1 rebounds in just under 18 minutes per game, while in the Euroleague youth tournament, he has contributed 6.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per contest. While his offensive game is still developing, his defensive presence has been a key factor in his performances.

At the Basketball Without Borders camp, Daubaris measured in with a 204 cm wingspan and a standing reach of 279 cm. While his 73 cm max vertical leap isn't standout, his agility and defensive awareness make him an intriguing prospect. His ability to contest shots, switch onto different positions, and provide a strong interior presence sets him apart.

In addition to his defensive capabilities, Daubaris has shown promise as a three-point-shooting stretch-four. With a developing outside shot and a willingness to space the floor, he adds versatility to his game, making him a valuable modern forward. With his defensive mindset, size, and growing ability to stretch the floor, Daubaris remains a player to watch. His invitation to the prestigious NBA camp highlights his potential and the continued evolution of Lithuanian basketball talent.

Arturas Butajevas

Team: FC Barcelona

Position: Forward

Height: 205 cm / 6'9"

Last but certainly not least, Arturas Butajevas has also earned an invitation to the elite NBA Basketball Without Borders camp in San Francisco. The 206 cm forward, who currently plays for FC Barcelona’s second team, has been steadily improving and showcasing his skill set in different competitions.

Butajevas has been gaining valuable experience in Spain’s Tercera FEB and the Euroleague youth tournament. In Spain’s third division, he has averaged 11.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game while shooting 61.3% from two-point range and 30.4% from three. Meanwhile, in the Euroleague youth tournament, he has contributed 12.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per contest while maintaining an efficient 65.2% two-point shooting. His ability to score efficiently inside while stretching the floor makes him a promising modern forward.

At the Basketball Without Borders camp, Butajevas measured in with a 211 cm wingspan and a 250 cm standing reach. His 72.4 cm max vertical leap may not be standout, but his combination of length, size, and improving skill set makes him an intriguing prospect. His ability to stretch the floor, rebound effectively, and defend multiple positions further highlights his potential.

With his growing versatility and an invitation to the prestigious NBA camp, Butajevas has firmly placed himself on the radar of scouts and teams looking for a modern stretch-four with size and mobility.